Goodbye 2013!!!

It's New Year's Eve! I hope you all had a wonderful Christmas with family and friends, and received some fun crafting supplies to play with in 2014! I also hope you all are planning safe travels this evening and through tomorrow as we all celebrate ringing out the old and in with the new!

2013 has been an amazing year for me, and I could not feel more blessed! I also cannot wait to see what 2014 has in store for me and my family as more fun and exciting things continue to happen! Plus I get to share even more projects, workshops, and Close to My Heart goodies with you all!

   First, though, we need to recognize that December is almost over in a few short hours! There's so much to take advantage of before we say hello to January! If you have not had a chance to order the December stamp-of-the-month yet, it's now or never! "Special Care" is only $5 with a qualifying purchase of $50 or more! Here is a refresher of those cute and adorable images:

   Today also marks the last day to order from the "Holidays from the Heart Gift Guide"! I have used many of the stamps, papers, embellishments, and workshops from the gift guide, and have fallen in LOVE with all of it! There are so many uses for these cute products! You may peruse the gift guide HERE to make sure you have gotten your hands on all your heart's desires before they're gone!

   You also have a few hours left to download the December Christmas tags FREEBIE from the Rediscover series! You can find the download here; Candid Captures' Online Shop.

 
   Last, but not least, today is the last day to take advantage of my gift certificate promotion! This is the perfect opportunity to get those end of the year gifts or even birthday gifts for next year! Plus, remember you get bonus bucks to spend on fun CTMH supplies in the month of February! Check out more details under the Promotions and Specials tab, and Contact Me to order your gift certificates today!

Starting tomorrow there are new promotions and exciting announcements to help kick-off 2014! I hope you all have a very Happy New Year, and I cannot wait to share more CTMH with you in 2014! Happy Crafting everyone, and until next time:

 Here's to life, love, and creativity!

Holiday Run Around and New Consultant Kit!

   I am sorry it has taken me so long to get this posted to the blog! I have been running non-stop since the week of Thanksgiving, and barely have had time to stop and think! I am so behind for Christmas, too! My family Christmas is this weekend and my decorations are only 1/2 up, I still have a majority of my family to shop for, and I haven't even started organizing and making my Christmas card list! There's still time, right?

   I also never had a chance to post the project pictures from December's Workshop Wednesday: Stamp Camp! The three techniques we worked on that day were heat embossing, Rock-n-Roll stamping, and stamp clustering (which we have used in other workshops previously). Here are the examples of the techniques in action:

This card was done using the heat embossing technique in metallic gold/silver mix (to create an Antiqued Gold look). Then I sponged Twilight Blue across the card to mimic snow flurries.

This card was also done using heat embossing using both gold and silver powders. However, I used Versamark on black cardstock for this card to give it a bigger contrast with the metallic colors! The stamp set used for this card was "Magical Days" from the "Holidays from the Heart" gift guide!

This card was also an example of heat embossing using similar techniques as the above card. However, on this card I chose to repeat a border pattern to make my own background paper. Then I sprinkled the gold and silver embossing powders in graduating patterns to blend it across the card. Lastly, I sanded the edges of the black banner and stamped the sentiment in Colonial White pigment ink to give a chalkboard effect. I loved the way it turned out, but decided a little more bling couldn't hurt! So I added Bitty Clear Sparkle Gems in the centers of a few of the snowflakes for added sparkle!

This card was used as an example of the "rock-n-roll" technique using two different colors! The leaves in the wreath were inked in Autumn Terracotta then "rolled" in Ruby ink along the edges to give a two-toned looked to the image. The paper pieces and background piece are from the Huntington paper pack.

This card was a simple example of stamp clustering using multiple colors! I chose a few of the patterns from the Charming Chevrons stamp set. Then I laid them out to line up my spacing and "picked up" the images I wanted to "group" together in a cluster (in the first case it was the large chevron with the small chevron stamped in Lagoon ink). Then on a separate block I picked up the other "cluster" (the zig zag chevron and the circles chevron stamped in Smokey Plum). Once I stamped my pattern I then filled any gaps in the spacing with the small thin chevron in Buttercup ink! The clustering effect allows you to make your own patterned background or to group stamps together to stamp all at once!

This is my second example (a little more detailed) of stamp clustering! To make this card I first stamped the circle images from the Perfect Fit-Holidays stamp set in Slate ink. Then I place a couple snowflakes on my block and stamped those throughout my card in Twilight ink. It still did not feel finished so I stamped the sentiment in the corner in New England Ivy, and the flurry swirls in Bamboo over the rest of the images! I like how it turned out even though the stamps all came from different stamp sets!

   Again, I'm sorry it took me so long to get those photos up to show you! I definitely am playing post-holidays catch up! I hope you enjoyed perusing these cute cards, though!

