During the month of September, you can purchase any one of the exclusive C-size My Acrylix® Hello, Life! stamp sets for $13.95 USD / $16.50 CAD / $21 AUD / $25 NZD each! Or, for an even better deal, you can purchase all three for only $34.95 USD / 41.50 CAD / $53 AUD / $64 NZD!
Monday, September 14, 2015
Saturday, September 12, 2015
Close To My Heart: Life is worth...
At Close To My Heart, we believe in capturing and preserving memories and helping you celebrate the relationships that matter most.
Tuesday, June 30, 2015
Stamp of the Month Blog Hop - July: Life is Wonderful
Welcome to the July Stamp of the Month Blog Hop! This month features is Life is Wonderful, a set of 8 stamps.
If you have come here from {Jacquelin Green’s blog}, you’re in the right place! There are more than 40 independent Close to My Heart consultants participating. Click on the link at the end of the post on each blog to move through the Hop.
The Blog Hop is a great big circle. Start here and work your way around. If you get lost along the way you’ll find a complete list of participating consultants here. You can use this list to pick up where you left off.
Off we go!
This last round of swaps has come full circle as I started with having Picture My Life cards as my assignment, and that’s what I ended on as well.
Because of the larger nature of several of the stamps in this set, I decided right away to make a page with all the cards the same size. This also meant that 4” x 6” was the best size. I felt like I wanted to make a feature out of the “Life is Wonderful” phrase, so I spread it out over two cards.
I did some tone-on-tone stamping with the corner flourishes, used the Chevron Border Punch and backed the cut-outs with Bronze Shimmer Trim, and I used one of the zip strips, too. A simple page of cards but one that would be perfect for Father’s Day photos and memories.
Here is what I used. All products are Close to My Heart:
S1507 Life is Wonderful My Acrylix® Stamp Set
Now “Hop” on over to {Michelle Loncar’s blog} to see her work, and be sure to show the other consultants on the hop some love, too! Don’t forget, this exclusive stamp set is only available through July 31st. Click here to place your order today!
Saturday, June 6, 2015
Summer Crush - My Crush™ Books Blog Hop
Welcome to the Summer Crush Blog Hop, which features the My Crush™ line from Close to My Heart! From books and clips to assortments and sticky tabs, the My Crush™ line includes plenty of fun products to get you on your way to creating something fabulous. (Complete details on the promotion are at the end of this post.)
If you have come here from {Darlys Recker’s blog}, you’re in the right place! There are more than 30 independent Close to My Heart consultants participating. Click on the link at the end of the post on each blog to move through the Hop.
The Blog Hop is a great big circle. Start here and work your way around. If you get lost along the way you’ll find a complete list of participating consultants here. You can use this list to pick up where you left off.
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| My Crush Modville Book |
About a month ago, Close to My Heart posted a video highlighting the For Him and For Her My Crush™ books. This video showcased a variety of My Crush™ artwork, including cards and layouts with pages that had been torn from the books. After watching the video, I knew exactly what I wanted to do for my project. (You can see the video here.)
When the My Crush™ line first came out last year, there were just two books – Modville and Bluebird – and I ordered one of each. Upon arrival, I opened my Modville book only to find that the wire binding was a bit smashed on the inside. (These things sometimes happen, and Close to My Heart is great about replacement products.) I got a new one but was able to keep the damaged one, too. I’d put it away with the idea that someday I’d do something with it.
This was my chance! The perfect opportunity to use something from my stash! I flipped through the pages, and as soon as I saw the words “My Favorite Things,” my idea started becoming more complete. I tore out some of the pages I wanted to use and began putting the pieces into place. My son's birthday is this month, so I thought it would fun to catch this moment in time and have him list his favorite things.
I used Cricut Craft Room to alter the calendar overlay found on the Artbooking cartridge. I removed all the small boxes and added 3 larger ones to use as photo frames. I also created the date in Cricut Craft Room with the font found on Artiste. I used scrap pieces from some of the torn out pages to fill in some of the empty spaces on both pages. Washi Tape and stickers from the assortments were what I used for embellishments.
The photos for the left page highlight his love of reading (and he happens to be reading a James Bond book), playing outside with a neighbor, and sleeping. (I don't buy this one at all, but it's his list.)
The photos on the right page highlight his love of being at a friend's ranch where he can ride our quad, his new-found love of paintball, riding his bike, food, and ducks.
