End of September Review

    Another crazy month is in the books, folks; fall is officially here, the kids are settled back in school, and Halloween is staring us in the face! Man the time does fly!

    It is also the end of all the amazing steals and deals that September has to offer! You really don't want to miss out on all the amazing ways to score FREE CTMH products this month! 

September is National Stamping Month!!!

    All month long I have been sharing CTMH's inspirational projects using the #30yearsofhappy stamp set! This awesome C-sized stamp set contains 30 mini stamps that coordinate perfectly with any types of papers and themes you have in your stash! 

    Plus you can still get this stamp set for FREE when you place an order of $30 or more on any current retail-priced stamps!

     It's been an awesome 30 years of Jeanette Lynton, CTMH's founder and CEO, being in the industry, and what a perfect way to celebrate with us this month! 

     Make sure and get your FREE #30yearsofhappy stamp set before midnight tonight because after that these cute stamps are gone for good!

Candid Crafter's (yay new brand name!!!) Annual Anniversary Celebration

    September marks my 1 year anniversary of teaching CTMH workshops and classes!I have had such an amazing year meeting all of you and getting a chance to share my passion for papercrafting! I feel so blessed to have found this company, and to be a part of something that highlights relationships, memories, and personal growth! I absolutely love my job, and cannot wait to share another year with all of you!

     To celebrate this very important month I am offering my "Annual Anniversary Celebration Special" for anyone that places an order with me this month!

    This is the perfect month to take advantage of this special promotion, too, because there are so many other steals and deals that you can combine with my Anniversary special! 

September Stamp-of-the-Month: Family Is Forever

    This month's SOTM is a super cute 7 piece set called "Family Is Forever"! I love this stamp set! It's so versatile, and can work with so many different projects! You can get this awesome stamp set for only $5 this month with any purchase of $50 or more! Check out this cute stamp and some fun projects:

    Let's break this down in terms of all the FREE stuff you could get with your order this month:

Spend $50 to get the September SOTM                                                       FREEBIES                   

$30 out of the $50 spent on stamp sets of your choice              #30yearsofhappy stamp set ($13.95 value)

$20 out of the $50 on your fav CTMH products                                    Exclusive Ink Pad ($5.95 value)
                                                                                                             A-sized stamp set ($6.95 value)

Reached the $50 order total                                                               $5 SOTM special ($17.95 value)

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$50 of your favorite products = $39.80 saved in FREE products                     

Upcoming Candid Cricut Club

How would you like to be part of a special club that explores all the possibilities of all 4 of the CTMH Cricut Collections through tips, tricks, demonstrations, FREE workshops, and so much more? 

    If this sounds like an awesome deal to you, then sign up for my Candid Cricut Club starting this month! Simply fill out the form with your name and email address. Then in the message please write "Sign me up for the Candid Cricut Club"! I will add you to the list, and send you more information about the club via email!

     I am so excited for this new club! It's completely FREE to join, and will have lots of tutorials, projects, and other fun things to participate in each month! 

    Plus, there's a bonus giveaway that I am extending into October! Sign up for my Candid Cricut Club anytime in September or October AND purchase the brand new Artfully Sent Cricut Collection, and you will be eligible to receive 2 Cricut Compatible Stamp sets of your choice!!!*

*This promotion is only good when you sign up and order through Karina McQuistan. No other orders from other consultants will be honored. Free stamps sets with purchase are any of the Cricut Compatible A or B-sized sets available on my Online Shopping Site. 

    You still have time to take advantage of all these amazing freebies and goodies this month! If you have any questions or need help placing your order, please do not hesitate to ask! I would love to help you maximize the goodies you have coming to you! Have fun planning your order, and until next time:

Here's to life, love, and creativity!

Freebie Frenzy

    Do you love freebies? Do you love Close to My Heart FREEBIES??? September is the perfect month to score yourself some amazing CTMH goodies for FREE! I'm a visual person, so I wanted to show you all exactly how much you can get just by ordering your favorite products! Brace yourselves, people, there's major savings to be had:

$50 September Order

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Spend $50 to get the September SOTM                                                       FREEBIES                   

$30 out of the $50 spent on stamp sets of your choice                             #30yearsofhappy stamp set
                                                                                                                            ($13.95 value)

$20 out of the $50 on your fav CTMH products                                    Exclusive Ink Pad ($5.95 value)
                                                                                                             A-sized stamp set ($6.95 value)

Reached the $50 order total                                                               $5 SOTM special ($17.95 value)

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$50 of your favorite products = $39.80 saved in FREE products  

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    What if you want to take advantage of the new Cricut Collection released this month by CTMH? Here's a break down of the freebies you would get from purchasing Artfully Sent:

$100 September Order

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Add the Artfully Sent Cricut Cartridge to your collection to get:              FREEBIES                   

