CTMH Love Notes

Love Notes is the Valentine paper for 2024 from Close to My Heart and I've thoroughly enjoyed playing with it in the last month!  

This collection features a paper pack with stickers, a stamp set with Thin Cut dies including an exclusive envelope and puffy heart stickers.  Two workshops have been created so you can create cards or scrapbook layouts as soon as you receive your order!  The only downside is that this is only available through February 2024 or while supplies last.   

Here's the link on the website. 
This link will take you to anything related to Love Notes and work after 2/29/24.   

This is the stamp with Thin Cut dies.  The set of dies includes an envelope that's approximately 2x3" when folded closed.  When open, you can see our amazing double sided papers!

Here's what I created....

A birthday card.  It's based on one of the workshop cards, you can see the original in the pic above.  I just flipped a paper over and changed the sentiment.  My local workshop ladies loved this flexibility.  

The bear is just so cute!  I cut him from Toffee Cardstock and used a marker to color bits of him  I snipped his arms so they would be separate from his body.  

Here's the bear with Tailgate Greetings. The background brick is from Stencil Pack 2, Z7041.  The stencils are in the annual Essentials Catalog and will be available until July 2024, unlike most of our stamp which are only available during the 2 months they're featured in a catalog.  The truck is cut from the lighter side of the Scarlet Cardstock to give it a vintage look. 

Here's the Valentine's I created for my hubby and son.  I used the Winter Gnomes Thin Cut and trimmed the blade off the ice skates to make regular shoes.  I learned the Ice Grey marker makes for great cellophane look and much less coloring!  The roses are colored with the middle shade of the Coral Shades marker.  It's RED, not coral when you're using the Coral Shades.  

I admit it, this card's a little cheesy, just how I like my Valentine's Day.  Surf and Turf are a favorite food of my hubby and I, but my son won't touch steak.  Pizza is a love language in our home.  That piece of pizza is a banner piece on the sticker sheet.  It's supposed to be roses, but not in my house.  

I adhered the banner to a piece of Shortbread cardstock and trimmed out like it was a slice of pizza.  It was super simple. This is a Z fold card.  I started with a 4.25" x 11" piece of White Daisy cardstock and scored it at 2.75" and 5.5" and folded it back and forth.  

This is my pride and joy!  Nine years ago, I did a series of "Seasonal Samplers."  I didn't care for the pink, grey and Glacier sampler and have been looking forward to updating it.  

After hanging it on my wall, I've decided to swap the light colored hearts under Be Mine to all Scarlet & Candy Apple, but that has yet to happen.  But I'm in love.  

This hummingbird is from Hummingbird Wings C2007 or Z7112 with Thin Cuts.  The flowers are stickers from the paper pack.  I dusted the back with Anti-static Pouch Z4220 and trimmed the ones that were a circle.  Then added 3D foam tape (1 or two layers) for dimension

This square features the doily and flourish from Sweet Memories Cardmaking Workshop Your Way.  The doily is cut from the paper pack.  

This little bear made 2 appearances on my sampler.  Once in the truck's tailgate and again the envelope.  

With the leftover paper, I created some little goody bags.  They are super simple and use a 5.5" square of paper and a 2.75 x 1" scrap at the top that's completely optional.  They're easy to make and are self closing, even without the pretty paper at the top.  They'll hold 2-3 Godiva chocolates or 8-10 Hershey kisses.  

Here's my cutting guide for the treat boxes.  Click to enlarge.  

fold all of the score lines inward and open flat.  Fold in the 1/2" strip and put adhesive on the side that is up.  Bring the other half of the bag over and fold it, adhering it like a flat tube.  Fold the first flap of the bottom down and inside the tube.  You'll squeeze the tube a bit so that it starts taking on a square shape.  Repeat with the 2nd flap.  Add adhesive to flaps 3 & 4 and secure, making sure the bottom of the bag is now square and the flaps overlap correctly.  You're done!  

Here's how to change the size of the treat box:  

For height, you can make them shorter or taller without changing the math.  Don't change the dimensions of the bottom of the bag in anyway.

For the base of the box, you want it to be 4 times the width of the base of the box plus 1/2".  If you want the base of the bag 2" you would need a piece of paper that is 8-1/2" wide.  2" for each side of the base and 1/2" for glue along the edge.  The base of the bag will always be square so you'll need to score 2" from the top of the paper to get square flaps.  