Here is what I used. All products are Close to My Heart:My Crush™ Modville Book
My Crush™ Best Day Ever Assortment
My Crush™ Besties Assortment
Outdoor Denim Cardstock
Kraft Cardstock
Black Arrow Washi Tape
Sunset Chevron Washi Tape
Cricut® Artiste Collection
Cricut® Artbooking Collection
Cricut Craft Room
Now “Hop” on over to {Michelle Battitori’s blog} to see her work, and be sure to visit each of the other blogs in the hop to see the many possibilities for the My Crush™ line.
Click here to place an order today!
*During the month of June, when you purchase any My Crush™ book and its accompanying assortment pictured in Annual Inspirations 2014–2015, you will receive the coordinating stamp set FREE! That is a savings of at least $9.95 USD / $10.95 CAD! Choose from five lovely My Crush book offerings that will provide a swoon-worthy background for your favorite memories. From family reunions to camping adventures to holiday countdowns—and much more—you will be crushing on all these books and the possibilities they provide. Every My Crush book features a hard cover with wire binding and cardstock-weight pages that are printed with eye-catching designs to form the perfect bases for your memory keeping. Additionally, each My Crush book also features unique details—from glossy print, to vellum pages, to gold foil, to ink-resistant patterns—that make displaying your personality easier than ever. Plus, once you add the artistry of the coordinating assortments featuring sticker sheets, envelopes, alphabets, cards, and journaling spots, along with your free stamp set, you will be well on your way to your own gorgeous mini book creation! This offer is only available while supplies last and once they’re gone, these books are gone for good, so put your orders in early to get your summer romance rolling today!
Offer valid June 1, 2015 (9:00 am MDT) – June 30, 2015 (11:59 pm MDT).
Sunday, May 31, 2015
Stamp of the Month Blog Hop - June: Ice Cream Dream
Welcome to the June Stamp of the Month Blog Hop! This month’s set is Ice Cream Dream, a set of 7 stamps.
If you have come here from {Michelle Jones’ blog}, you’re in the right place! There are more than 50 independent Close to My Heart consultants participating. Click on the link at the end of the post on each blog to move through the Hop.
The Blog Hop is a great big circle. Start here and work your way around. If you get lost along the way you’ll find a complete list of participating consultants here. You can use this list to pick up where you left off.
Off we go!
Ice Cream Dream. Definitely one of my favorites from this year’s set of stamps of the month. It’s fun, playful, and just downright adorable. Of course, pairing it with the Blossom papers was still a bit of a challenge.
Fortunately, the colors in the Blossom palette are soft, much like ice cream, so the challenge was more in choosing my papers than anything else. Once I really took a look at them, I had to highlight Sunset because it reminds me of my childhood favorite, Orange Creamsicles.
I chose pattern #21 from Make It from Your Heart Volume 1. This design was perfect for the sentiment I wanted to use. It also lent itself well to using one of the zip strips.
The other thing about this stamp set is that it forced me to use my ShinHan™ Touch Twin™ Markers. I tend to be afraid of them for some reason, but I really enjoyed using them for this project and like how it turned out.
Here is what I used. All products are Close to My Heart:
S1506 Ice Cream Dream stamp set
Z1853 Aqua Dots
Now “Hop” on over to {Lauren Moore’s blog} to see her work, and be sure to visit each consultant’s site to get some crafting inspiration and other great ideas! Don’t forget, this exclusive stamp set is only available through June 30th. Click here to order yours today!
Tuesday, May 19, 2015
His and Hers: A Book for Both
Close To My Heart’s My Crush™ books make great homes for your memorabilia! They come with a variety of beautifully designed papers and provide just the right backdrop for your keepsakes. See them for yourself!
Click here to order yours today!
Wednesday, May 6, 2015
National Scrapbooking Month - Taste of Summer
It’s National Scrapbooking Month, and Close to My Heart is celebrating by offering a little Taste of Summer! The Stamp of the Month Blog Hop group is also celebrating with a special edition hop featuring the Taste of Summer paper packet and bonus stamp set! In the paper packet you’ll find two each of six fun and fruity patterns on one side and a coordinating monochromatic pattern on the reverse. Meanwhile, the stamp set has 14 stamps that coordinate perfectly with the papers. (Complete details on the promotion are at the end of this post.)
