End of July Reminders

    Just like that.....July has less than 24 hours before it's over! What a month it has been! I know you are all in the same position I am, though! We have all been busy enjoying this beautiful summer we're having, and playing catch up on our lives! So I completely understand if you have not had a chance to take advantage of all the fun things July has to offer! Here is my recap of July's steals and deals:

July Stamp-of-the-Month: Circus Alphabet

 

    This is the last chance you have to receive a full alphabet set for only $5! This super cute stamp set is perfect for all those summer photos and memories that you have been making the last couple months! Check out the awesome images below:

Last Day to order from the Spring/Summer 2014 Idea Book:

    Today is the last day to order from the Spring/Summer 2014 Idea Book! At midnight tonight this book will be officially put in the vault of amazing books! 

    There are still some items available from the list of Retiring Items! You can access this list by visiting my online Google document (where I highlighted the still available items for you):

Spring/Summer 2014 Retiring List

Fab Five Product Bundles

    You still have today to order these awesome new product bundles from CTMH featuring some of our most popular products at a discount! These bundles are the perfect way to stock up on your favorite products, get a package deal for a gift, or as a great starter set for a beginner papercrafter! You have until midnight tonight to stock up on these amazing supplies, so get ordering today before this deal slips away!

 

Upcoming Workshops, Classes, & Crops:

    Mark those calendars, ladies! August is when my workshops, classes, and crops start up again! So make sure and RSVP for these upcoming events:

August 2nd: Wine & Art with Heart Preview Party in Waukee, IA

August 6th: Workshop Wednesday: Layout Mania! We will be making 2 projects featuring your photos!

August 23rd: Scrap Your Stash! Come and crop with me all day for FREE!

    Lastly, my new newsletter will be starting to send out tomorrow! I am so excited for you all to see this cute monthly correspondence that I put together! I had a blast designing it, and hope you enjoy reading it! If you are not already on my mailing list, make sure and sign up today! You do not want to miss out on all the great things I have going on throughout the month! 

    I think that wraps up July! Make sure and get those last minute orders in before midnight tonight, and stay tuned to the blog tomorrow for August's steals and deals! Until next time:

Here's to life, love, and creativity!

Creative Adventure: Day 1

    Surprise surprise I just got back from a different part of the country again! haha This past weekend I spent some time in Okemos, Michigan where I attended Consultant Camp with my team members from Close to My Heart! I started driving over on Thursday night, spent the night in Michigan City, Indiana, and got up super early Friday to finish driving the rest of the trip! The main event started Friday morning and went through Sunday. I had such a wonderful time meeting new team members, learning from some awesomely talented ladies, and playing with new product!

    Sunday night I drove half-way home, and stopped at my parents' house in Janesville, WI. I spent the night there and had a mini creative session on Monday with my mom! It was a nice break in my road trip, and a fun time finishing up projects!

Stuck in traffic with a beautiful view of the Chicago Skyline

    With all this traveling lately, though, I have not been able to post all my artwork, event photos, and other fun stuff for you all to enjoy! It's just been a whirlwind of a month, and now July is almost over! So I want to take you on a little adventure with me these next couple weeks! Each "Creative Adventure Day" post will feature pictures from this last month's travels, projects, and events! So follow along with me each day as I take you through a glimpse at my creative life!

Day 1: Projects you have been waiting to see

June's featured paper pack: Jubilee Layout #1:

Matching card to Jubilee Layout #1 using the dove-tail triangles from the pennants

Jubilee Layout #2

Matching card to Layout #2 using similar papers, cutouts, and style

Jubilee Layout #3

Matching card to Layout #3 using same banner pattern

Cards for the Convention Swap:

    Some of you have seen and heard me talk about my Convention Swap cards already, but many of you have not seen all of the ones that I did before leaving on my California trip in the middle of June! I signed up for a team card swap where I made 30 cards to swap with 30 girls! Then I brought extra cards to swap with other consultants that were not on my team! In total I made 45 cards for the Convention swap! I also was asked to make "Thank You" cards for my sister's baby shower! So I made 35 cards for her before I left because I was going to be seeing her the week before Convention started!