The biggest bag you could make from a 12x12 sheet of paper is making the base a 2-7/8" square.  You determine this by subtracting 0.5" from the 12" for the flap to seal the side.  This leaves 11.5" and that divided by 4 is 2-7/8" per bottom square. 

You would make a horizontal score line at 2-7/8" then turn and make the vertical scores at 2-7/8", 5-3/4" 8-5/8" and 11-1/2"  It would be 9-1/8" tall!  I'm not sure what you would want to put in it, but if it a try and let me know.  If you don't like 1/8" measurements, trim your paper to 11.5" and the score lines would be 2.75, 5.5, 8.25 & 11"  Whew!  

After all of this, please let me know which one is your favorite project by leaving a comment.  

Celebrate Coffee with a Sampler!

Who loves coffee?  And donuts!  

The other day my girlfriend confessed to me that a piece on her Snowhaven sampler was lost.  "Want a snowflake to replace the missing snowflake?"  "How about a coffee cup instead?"  Done!

But I wasn't really done.  I've had a coffee themed sampler kicking around in the back of my mind for almost 2 years.  I decided to find my Cricut Design Space Files and give it another go.  

Now with the new Sugar Rush paper pack that's in the Jan - April Seasonal Expressions, I thought that coffee and donuts would be a sweet combo and it was!  

I used the January 2017 Stamp of the month "Adore You."  The heart and the phrase "you make me happy" were perfect for coffee.  Until I've had my coffee, I'm not ready to deal with the world with a happy mood.  

Some of the background squares are debossed with swirls.  Debossing is the same as embossing but you flip the piece over so most of the paper is raised and the design is lower in the paper.  I sanded it with our distressing kit to tone down the brightness and bring out the swirls.

Here's the words I've created for the sampler.  You can use any combination. 

To make this sampler on your own you need the following

Sugar Rush paper pack

White Daisy Cardstock 2 sheets

Sea Glass Card Stock 1 sheet

3D Foam Tape

Clear Shimmer Brush (for steam and whipped cream)

30" of your favorite twine for the banner

This sampler uses the CTMH Artistry Cricut Bundle and Cricut Alphabet (free in Design Space).  My sampler shows a flower from Create A Critter but I've replaced it with one from Artistry in the file.  

If you want to completely DIY this project or there's two ways to get the kit instructions & Design Space File

Purchase $15 from my website (The paper pack & Shimmer brush are a perfect order!)

 or $7 via PayPal 

**Purchase link has been disabled**

With that you'll get full color photos emailed, the Design Space File and tips & tricks for cutting and assembly.  

To order a pre-cut ready-to-assemble kit to assemble on your own

Kits are $10 $12 and include all of the pre-cut pieces and twine.  

You can send me a check or use the PayPal link below.  

**Purchase link has been disabled**

I can mail you the pre-cut pieces & twine (Without the 12x12 background paper) for just $2.50 additional.  (That's $12.50)  If you need the White Daisy Cardstock for the background, please contact me with your zip code for a shipping quote.

Come & assemble this kit with friends!  I'm having an open workshop to work on this kit or the Welcome Home wreath kit on Saturday, February 4th at 6pm.  Please order this kit no later than January 24 if you are attending the workshop.

Fuss Free Workshop  $12 and will include use of adhesives & tools.

**Purchase link has been disabled**

I'll have another workshop day later in the spring for this kit as well.  

If you've made it down through all the details of my blog post, let me know by sharing which is your favorite coffee cup on the sampler.  💗

White Pines Sampler

Thanks to a couple of my customers, I've been encouraged to keep creating art for the Shadow Box frame.  

This year's Christmas sampler was created with the White Pines My Reflections paper and Complements and the Artistry Cricut cartridge.  It was inspired by a couple pieces of artwork I've seen this fall created by Leesa Bartu.  

The White Pines paper is full of elegance and whimsy as you can see with the beautiful flowers and the cute forest critters.  

In making this sampler, I had TONS of complements (stickers, chipboard diecuts and clear accent pieces) left over so I'll make up a few gift tags too.  When I created the "Joy, Peace, Noel, Merry and Bright" background with the Artistry Cricut Cartridge I filled in the rest of the 12x12 piece of cardstock with simple tags shapes in my Cricut Design Space File.