If you have come here from {Maureen O’Sullivan’s blog}, you’re in the right place! There are more than 30 independent Close to My Heart consultants participating. Click on the link at the end of the post on each blog to move through the Hop.
The Blog Hop is a great big circle. Start here and work your way around. If you get lost along the way you’ll find a complete list of participating consultants here. You can use this list to pick up where you left off.
Here we go!
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| Paper and stamp set sold separately. |
I’m not sure what it is about these papers, but I am completely in love with them! It might be because summer is my favorite season, although the colors are pretty great, too. Either way, I’m just getting started with creating with them.
I’ve seen a lot of fabulous artwork from other consultants, and a 2-page layout from Pamela O’Connor (Reflections of My Art and Soul) particularly caught my eye. I didn’t duplicate her layout, but it did inspire me to use the strawberry paper and create a layout of my own. I used the Backstage pattern on pages 28 and 29 of Magic because I liked the scallops as they reminded me of the white flowers that bloom before strawberries appear.
To stamp the strawberries I used the Rock ‘n Roll technique. First I inked the stamp in Cotton Candy, and then I rolled part of the image in Cranberry to give the berries a little contrast and depth. It helps them stand out from the other papers a bit more. The stems are stamped in Topiary. “You’re Berry Special” was stamped with the masking technique. I put a piece of scotch tape over “you’re” and “special”, inked the stamp in Cranberry, and then I removed the tape. I carefully inked “you’re” and “special” in Topiary ink and then stamped the entire image on the White Daisy circle.
The one thing I did the same as Pamela was my title. The Topiary stands out, and the font in the stamp set and on Artfully Sent are quite similar if not the same. It really goes perfectly with everything else.
Here is what I used. All products are Close to My Heart:
Now “Hop” on over to {Melinda Everitt’s blog} to see her work, and be sure to visit each consultant’s site to get some great crafting inspiration and other fun ideas! Don’t forget, you can only get the exclusive Taste of Summer items through May 31st. Click here to order yours today!
*Celebrate National Scrapbooking Month during the month of May with our exclusive mouthwatering Taste of Summer paper packet, available for only $8.95! Featuring bold, vibrant colors, this exclusive paper packet is perfect to pair with your sweet summery memories, and provides delicious designs for your layouts, cards, and more! Contact your Independent Consultant for information about workshops for this paper packet. Watch Close To My Heart’s blog, Instagram account, and Facebook page throughout the month for more projects inspired by Taste of Summer. This paper packet is only available during May while supplies last, so get your order in early. No matter where you are or what the weather may be, you deserve a little taste of summer in your life!
Thursday, April 30, 2015
Stamp of the Month Blog Hop - May: Just Sayin'
Welcome to the May Stamp of the Month Blog Hop! This month’s set is Just Sayin’, a set of 14 stamps.
If you have come here from {Krista Hershberger’s blog}, you’re in the right place! There are more than 65 independent Close to My Heart consultants participating. Click on the link at the end of the post on each blog to move through the Hop.
The Blog Hop is a great big circle. Start here and work your way around. If you get lost along the way you’ll find a complete list of participating consultants here. You can use this list to pick up where you left off.
My swap group actually creates a month ahead so that we’re all set when the first of the month comes. Sometimes this leaves us with a gap, as does the timing of the release of new catalogs. That being said, our assignment for May was to use the Stamp of the Month, of course, but each participant was allowed to use a paper pack of their choice. As we had used a more Halloween-themed stamp set with Wanderful the first time, I wanted to use it again so that I could use different patterns.
Two other things happened for me in April: 1) my son was on spring break the first week, which is also when one of my very good friends got married in Las Vegas, and he and I were both in the wedding, and 2) my swap assignment was a 12x12 layout. Using Wanderful just made that much more sense!
I chose pattern #11 from Make It from Your Heart Volume 1. I liked it because I could feature a little bit of several patterns from the paper pack, as well as a large piece of my favorite pattern. I also thought that because this layout features several small photos, it would be perfect for featuring highlights of the first day of our trip.
As for the stamp set, I chose images that I thought went with the travel theme. I stamped them in different colors and cut them out by hand, then I attached them with Thin Foam Tape.
I only did the right-hand page for the swap, but as I couldn’t wait to actually make mine into a complete 2-page layout, I did just that. I used the Artbooking cartridge to make the “Las Vegas” title and modified it in Cricut Craft Room so I could weld the letters together. “Viva” was cut from Artiste.