   I have other fun and exciting news to share as well! I received the Spring/Summer 2014 Idea Book this week! This means that anyone on Candid Captures' Catalog Mailing List will be receiving their copy the first couple weeks of January! The Idea Books go live to the public (and online) starting February 1st! I have been perusing the new product lines already, and LOVE the color schemes coming out (teals, yellows, grays, and browns.....oh my!).

   Close to My Heart also released the new Consultant Kit for anyone interested in joining the company and starting their own business as a hobbyist or consultant! Any new consultants that sign up starting January 1st will receive the new Consultant Kit complete with new products from the Spring/Summer 2014 Idea Book, business materials, and exclusive products for only $99! There's over $300 of products and materials in this kit, and it is FABULOUS! I'm jealous because I cannot get this kit, and I love the stamps and Skylark Workshop that comes with it!

New Consultant Kit! Available January 1-June 30th, 2014!

   New Consultants can also gets this kit for FREE by earning their Straight to the Top sales goal in the first 3 months that they are with the company! That's $300 of products for FREE just for sharing your love and passion of paper crafting with your friends and family! It's an amazing deal, and a wonderful way to kick off the new year! If you would like to learn more information about becoming a CTMH consultant, Contact Me and I would love to share my experience with you! If you are ready to sign up and become a consultant, simply click Join My Team on January 1st to get started with this great company!

   I hope you are all as excited as I am to get your hands on the new Idea Book! The new products look so beautiful and trendy! I am already starting to plan workshops and classes involving these fun products! Keep checking back for the 2014 Event Calendars to be posted!

   Lastly, let's not forget there is still time to order from the Autumn/Winter 2013 Idea Book and the "Holidays from the Heart" Winter Mini-Book! The Holiday Gift Guide will only be available until December 31st, though, so plan your orders accordingly, and Contact Me for any assistance placing your order before the new year! The "Retiring Items" are also going very quickly! You can check for products that will no longer be available in the Spring/Summer 2013 Idea Book on Candid Captures Online Shop. Let me know if you have any questions, or are looking for something in particular!

   I hope everyone had a very Merry Christmas, and I look forward to seeing all of you in the new year! Happy Crafting, and until next time:

Here's to life, love, and creativity!

Final days to order for Christmas delivery!

   I hate to say it, but there's only 16 days until Christmas! This means that this Wednesday is the final day to get your CTMH orders submitted in time for Christmas delivery!

   I will be putting in an order this week, Wednesday at the latest! So Contact Me today to get all your holiday shopping items checked off! 

   I hope you all had a great weekend! I am decorating all day today and trying to clean the house at the same time!

This is from 2009, but I love it so much I had to share!

Have a warm and wonderful week! Until next time;

Here's to life, love, and creativity!

Major Updates and New Clearance Items!

   Happy Friday, everyone! I have some major updates to report to you today! Some huge things were just made known to us from corporate! First off, there are a LOT of new clearance items in the "While Supplies Last" section of Candid Captures' Online shopping site! Check it out today because these new items will not last long! You can order online anytime and have it shipped to your home directly! It is an easy and great system! So go grab your SUPER discounted goodies today to kick off your weekend!

* more updates listed below*

   Now for the updates: I just found out these new updates EARLY this morning (had a bit of insomnia around 2AM). I wanted to pass these updates onto you guys so you were up-to-speed on all the new changes:

1. Memory Protectors™ 50-Pack Shortage
The 50-pack of Memory Protectors™ has seen a dramatic increase in sales in the past weeks since it was listed it on the retired list—in the first week of December alone CTMH has sold as many of this item as they normally sell in a month! Unfortunately, CTMH is not in a position to support this product selling at such an unprecedented rate. They have determined that in order to avoid a complete outage of Memory Protectors, the 50-pack must be discontinued. Item Z4115 will be made permanently unavailable at 11:59 pm (MST) on Friday, December 6. UPDATE: As of 8AM this morning, CTMH has sold out of all 50 pack Memory Protectors. This item is now officially discontinued and retired. The 10 pack Memory Protectors are still available for purchase for $8.95 a pack.

**Candid Captures has ordered extra 50 pack Memory Protectors ahead of time to accommodate any Album Value Pack orders coming in this month and next! Do not worry if you wanted to still take advantage of this special deal, all items listed in the value pack are still available at the discounted price!**

2. New Paper Trimmer Option Available
There is a new option for a paper trimmer: the more compact Euro Personal Paper Trimmer. This item, Z338 can be viewed in the shopping section of Candid Captures' Online Shopping Site and purchased for $29.95. Replacement blades we offer are designed to work with both the Z1783 Surecut™ Deluxe Craft Paper Trimmer and the Z338 Euro Personal Paper Trimmer.


3. Small Organizer Temporarily Unavailable
Item Z4138 Small Organizer has been placed on extended backorder. This means the item will be unavailable to order until we have more in stock, which we expect will be at the end of December. If you were planning on ordering this item, Contact Me, and I will put you on my waiting list!