Want this sampler?  You can order the White Pines Paper and Complements from my website and I'll send you the instructions and Cricut Design Space File. You'll also need clear sparkles and the Artistry Cartridge.  You can order a kit from me for $15 + shipping.

My kit will also include cut from Cranberry and Colonial White Cardstock and a few clear sparkles.

You will also need 3D foam tape, Liquid Glass and Bonding Memories adhesives to complete the project.

Contact me to order your sampler today.  Kits are only available while supplies last.  

Sangria Seasonal Sampler

I think I saved the best for last, don't you?

No, I haven't been keeping this paper tucked away for a year, it's new!  This sampler features our brand new Sangria papers & assortment from the new 2015 Annual Inspirations catalog.

This features 3 SUPER EASY 3D flowers from our very 1st Cricut Bundle, Art Philosophy along with shapes from Artbooking and the brand new Artistry Cricut cartridge.  

My last workshop will be on Saturday 10/3 @ 7pm  

Click here to order a pre-cut ready to assemble kit to create on your own or at the workshop

The kit will also include 2 coordinating cards.

Want to make one on your own and have the Cricut Cartridges?  

Place an order on my website for $20 and I'll send you the Cricut Design Space Link and a project guide.  This project can also be easily created on the Cricut Expression.  

Items used:

Sangria Paper X7199B

Sangria Assortment Z3084

Quatrefoil Embossing Folder

Pomegranate Exclusive Inks

Adventure Cardstock

Neutrals Cardstock

Cricut Bundles:  

Art Philosophy

Artbooking

Artistry - New!

This completes a full year of seasonal samplers.  We started in October 2014 with Halloween and we're ending in ((late)) September with Autumn.

Check out all of my previous seasonal samplers here.

I have a limited amount of supplies on hand for some of last year's kits. 

What a beautiful year!

I want to thank everyone who joined me we created wall art for our homes and offices.  It was a ton of fun to fill my shadow box with something new each month!

Just a reminder, the supplies for all of these samplers have been discontinued and are in short supply. They will become unavailable no later than August 31st.  If you wish to purchase one of these kits, please contact me ASAP or no later than August 25 so I can order supplies if they're still available.

I have a complete list of all samplers here.  Most of them also included extras as I tried to use up all the supplies in each kit.

I can't wait to start designing a new series of workshops for the next Idea Book & Catalog year.  What would you like to make?

Seaside Sampler

I love the beach, don't you?  I love beach themed scrapbook supplies.  They remind me of the good times I have with friends and family.  I couldn't be more thrilled how this seasonal sampler turned out!  Even though Pacific Northwest beaches don't have palm trees, I see plenty of shells, star fish and a few sand dollars when I visit.

This seasonal sampler uses the "whole" Seaside collection of paper, complements (cardstock stickers) and the gorgeous metal assortment, all from Close to My Heart.  It's retiring August 31, 2015 if it doesn't sell out in the mean time.  The complements are currently on backorder and will return next week.

The Cricut shapes are from the CTMH Artbooking cartridge and the Cricut Life's A Beach cartridge.  If you don't own the beach one, you can now buy the individual shapes through Cricut Design Space which is a fabulous way to get a couple shapes without breaking the bank.  

I made 4 cards with about half of the remaining complements.  There was still a lot leftover! 

If you attend one of my workshops or order the kit, you'll receive pre-cut supplies to make the sampler & all four cards.

The cost for the whole kit is $25 plus applicable shipping.  Contact me if want a kit.  Due to the potential of sell-out, I'm not adding a PayPal button.  I'll check inventory before taking a payment.

You can also order the supplies from my website and I'll send you the kit instructions.  

Workshop dates:

July 18th

August 22nd (bring any kit to finish this evening)

Saturday's at 7pm

I need a bit of time to order and prepare your workshop kit, please RSVP with payment as soon as you can.  

Freedom Sampler

I hope everyone had a good Independence Day weekend!  

Here's the latest installment of my seasonal sampler.  

This one features Cranberry, Colonial White, Outdoor Denim and Kraft papers and lots of Desert Sand Ink to distress the edges of nearly every piece of paper.  