Masculine colors on a Birthday card. For the background I used CTMH Re-inkers, water,  and a watercolor brush!

Feminine colors on a Birthday card. I used the same re-inker technique on this background.

The baby shower "Thank You" cards I made for my sister using the Babycakes WOTG kit (now retired).

I had leftover Babycakes papers, so I used those to make my extra 15 cards for the Convention Swap. There is less stamping on this card, but I still thought it was cute!

    There you are! That is Day 1 of our Creative Adventure together! I hope you enjoyed looking at all the artwork I was busy creating before Convention! I have so much more to share with you, though, so stay tuned for Creative Adventure: Day 2!

    Tomorrow on the blog I will be posting some end-of-month reminders and updates for you all, and then it's already August! You know what that means???? New month, new promotions, new specials, new workshops!!! Whoo ooo....until next time:

Here's to life, love, and creativity!

Tuesday Tidbit: Shimmer Trim

    Welcome to the last Tuesday in July! This summer is flying by isn't it? Today I have a fun and helpful tip to share with you about CTMH's Shimmer Tape!

    I absolutely love Love LOVE our Shimmer Tape! All the colors, the easy application, sturdiness, and of course the shimmery glitter! Who doesn't love a little bling?  However, taking the protective backing off to expose the adhesive side is a bit of a pain! I have a solution for you, though, and I promise it's not a painful and time consuming effort!

Just a little sneak from the new Annual Inspirations Idea Book releasing August 1st!

    When you first get your roll of Shimmer Tape you will notice that the plastic backing is hanging as a tail off the edge for you! Take that idea and roll with it (pun intended.....Emily that was for you!)!!!

Sorry this is a little blurry, but it was hard to capture the tiny plastic tail on the end!

    When you use the Shimmer Tape for the first time, peel back the plastic overhang first. Then dove-cut (or angle cut), lay your tape down, and trim it to the size you need while it's still on the roll and the plastic coating is peeled away!

    Now you can cut your own plastic tag overhang to make it easy to peel next time you use it! See??? I told you it was a simple solution!

    I hope you enjoyed this little Tuesday Tidbit! I would love to see what you're making with Shimmer Trim these days! Post your pictures on Candid Captures' Facebook page under the "Shimmer Trim Album", and one of you could be drawn to win a  FREE upcoming Workshop seat! Until next time:

Here's to life, love, and creativity!

Tuesday Tidbit: Kiss Your Stamps

    Welcome back to Tuesday Tidbit! I hope you all enjoyed last week's first post of this series! This week I want to share a stamping technique with you called "Kissing"! This is a really fun way to add extra dimension and texture to your stamped images! It's also a simple and easy way to re-vamp some of those old stamps to make them different and new! Check out the video below for more information on how to "Kiss" your stamps:

    Isn't that awesome? I love this technique, but especially with some of those amazing background stamps that CTMH has in their Idea Book! If you have any questions or would like more information, please let me know! Make time to get crafty this week, and until next time:

Here's to life, love, and creativity!

Penny Prints

    Good morning, everyone! I hope you all are having a wonderful week so far! It's another crazy day at the McQuistan house! This evening, once Ian is off work, we will be driving down to Des Moines to meet up with friends. Then tomorrow early morning we start our road trip down to Lake of the Ozarks for the weekend! I know what you're thinking...."Didn't you just get back from vacation?"......yes I did.....and yes I'm going again. In fact I am in a different state every weekend for the next 3 weeks!

    However, I still will be back in time for the amazing Annual Inspirations Preview Party next Wednesday, July 23rd, at my house! If you have not signed up yet, you need to RSVP soon! You do not want to miss out on seeing all the new products, artwork, and new Idea Book! It's an open house style event so come when you can and stay as long as you like! I will be here from 12-2pm and 6-8pm, and will have some refreshments, a FREE make-in-take, and of course eye candy! So bring your friends and family (because you could win if you do), and join me for a day of fun!