4. Corporate Office Holiday Closures
The corporate office will be closed at the following times through December and January:
December 17 beginning at 12:00 pm (MST)
December 24–25
January 1

   All Christmas orders must be placed by December 10th in order to get them in time for the holiday! Contact me today to place your holiday orders or to order the perfect stocking stuffer; a CTMH gift certificate! Enjoy your Friday, everyone! Until next time,

Here's to life, love, and creativity!

"Rediscover Joy" Freebie and a Giveaway!!!

   I hope this finds you all enjoying the beginning of December so far! As I type this, it is snowing big, fat, fluffy snowflakes outside! I love it! It's so pretty! This probably means I should finish my decorating before the inches start piling on! Oh well....I will enjoy the scenery for now! :)

   With the beginning of the month comes the beginning of a new FREEBIE download from CTMH's Rediscover series! This month CTMH's theme is "Rediscover Joy", and the download features cute Christmas tags to use for this season's gifts! You can download these FREE, printable tags on my online shopping site, Candid Captures Shop! Make sure you get yours downloaded before it expires at the end of the month!

   There is also a CTMH giveaway on the company's founder, Jeanette Lynton's, blog! She is giving away a Workshop On the Go kit of your choice! You can enter by leaving a comment on her blog, Facebook, or YouTube by December 31st to win! Make sure you enter and see rules of the contest under the blog post, "All Play and No Work" contest (posted November 30th)!

  
   Lastly, there is only a week and a half left to take advantage of the "Picture My Life" promotion by signing up to be on my team! Close to My Heart is an amazing company to work for, and the commitment to sell is very minimal (compared to many other direct sales companies). You only need to sell the equivalent of $75 a month to make a base commission of 22% on your sales and hold the title of "Independent Consultant". However, there's always the possibly of increasing your sales commissions, earning free products based on sales, and earning incentive trips to very fun vacation destinations based on yearly sales! Plus, if you sign up right now and sell $300 in product by March 31st (that's still only $75 a month), you will qualify for your choice of one of the brand new, soon-to-be-released, "Picture My Life" project kits for FREE (a retail value of $24.95)! 

   On top of all that, you will have signed up before the release of the Spring/Summer 2014 Idea Book & Catalog, so you will be one of the first to see all the new products coming out in February 2014! It's a great way to continue to get the products you love for a discount, plus you can share your passion for paper crafting with others very easily as a consultant! Join My Team today to get started with your consultant kit FULL of goodies (deeply discounted to you as a new consultant) or Contact Me to ask more about this amazing opportunity! What do you have to lose? Awesome Company! Awesome Products! Awesome Opportunity! Get started today!

   Have a wonderful rest of your week, and until next time;

Here's to life, love, and creativity!

Delightful December!

   Welcome to the first day of December! I LOVE December! Christmas is my absolute favorite holiday, and this time of year is so inspiring and full of joy! I soak it all up! Plus the first signs of snow, the amazing food and decorations.......it's just beautiful! I love it all!

   The first day of December means the first day to show you the awesome stamp-of-the-month, "Special Care"! This cute stamp set has awesome tags with phrases on them for decorating home decor, finishing cute layouts, and making fun cards! I am definitely into the "tag" trend right now, so this is perfect! Here's a peek at it:

   December also brings with it (typically) lots of pictures! I know I tend to take the most pictures over the Christmas holiday; especially of my adorable nieces and nephews opening their gifts! So I decided to offer Candid Captures' Album Value Pack a whole month earlier than previously announced! Plus, who doesn't like a good deal in time for Cyber Monday?!?!?
 
   So I bet you would love to know what all comes in this amazing Album Value Pack! Well get ready for this awesome deal because this is what comes in the kit:

1.) Your choice in color of one of CTMH's My Legacy Faux Leather Albums (pg. 135)
2.) A 50 pack of our fantastic 12"x12" Memory Page Protectors (Z4115)
3.) Your choice of one of the following additional packs:
      a.) 15 of the 4"x6" Flip Flaps (Z4114) and the 12" Assortment Flip Flaps (Z1325)
            or
      b.) 10 of either the Horizontal (4113) or the Vertical (Z1324) Memory Protector Pocket Pages
4.) A complete set of CTMH's 12"x12" Spine Expanders (Z4120)
5.) and 12 of the 1/2" Extender Posts (1010A)

   If you were to order all of these items separately, it would cost you $75.80 retail (including S&H and tax). However, if you order these items in the Album Value Pack during the months of December or January, you can get all of this for only $66.70 (including S&H and tax)! That's a savings of 12% off the retail value!
 
   You can only get this Album Value Pack when you order through me so make sure you Contact Me today to get your hands on this amazing offer during the months of December and January!!

   I am super excited to bring this new promotion to you all! If you would like to see any of these products before you purchase the kit, contact me to set up a product meeting! I would love to show you this great product bundle! Happy Cyber Monday shopping, everyone, and until next time:

Here's to life, love, and creativity!