My year of seasonal samplers are coming to end very soon!  Why?  

The supplies are being discontinued this summer to make way for a whole new batch of fresh papers and complements.  If you'd like this sampler or any of my previous samplers, contact me now before it's too late!  The new catalog starts September 1st, but many of the supplies used in earlier samplers are already starting to run out.  (The Yuletide Santa themed Sampler is no longer available and I only have 1 kit remaining of the Snowhaven Sampler.)

Click here to see all of my samplers.

Birthday Sampler

How about a birthday sampler to celebrate each of your family members?

You may have seen it on my Facebook Page a couple months ago.  It may be "old" but I still have kits available!

I used the Confetti Wishes paper & Complements for this sampler.  The "Make A Wish" Scrapbook title was too big for the sampler so I created it as a banner.  This banner was inspired by my CTMH upline Michele Rowley's scrapbook layout.  

The center square can say "Birthday Boy" or "Birthday Girl."  I used our Hook & Loop Dots so they could be interchanged on the frame without causing any damage.  

They were created using the Artiste Cricut Cartridge.  

I had plenty of stickers left over and created 4 cards with most of the remaining complements.  If you look at these cards, you'll notice that they're created primarily with strips of paper.  They really do use up the leftover scraps.  

You can order a pre-cut kit for $25.  It will include a full color guide sent by email.

**Purchase link has been disabled**

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My kits are easy to ship. $6 covers shipping on any number of kits you purchase.  

Kits can only be shipped within the United States   Order any time between now and July 2015.
Orders for kits will ship within 2 weeks of your order.

**Purchase link has been disabled**

Click here to see my other kits

Blossom Seasonal Sampler

Check out the latest installment of my Seasonal Sampler series!

Last night I donated one of these samplers to an Operation Smile auction and it raised $110 towards the cost of an operation to correct cleft pallet or cleft lip.  Each surgery only costs $240 through this amazing organization.  I've never been to a CTMH event that has hosted an Operation Smile auction before.  It was a bit intimidating saying "I'll donate," not knowing if this is the type of item that would sell.  I was wondering if I'd have to bid on it myself just to get back the cost of the frame.   No bidding for me.  I was too busy hanging on to my seat as the bidding hit $80+ in just a few seconds.  Thank you Kelley for your generosity and your final bid!  

It was jaw dropping, inspiring and I was a bit teary eyed.  I'll be writing more about Operation Smile in future posts.  

I want to thank Michele Rowley, my upline, mentor and brainchild of these seasonal samplers.  We've been tag teaming on creating these samplers.  This one was her "baby."  I was going to sit this month out.  I think she knew exactly what she was doing when she send me a sneak peek of her  Blossom Sampler.  It was gorgeous.  I ran with the idea, added that beautiful banner and butterfly and here it is!  Thank you Michele for your inspiration for this year and giving me the nudge to design this one.

You don't have to spend that much to create your own piece of artwork.  This month, for just $20 you can create the 12x12 sampler and 5 cards with the leftover stickers and scraps.  The frame is $28.95 plus shipping & tax (about $34)

Here's the FIVE cards.  I've never had so many stickers leftover.  

We'll be stamping 3 of the cards using the new stamp set Finding the Words D1646.  Even the cute little butterflies on the last card are part of that set.  

We'll be using the following products

Blossom Paper Pack

Blossom Complements

Oceanside Sequins

Teal Shimmer Trim

Bitty Sparkles

Whisper Cardstock

Damask Embossing Folder

Lagoon & Sunset Inks

If you'd like to order a pre-cut kit, they are $20.  

Shipping for as many kits as you like is $6.  I'll cover any additional shipping.  

My in-home workshop is Saturday, May 16, 2015 at 7pm or you can order a kit to-go.  I have full color instructions on how to create this kit.  

If you're a DIYer, you can create this kit on your own.  Just order the $20 from my website and I'll send you the cutting instructions including a Cricut Explore Cricut Design Space link.  You'll have tons of paper left over after you've created this project.  You will need a scrap of Whisper and a 4x12 strip of Pear.  They aren't included in the paper pack.

Click here to shop  

You can order a pre-cut kit for $20.  It will include a full color guide sent by email.