    Next quick little update I want to share with you is a new special for your picture prints! Are you needing to print some of those amazing summer photos? Now's the chance, friends! Snapfish is having their "Penny Prints" sale going on now through July 20th! You can get 99 prints for 99 cents (+ s&h and tax)! It's a steal of a deal, but you only have a couple more days to take advantage! This coupon can only be used once during this promotion, but I will keep you updated if I see any more steals come my way!

    Well I better finish packing and getting things ready to go! Have a wonderful Wednesday, and I hope to see you all next week at the Preview Party! Until next time:

Here's to life, love, and creativity!

Tuesday Tidbit: Watercolor Effects

    Welcome to my first "Tuesday Tidbits" posting! Every Tuesday I will be posting a little tidbit to help you kick off your work week and get your creative juices flowing!

    This week I wanted to give you a technique tip on getting a watercolor effect using Close to My Heart inks! There are a couple different ways to achieve this look, but I am going to focus on my two favorites!

    The first is to use the CTMH Re-inkers and your spray pen! I used this technique on my Swap Cards at Convention this year! It's super easy and really fun to do! All you need is your favorite color from CTMH in a re-inker bottle form, a CTMH spray pen, a watercolor brush, and a cup or dish with water in it!

                                                       

     You want to work on a non-porous surface (like a Splat Mat or Wax Paper sheet). Squeeze a couple drops of the re-inker on your mat. Spritz some water from your spray pen next to your color droplets. Mix the two with your watercolor brush and add to your project or card! I swiped my brush across my paper to create my own background pattern! I used 3 different colors and rinsed my brush in my water cup between color applications! Here is what one of my cards looked like when it was completed and embellished:

    The second technique I love to use for watercolor effect involves CTMH's Watercolor Pencils, CTMH's Archival Black ink, and a fine-point watercolor brush or water pen (like the old ones CTMH use to have)! This technique is fun and simple to do! Plus you get to color, and who doesn't love coloring!??!. Stamp your favorite image in CTMH's Archival Black ink. Color your image in using CTMH Watercolor Pencils (I never color the whole space in....I leave room to allow the water to spread the color out). Using a fine-point watercolor brush or pen, lightly add a little water to the colored areas to spread the color out. Any excess may be dabbed off with paper towel or a napkin. Let the image dry before adhering, cutting, or gluing!

    Here is the card I finished up last night using this fun technique:

   
    BONUS TIP: If you do not have a watercolor brush or pen for the second technique try this:   Spritz some water from your Spray pen on a non-porous surface. Dip your watercolor pencil in the water. Then color in your image a little bit at a time. Allow to the paper to dry between colorings otherwise it will tear. 

    Watercolor art and brush point font is really popular right now so why not try your hand at this fun technique! I hope this Tuesday Tidbit inspires you to get crafty this week! Have a Tuesday Tidbit you want to share or know more about? Leave me a comment and maybe your Tidbit will be featured soon! Until next time:

Here's to life, love, and creativity!

Happy 4th of July Weekend!!!

    Sorry that I have been so MIA lately! Without the internet connection at Disneyland, I easily got behind on a lot of things! I'm so sorry about that, everyone! 

    I had a blast at convention and came away with tons of new products, new ideas, and exciting new workshops to show you all! I cannot reveal anything quite yet, but believe me when I say it's worth the wait! I am hoping to post some pictures from my adventures at convention soon, and then product pictures will be posted in August! However, some of you will be able to get sneak peeks at my Annual Idea Book Preview Party! More information about this special workshop is listed under the Event Calendars tab! Please check it out and mark your calendars today! You do not want to miss this FREE event!!

    Today I have a lot of fun, exciting things to share with you! Let's start with the new deals and steals for July!

July Stamp-of-the-Month: Circus Alphabet

    This is the first time that CTMH has offered an alphabet stamp set as a SOTM promotion! This is a super cute set of capital and lower-case letters that are perfect for all of your paper crafting projects! During the month of July only, you can get this stamp set for only $5!! It's a super steal of a deal!! Check out the images of this stamp set below:

    Isn't this the cutest stamp set? I knew you all would be excited about it! I would love to help you get your very own set of "Circus Alphabet" this month! Contact me to find out how!