$99 for the entire Artfully Sent Collection (retail value of $125):             

• Includes: 3 D-sized stamps set (Alphabet, phrases, and frames), a full pack of White Daisy Cardstock, and the cartridge with 400 unique completed projects 

AND Signed up for the FREE Candid Cricut Club                       Your choice of 2 Cricut Compatible
                                                                                                                 Stamp Sets ($19.90 value)

$2.95 for Clear Sparkle Gems to reach the $100 order total level:

                                                                                                             Exclusive Ink Pad ($5.95 value)
                                                                                                             A-sized stamp set ($6.95 value)
                                                                                                    Reflections Paper Pack ($9.95 value)

Reached $50 in order totals x 2                             Eligible for TWO $5 SOTM specials ($35.90 value)

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$101.95 of your favorite products =   $94.65 in FREE products 

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    See what I mean???? September is AMAZING!!!! I mean come on....you're saving practically as much as you're spending in each scenario! It's good stuff! Plus it's all CTMH products....so EVEN BETTER! 

    You still have a couple days to take advantage of these offers and so much more! Visit my Steals & Deals page to freshen up on all the promotions going on. Then head over to my Online Shopping page and start ordering your favorite products! 

    Make sure and join the "Anniversary Celebrations" gathering while checking out so that I can get you all of your freebies!

    Once your order is placed, I will contact you to pick out your freebies from me! That's it! Super simple and super savings! Let me know if you have any questions or need help placing your order this month! Happy Shopping, and until next time:

Here's to life, love, and creativity!

Falling in Love with Mini Stamps

    I have another amazing set of projects to share with you today from CTMH's design team! I love all the projects that they have been putting out all month, and hope you have enjoyed them as well!

    If you haven't already fallin' in love with the #30yearsofhappy stamp set this month, you definitely will! I love these cute mini stamps and all the adorable mini projects that have been made using them! Here's your inspiration to get crafty this week:

(9.17) Simple and sweet card with a little bit of shimmer trim peeking out!

(9.18) It's not too early to get started on making gift tags for the upcoming gift giving season!

(9.19) This cute little party favor bag is perfect for any type of party! Simple yet effective = LOVE IT!!!

(9.20) More CAS (Clean and Simple) card ideas for some quick and easy cards to add to your stash!

(9.21) CTMH's Canvas bags are perfect for treats, holding mini cards, home decorating, and so much more! Spruce up the bag with simple touches like ribbon and tags, and you have the perfect accent piece!

(9.22) Embossing powders are back and better than ever! Using them on mini cards like this give just the perfect amount of pop to your project! Plus did you notice the mini staples.....ahhhh...tool crush!

(9.23) I love this hybrid tag-card idea from the Art Philosophy Cricut cartridge! Want to know how to make this adorable card? Check out the video CTMH put on Instagram!

(9.24) I love the use of the #30yearsofhappy stamp set with the Artfully Sent Cricut Cartridge!

    You still have time to get this FREE stamp set for yourself! Just place an order of $30 or more in your favorite stamp sets, and you automatically qualify for the #30yearsofhappy set! Join me in the mini craze today, and start falling in love with your own mini projects! Until next time:

Here's to life, love, and creativity!

Tuesday Tidbit: Burlap Bags

    Today is officially the first day of fall! I absolutely LOVE fall! It's my favorite time of year for sure! I love the colors, jeans and sweatshirts, all the fun and cute decorations, the cooler temperatures, the amazing foods (hello cider donuts), and of course football games!

    So I think it's only appropriate that today's Tuesday Tidbit is about some cute Fall decorations using CTMH's amazing burlap bags! Burlap is very big right now, and you can find burlap decor everywhere! Plus it's a very fun and natural look that you can use all season long!

    Did you know that CTMH sells a pack of 3 burlap bags for only $4.95?!!? Exciting, right? Burlap can be expensive, but CTMH sells 3 bags in a pack for less than $2 each! Awesome!!!

   I have used these super cute Burlap bags a couple times to make some personalized party and home decor! Some of you might have even attended my workshop last fall using these fun bags! Here's my example from last year's workshop:

 

    I cut a fun tag from the Art Philosophy Cricut cartridge, and used the Happy Autumn stamp set to decorate the front of this cute burlap bag! You could use this as a silverware holder at a gathering, potpourri bag around the house, or just as an accent in your fall decor display! These also make really cute and thoughtful gift bags, too!

    CTMH's burlap bags have a tighter knit to them to make it easier to decorate, but I still used a scrap piece of cardstock tucked inside my bag while assembling my project!

    The best adhesive to use when decorating these cute bags is CTMH's Liquid Glass! If you don't have any Liquid Glass yet, you definitely need to add it to your next order! It's the "liquid duct tape" all all adhesives!