**Purchase link has been disabled**

Confetti Wishes Birthday Seasonal Sampler

Here's my latest Seasonal Sampler!  This one isn't "seasonal" but to celebrate birthdays in your family.

This sampler includes a banner!  

The center is interchangeable between Birthday Girl and Birthday Boy. 

They are attached using the CTMH Hook & Loop Dots and are included in your kit.

To use up leftover stickers, paper scraps and embellishments, I designed 4 cards.  When I say paper scraps, I'm not referring to the rest of the paper packet, I'm really meaning the scraps leftover from cutting this project.  I can easily get 2-3 full kits per paper pack.  This project took a little more paper than usual because of the banner.  Each kit will need its own set of compliments.

Here's the cards.

This last one will say "Happy Birthday."  I forgot to add the sentiment before photographing.

Supplies Used

Confetti Wishes Paper pack & compliments

White Stars

Clear Sparkles

Purple Shimmer Trim

White Daisy Cards & Envelopes

Lagoon Cardstock

Hook & Loop Dots

3D Foam

Wish Stamp

Joyful Birthday stamp set

Thistle, Pacifica, Glacier Inks

Art Philosophy, Artiste, Artbooking and Artfully Sent Cricut Cartridges

Love this sampler?  

You can order a pre-cut ready to assemble kit from me for $20 + $6 shipping.  

Attend my workshop on March 28th at 7pm for $20 (RSVP & Payment needed by 3/15)

Place any $25 on my website and leave me a note saying you want the instructions.  

Outside of the US?  Contact me to obtain the instruction pack.  

Leave a comment below with your email address so I can contact you.  I will not publish your email address

My instruction pack includes:

Cutting information

2 page color assembly guide and a Cricut Explore file for Cricut Design Space to cut all of the Cricut shapes.  There's 29 Cricut cuts per kit.  

If you don't have a Cricut Explore, you can still view the file to get the cut sizes.  You won't be able to make Card #3 without using a Cricut Gypsy, Cricut Craft Room or Design Space.  

Supplies for this sampler will be available for sale through July 2015.

This is my 7th Seasonal Sampler in my series.  Click here to view other samplers. All samplers are designed to fit in the CTMH Designed Decor Black Shadow Box.   

Want the project instructions to all of my kits for FREE?

I share instructions, workshop patterns and Cricut files with my downline.  

It's the best time of the year to sign up to become a CTMH consultant.  

During the month of March*, new Consultants who enroll will receive a FREE shoulder tote (a retail value of over $26 USD with their New Consultant Kit. Our New Consultant Kit is just $99 USD and includes nearly triple the retail value in products and supplies. Including your FREE shoulder tote, that is a savings of over $290 USD! Additionally, new Consultants who remit $300 worth of commissionable sales in their first 40 days after their New Consultant Kit ships will receive the rolling tote (a retail value of $149.95 USD) as a FREE bonus (not including shipping/handling)! These organization pieces are designed to help you get your business rolling, but they are only available while supplies last, so hurry on over and join today!

You will also receive the BRAND new Consultant Kit with products that will be available to purchase starting April 1, 2015!  Click here for more information!

March Seasonal Sampler

It's time to order your spring seasonal sampler!   We'll be making this one in March but it could last through most of the spring months!

The March sampler is bursting with color, dimension and texture!  We'll be using the CTMH Brushed paper pack and Vellum Complements, Junebug Puffies, Green & Pink glitter papers, Adhesive Springs and the Slate Striped Twist Ties.  

The bunny is on a spring so he hops!  

We'll be making a beautiful rolled rose for the center of the cross.  It and the bunny are cut from the Art Philosophy Cricut Cartridge.  This sampler covers the March winds, St. Patrick's Day, April Showers, Easter and Spring itself!  

If you'd rather not have a hopping bunny or Easter cross on the sampler, I've designed a 10th sampler square with a tree.  This pic was taken with my cell phone.  With a little patience of applying 3D foam tape under the branches and better lighting, your square will look 10 times better! 

This tree features the Junebug Puffies, which are dimensional glittery stickers. They're only available through March 31, 2015 but they may sell out early.  Be sure to order them before it's too late!

To use up a bit of the scraps and most of the remaining vellum complements, we'll also make 4 cards.  