Paper Pack-of-the-Month: Balloon Ride 

    This month my projects, workshops, and layouts will be featuring the Balloon Ride paper pack! This paper pack is so whimsical and pretty, and I absolutely love the colors! Check out the paper and some projects using this pack:

    I cannot wait to start playing with it over the next couple weeks! I will post my projects as soon as I can! I am still playing catch up with all my projects, but I will have a whole post full of artwork for you all soon!

Five Fab Collection Bundles still available:

    You still have a chance to order these awesome new product bundles from CTMH featuring some of our most popular products at a discount! These bundles are the perfect way to stock up on your favorite products, get a package deal for a gift, or as a great starter set for a beginner papercrafter! You have until July 31st to stock up on these amazing supplies, so get ordering today before this deal slips away! 

Album Availability:

    Oh the albums! I want to update you all on the latest information that corporate has released to us concerning the availability of albums!

    Many Consultants have asked about our future plans for albums, given that we have had to put a hold on our coated canvas albums and are continuing to offer a few colors of our expandable Faux Leather post-bound style albums. The update on these albums is that we have received further stock of the D-ring and post-bound coated canvas albums. However, these shipments have not met our quality standards, so they will not be made available to order.
    To provide ongoing stability in the album product line, we are providing the Outdoor Denim and Dark Chocolate Faux Leather post-bound albums that you and your customers are already familiar with. These products will be featured in the 2014 Annual Inspirations idea book, which means we have committed to making them available at least through July 2015, and potentially longer.
    We are committed to memory keeping—which means Close To My Heart is committed to offering albums. Ultimately, our goal for albums is to offer variety in formats for different types of memory keeping, on-trend colors that are attractive, and an easy assembly. We will continue toward that goal, while also providing a stable selection of the expandable Faux Leather albums, with their accompanying support products: specifically spine expanders, extender posts, and screws.

   
    There you have it! That is the latest information on the albums! If you have any questions, please let me know! Otherwise, I will continue to keep you all updated as information becomes available!

Update on Retiring Items:

    Since the announcement and release of the official CTMH Summer Retiring Items, products have been flying off the shelves! Some items are no longer available and sold out very quickly! Other items remain available to order, but on a "while supplies last" basis! If you could like to see the complete list of retiring items, check out the shared document here:

CTMH's 2014 Retiring Items List

     
    This list has been updated to reflect the items that are sold out! Any of the items that are crossed out in red are no longer available to order! If you have any questions or are having any troubles opening the document, please let me know!

Upcoming Workshops, Classes, & Crops:

    Are you ready for brand new workshops and classes? I am so excited to start working with the new products, and to have a chance to create with all of you! Candid Captures is pleased to announce the dates for new events coming this fall! I have updated my calendars and am starting to put together my projects to share with all of you! Please RSVP in advance for all of my workshops and classes because my space is limited! All of the information about these workshops will be listed under the Event Calendars tab, but here is a quick list of dates for you to jot down on your schedules:

July 8th: Candid Captures Team Meeting & Preview Party (open only to team members)

July 23rd: Candid Captures' Annual Idea Book Preview Party

August 2nd: WAH Club Annual Idea Book Preview Party (Des Moines, IA area club)

August 6th: Workshop Wednesday

August 23rd: Scrap Your Stash 

September 3rd: Workshop Wednesday

September 19th: Crafting with Cricut

October 8th: Workshop Wednesday

October 25th: Croptoberfest!!!

November 5th: Workshop Wednesday

November 14th: Crafting with Cricut

November 19th: Seasonal Expressions Preview Party

December 3rd: Workshop Wednesday

December 13th: Christmas Crop!!

    These dates are tentative and are subject to change as the months get closer. However, all changes will be known in advance and will be announced on here and on my Facebook page! 

    I think that's everything for now! I appreciate all of your patience this last month as I was traveling and away from home so often! I hope you all are having a wonderful summer so far, and are ready to scrap those memories at my upcoming events! Until next time:

Here's to life, love, and creativity!