   I have some more creative inspiration for you using these awesome bags:

These were prize bags I had at my cousin's Bridal Shower last month! I have to confess, though, that these are not CTMH burlap bags. I had to use larger bags from a store in order to fit all the prize pieces I had for each bag. However, I wanted to show off what all you COULD do with the CTMH burlap bag! I used Liquid Glass to adhere the lace ribbon around the middle, but you can handstitch it on there as well (I hand-threaded the grey Baker's twine to the bag no problem)! I then used a brad to adhere the vellum flowers to the bag on the bottom corner! It was super easy and came together in less than 30 minutes!

You can also stencil, paint, and/or stamp directly on these bags, too! It's super easy, and really adds a personal touch! This project was done by Michelle Snyder (who has an amazing talent and is one of my creative role models)! To get the "true" color to show up, use pigment-based inks or the new ShinHan Touch Twin markers! You'll love this technique! Make sure and have a scrap piece of paper in between the burlap layers, though, because the ink will bleed underneath!

   

    I hope this has inspired all of you to get creative this week and start making some super cute fall decor! If you have any questions about using these cute Burlap bags, let me know! Otherwise, you can order any of the supplies you need on my online shop at your convenience! Have a great Tuesday, everyone, and until next time:

Here's to life, love, and creativity!

Making Small Changes

    I have been thinking about my brand a lot lately. I originally named this blog Candid Captures because I love taking pictures and displaying my projects. However, my Close to My Heart business has been a huge part of my blog and my main focus these days, and the name/brand "Candid Captures" doesn't necessarily fit.

    So after a lot of thinking and debating back and forth, I have decided to make a small change in the name and brand my little business as Candid Crafter! I think it's more appropriate and fitting to my style these days, but yet still has a catchy ring to it!

    This would also make my team members Candid Crafters! :) Definitely more fitting and appropriate for us, and I think will work well when we display and post things under our team name!

    I have already made a few of these changes to my Online Shop and on my Facebook page descriptions. I am hoping to fully transition most of my stuff soon so that it's all streamlined.

    So please bookmark these new web addresses, and thank you for your understanding my quick little changes! Hope you all are having a great week, and until next time:

Here's to life, love, and creativity!

Sunday Funday with Artfully Sent

   Happy Sunday, everyone! I am sitting here watching the Packers fail miserably at stopping the Lions from scoring. So I decided to post something fun and exciting instead!

    Have you all had a chance to look at the new Artfully Sent Cricut Collection yet? I LOVE this collection! I received mine in the mail last week while I was on vacation, but had to wait until yesterday to open it! It was killing me that it was sitting there waiting for me all week!

    This collection comes with some amazing new items:

• Artfully Sent Cricut Cartridge with over 400 completed and unique projects fully designed and ready for assembly
• Over 700 images total including a full font, multiple project function keys, and matching envelopes with liners!
• 3 D-sized stamp sets: a coordinating font, a frames set, and a sentiments set
• a full pack of White Daisy Cardstock

    I like to think of this cartridge as the "Artbooking solution for card makers"! It's perfect for creating fun and interactive cards, tags, and so much more for all your crafting projects! Here are some of my favorite projects created from this cartridge so far:

Here are a couple examples of Pop-up cards and Background Overlay cards

Here are a couple more examples of cards: A Border edge Card and two Background Overlay cards!

Pop-up Card with Icon die-cut pieces that can be added for extra flair and fun!

A Swing card example with an add on liner for added detail!

A Build-a-Scene Card that has interactive layers and pieces that make fun and unique cards!

Another example of a Build-a-Scene card, but with a front flap instead of a Tri-fold.

An example of a Border Edge card that adds just a little added detail to your cards!

An example of a Sleeve card which can hold a 4x6 picture or other memorabilia!

Sleeve cards can also be sized down to fit gift cards and/or journaling tags! These are so fun!

An example of a Sentiment card backed with fun pattern and solid color cardstock pieces to make it pop!

Did you see that this cartridge also makes PML cards??? The left picture is a 4x6 PML card mini album, and on the right is a sleeve card with journaling in it!

Here are a couple other ways to use the images from the Artfully Sent cartridge. A coupe of the cards were cut down and added to a scrapbook page (left), and a treat box (right)! I love these cute details that are easy embellishments for all my projects!

The other amazing (and super helpful) thing about this cartridge are the matching envelope die-cuts and the matching liners that can be cut and added! I love this look so much, but have struggled to reproduce liners that look natural. This will be the perfect solution for me to get that completed and professional look to my handmade cards!

Here is another view of an envelope with a patterned paper liner, and some added stamping on the outside! So stinkin cute!

    Did you also know that this Wednesday, September 24th, I will be featuring this amazing new cartridge at a brand new Crafting with Cricut Class from 6-8pm!  We will be making a couple of the cards from the cartridge, and an envelope and liner to match!