The kit is $23.  If you are ordering the kit to go, you will receive illustrated instructions in your email.  I can 

My workshop is on Saturday, February 28th at 7pm.

I'll need your RSVP & payment no later than February 15th

March workshop or local kits

**Purchase link has been disabled**

Workshop To-Go Kit with $6 shipping.   UPDATE:  Order by March 29th.

Orders placed by February 15th will ship by March 1st.

After that, kits will ship about 2 weeks after your order.

 Shipping is $6 within the US for any number of kits shipped.  (I'll pay the difference if needed).  Feel free to order two months of kits or a second kit to complete with a friend.  

Click here to see all Seasonal Samplers

This kit has embellishments with a limited availability (Junebug Puffies)because it's part of the Seasonal Expressions 1 mini-catalog.  Product will only be available through March 2015.  Substitutions can be made.  

My kit is currently on display at Lila's Scrapbooking.  You can attend her morning workshop on March 27th.  You must contact her or go in the store to RSVP & pay for the workshop by the 14th. (workshop price is slightly higher). 

For Consultants & DIYers!

This kit was designed in Cricut Design Space for the Cricut Explore.  

Place a $20 order on my CTMH website and I'll send you a link to my design space file and my workshop handout for my customers via email.  If you are outside of the US, please contact me.  This is a small fee to have great pictures for your and your customers and a fully functioning design file.

Next month's sampler will be birthday themed!  You can use it to celebrate the whole family.

February Seasonal Sampler with Heartstrings

Join us for February's Seasonal Sampler on Saturday, January 31 at 7pm.

This month we'll create this 12x12 sampler, 2 cards and 2 treat holders.  

This kit uses a ton of fun products which you'll receive in your pre-cut kit.

Heartstrings Paper, Complements and Assortment

Lovestruck Mini Clothespins 

Embossing folder Arrows

Embossing folder Hearts

This picture doesn't show it but in last night's workshop we discovered that sanding the embossed cardstock is a great look.  The sanding block is perfect for this.  

Here's one of the cards we created using the "leftovers" from our supplies.  It has been sanded.  

The little glittery heart and arrow are from our new line of Stuck on You Puffies.  They're only available through March 2015 as part of the Seasonal Expressions mini-catalog.  Hurry before they're gone!  There's the most adorable mini mustaches too!

This kit also includes 1 more card, a treat tube holder & a treat bag.  

  

The kits are ready to assemble (pre-cut and embossed for workshop attendees and pre-stamped (cards) if you're picking up a kit.

My local workshop is on Saturday, January 31st at 7pm

RSVP with payment no later than January 17th to attend the workshop.

You can mail me your payment or use the PayPal button below.

RSVP via Facebook 

January 31st, 2015 7pm workshop @ my home RSVP by 1/17 or local pick up

**Purchase link has been disabled**

 Shipping is $6 within the US for any number of kits shipped.  (I'll pay the difference if needed).  Feel free to order two months of kits or a second kit to complete with a friend.  

Click here to see all Seasonal Samplers

January Seasonal Sampler

The January Seasonal Sampler with feature the Snowhaven paper pack!  I used the frosty portion of the paper pack to keep it fresh and fun for January.  Our workshop night is January 3rd which is part of the reason why you're seeing this piece at the beginning of December.  (Sorry to throw you into 2015 shock)

We're using a half package of Ruby Mini Medley Accents and a whole bunch of clear sparkles to accent the Snowhaven paper and chipboard complements.  

This month's sampler does not include any extra cards or tags.  You'll have a few pieces of chipboard left over but they are very Holiday themed.  It's not my intent for you to create something that you won't use for another 11 months.  

I'll need your RSVP & payment of $16 for the January Sampler no later than December 19th if you're attending the Saturday evening workshop on January 3rd.  

You can mail me your payment or we can do it via PayPal.  Click here to contact me.

**Purchase link has been disabled**

 Shipping is $6 within the US, no matter how many kits I send  (I'll pay the difference if needed).  Feel free to order two months of kits or a second kit to complete with a friend.  

Click here to see all Seasonal Samplers

Stay tuned, I'll be publishing the February Valentine's Seasonal Sampler this month as well.

In the meantime, Merry Christmas!