The small photos are popped up with Thin Foam Tape. I wrapped the large photo with some of the Extra Thick Twine, so it’s popped up with regular foam tape.
Here is what I used. All products are Close to My Heart:
S1505 Just Sayin’ stamp set
X7191B Wanderul Paper Packet
Z2105 Black Exclusive Inks™ Stamp Pad
Z2117 Crystal Blue Exclusive Inks™ Stamp Pad
Z2642 Flaxen Exclusive Inks™ Stamp Pad
Z2162 Honey Exclusive Inks™ Stamp Pad
Z2190 Gypsy Exclusive Inks™ Stamp Pad
Z2196 Smoothie Exclusive Inks™ Stamp Pad
Z3036 Flaxen Extra Thick Twine
Z1151 3-D Foam Tape
Z2060 Thin 3-D Foam Tape
Z534 Micro-tip Scissors
Z1836 Non-stick Micro-tip Scissors
Z1790 Cricut® Artiste Collection
Z1906 Cricut® Artbooking Collection
Cricut Craft Room
Sunday, April 26, 2015
Paper Fundamentals 10-Card Workshop Kits
Happy Sunday everyone!
I have put together an easy and versatile 10-card workshop that I am offering as a kit. Each kit comes complete with card bases, envelopes, stamped images, and all the pieces you need to put the cards together. I will also include printed instructions and tips.
This kit features the Paper Fundamentals Whimsy palette. The solid side is embossed with a pattern, and the reverse side has the same pattern but in white. There are 10 different colors and each one has a different pattern.
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| Basic card design CASEd from fellow consultant Susan Williams. |
The cost of the basic kit is $25 plus $5 for shipping ($30 total).
Add-ons:
If you want to add a journaling pen, add $4.
If you want to add Thin 3-D Foam Tape, add $7.
If you want a stamp to make additional items, add $4.
The items you need to put the cards together are adhesive and scissors. I used our thin foam tape to pop up the calendar, but it is not a necessity. To achieve the same look as the cards I did, you will want a black journaling pen.
I will take orders for the kits through Sunday, May 3rd and will ship between now and Friday, May 15th.
Please message me on Facebook or send me an email if you're interested. My contact information can be found here.
Have a great week!
I will take orders for the kits through Sunday, May 3rd and will ship between now and Friday, May 15th.
Please message me on Facebook or send me an email if you're interested. My contact information can be found here.
Have a great week!
Tuesday, April 7, 2015
My Crush™ on Crafting
Close To My Heart’s My Crush™ books make great homes for your memorabilia! They come with a variety of beautifully designed papers and provide just the right backdrop for your keepsakes. See them for yourself!
You can see the rest of the My Crush™ line here.
Tuesday, March 31, 2015
Stamp of the Month Blog Hop - April: Typed Note
Welcome to the April Stamp of the Month Blog Hop! This month’s set is Typed Note, a set of 19 stamps.
If you have come here from {Dawn Ross’ blog}, you’re in the right place! There are more than 65 independent Close to My Heart consultants participating. Click on the link at the end of the post on each blog to move through the Hop.
The Blog Hop is a great big circle. Start here and work your way around. If you get lost along the way you’ll find a complete list of participating consultants here. You can use this list to pick up where you left off.
Let’s begin!
Luckily the other part of my assignment dictated that I could create any kind of project I wished. I knew I had some frames that needed to be used, and I loved the friendship sentiment in the stamp set, so I set out to use that combination as well.
I had one more dilemma, and that was that I wasn’t sure I liked black with the color palette of Seaside. Nonetheless, I had somewhat of an idea of what I wanted to do all along. It took a little trial and error, but in the end I was happy with the final result.
Here is what I used. All products are Close to My Heart except those marked with an *:
S1504 Typed Note stamp set
X7192B Seaside Paper Packet
Z2105 Black Exclusive Inks™ Stamp Pad
Z1989 Slate Diagonal Striped Ribbon
Z1754 Sparkles Black & Grey Assortment
Z534 Micro-tip Scissors
Z1686 Cricut® Art Philosophy Collection
*4” x 6” black frames from Michael’s
Now “Hop” on over to {Pamela Ellison’s blog} to see her work, and be sure to visit each consultant’s site to get some great crafting inspiration and other fun ideas! Don’t forget, this exclusive stamp set is only available through April 30th. Click here to order yours today!
Thursday, March 19, 2015
Spine Expanders for My Legacy™ Post-Bound Albums [US and Canada]
It's Brian!
Close To My Heart’s My Legacy™ post-bound albums have great features, including a nice, finished look for your cherished memories. To top off that look, try using spine expanders between layouts. Curious as to how they work? Take a look at how to assemble your post-bound albums using this nifty product.
Monday, March 9, 2015
30 Days of Lists: Part One
I did it. I took the plunge. I decided to make a mini album for this round of 30 Days of Lists. Not a big deal for most, but definitely a big deal for me.
I've been a papercrafter for almost 20 years, but cards have always been my forte. I do pretty well with scrapbook pages, too - when I make them - but I really struggle with what I consider a loose and carefree style. I tend to lean toward symmetry in my design.
Now, I wouldn't say that I've gone all out and really loosened up, but after creating my cover and the first seven lists, I'm pretty pleased that I'm doing it this way.
Here's what I used to create my album and cover:
- My Creations™ Kraft 3-Ring Album
- Heartstrings Paper Packet (Only available through March 31st.)
- 12" X 12" Topiary Cardstock
- 12" X 12" Canary Cardstock
- 12" X 12" Pear Cardstock
- 12" X 12" Black Cardstock
- Paper Fundamentals Adventure Assortment
- Gold Shimmer Trim
- Bling Gems Gold Assortment
- Liquid Glass
- Thin 3-D Foam Tape
- Cricut® Art Philosophy Collection ("Lists")
- Cricut® Artiste Collection ("March 2015")
- Cricut® Artbooking Collection (overlay)
- Cricut® Artfully Sent Collection ("30 Days of" and shamrock)
Please contact me if you'd like more specific information on any of these products or how I used them. Watch for my next post which will be about how I created lists 1-7. See you soon!
Cricut® Artfully Sent: Pocket Function
The Pocket function of your Close To My Heart Cricut® Artfully Sent cartridge will spice up so much more than just your layouts. See the possibilities in this video!
Click here to learn more about Artfully Sent!
Saturday, February 28, 2015
Stamp of the Month Blog Hop - March: Choose Happy
Welcome to the March Stamp of the Month Blog Hop! This month’s set is Choose Happy, a set of 14 stamps.
If you have come here from {Carol Taggio’s blog}, you’re in the right place! There are more than 65 independent Close to My Heart consultants participating. Click on the link at the end of the post on each blog to move through the Hop.
The Blog Hop is a great big circle. Start here and work your way around. If you get lost along the way you’ll find a complete list of participating consultants here. You can use this list to pick up where you left off.
Let’s begin!
The Brushed paper packet has a LOT of pink in it. There’s nothing wrong with that, but I am not personally a huge fan of pink. Therefore, when designing my card I wanted to go with less of the pink, or in this case, Pixie. That being said, I chose to focus more on the Canary or yellow. I love this new color. It’s bright, but not too bright.
I ended up choosing a card pattern with a lot of pieces, which allowed me to use a number of different papers and textures. I used tiny pieces of one of the zip strips in the packet, and I added texture to the White Daisy by embossing it with the Diamond Embossing Folder.
This particular stamp set isn’t specifically designed to be used with one of our Cricut cartridges, but I knew we had a shape similar to the frame I wanted to use, so I played around with it until I got the right size. I like how there is plenty of white space around the stamped frame. It helps the Flaxen color of the frame stand out.
I find that it is best to adhere dry embossed pieces with either foam tape or Glue Dots, and as I wrapped the embossed piece with the Extra Thick Twine, the foam tape was most appropriate in this instance.
Here is what I used. All products are Close to My Heart:
S1503 Choose Happy stamp set
Now “Hop” on over to {Michelle Jones’ blog} to see her work, and be sure to visit each consultant’s site to get some great crafting inspiration and other fun ideas! Don’t forget, this exclusive stamp set is only available through March 31st. Click here to order yours today!
Cricut® Artfully Sent: Sleeve Function
Layering is where it’s at! The Sleeve function of Close To My Heart’s Cricut® Artfully Sent cartridge holds dozens of options that will lend beautiful depth and complexity to your cards in a matter of seconds.
Click here for more information on how you can get the Cricut® Artfully Sent Collection for yourself!
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