    Since I just opened my cartridge yesterday, I am working on pictures, projects, and pricing for that workshop today! So stay tuned on my Facebook page for all those details to be added!

    If you're ready to order this awesome collection for yourself, visit my online shop and get yours today! Don't forget....when you purchase the Artfully Sent Cartridge from me this month, you get to choose 2 Cricut compatible stamp sets of your choice! It's an awesome deal to get started on some amazing projects! 

    I hope you enjoyed looking at these fun projects today, and that it has inspired you to get crafty today! If you have any questions or would like to sign up for the Cricut Class on Wednesday, let me know! I have plenty of room for more guests!

    Have a great rest of your day, everyone, and until next time:

Here's to life, love, and creativity!

Inspiration Overload

    Good Morning from Grand Portage! I hope you all are enjoying your week! We are having a nice time up here along the lake, but man did it get chilly this week! It definitely feels like fall up here! I will be sharing some photos from our trip later next week!

   Today I wanted to get you all caught up on the super cute projects CTMH has been sharing this week using this month's #30yearsofhappy stamp set! I love this set! It's so versatile and handy for all types of projects! Here are the adorable and inspirational projects CTMH has shared on Facebook and Instagram this week:

(9/8) Why not mount a card on a cute background piece like this chevron one from the Basic Fundamentals Pack? I love this look, and can't wait to try this when I get home!

(9.9) Look at this super cute mini treat bag using the new Adventure Fundamentals paper pack! Love this!

(9.10) Need a party favor? Try making a super cute fortune cookie favor! Need help? Check out the video CTMH posted on how to assemble this cute little project!

(9.11) I love making mini cards, and what better way to accent a homemade card than with a cute homemade envelope!

(9.12) This is such a fun color combo on this cute mini card!

(9.13) Alter a stamp by fussy cutting only the image you want on your project! In this case, the "hey" was fussy cut off of the Cranberry and Canary colored butterflies!

(9.14) Need a quick gift? Why not use CTMH's Designer Creations Slate Bag and add some quick decorations using the #30yearsofhappy stamp set, a die-cut, a mini clothes pin, and some Baker's Twine!!??!!

(9.15) Make a small image pop by heat embossing it with CTMH's new embossing powders!

(9.16) Why are mini things so stinking cute? This mini box was cut on the Cricut using the Whimsy Fundamentals Paper pack! Add some quick embellishments and some love notes, and you have a super cute gift set that anyone would love!

    I love all the projects CTMH is sharing this month! I cannot wait to try out a bunch of these for myself! You can get all the supplies you need, including the #30yearsofhappy stamp set, on my online shop! Act quick, though, because you only have a few days left to get this super cute stamp set for FREE this month!





    I will be back home on Saturday if anyone needs help placing their September order! Have a great rest of your week, and I will see you all soon! Make time to get creative this week, and until next time:

Here's to life, love, and creativity!

Tuesday Tidbit: Versamat

    Hello from Grand Marais, MN! Sorry I have not been able to post much these last few days because we have not had any connection service! However, we found a coffee house in town today to get some late breakfast and caffeine! So I'm back!

    Today I wanted to talk about one of my favorite tools ever: the Versamat (Z1279)! I only recently started to use the Versamat, and now wonder why it took me so long to get one!

    Now most of you know that one of my first tips when we start stamping projects is to make sure you have the foam insert under your project! If you have ever tried stamping without the foam mat underneath, you know that the impression does not always turn out.

   Well the Versamat is a double-sided, 13x13 mat! One side has a hard, self-healing, work surface  containing a 12x12 ruler grid, and on the other side is a large form mat!!! So now you can stamp multiple projects at one time without losing the foam insert to your stamps! I love it!

This amazing double-sided mat is only $14.50!!!

    This mat is also a STEAL at only $14.50 through CTMH! If you don't have one already, you are going to want one! Believe me! I waited way too long to get one, and now I have no idea how I would craft without it! Get yours today on my online shopping site, and start crafting with ease in no time!

    Hope you all are having a great start to the week! Until next time:

Here's to life, love, and creativity!

Introducing the Artfully Sent Cricut Collection

The wait is finally over, friends! The brand new Artfully Sent Cricut Collection was officially released yesterday! I am so excited to finally see this cartridge and have a chance to play with it! You are going to love this Cricut cartridge! Here are some projects you can make with this cartridge:

This collection comes with some amazing things! Here's what is included:

- over 400 unique and complete project templates
- over 700 images total
-  a coordinating alphabet stamp set
- a frames stamp set
- a phrases stamp set
- a full pack of white daisy cardstock to kick start your card making projects!

This entire collection is only $99 (which is a steal), and is a must have for any type of crafter! Did you know that you can even cut Picture My Life cards from this cartridge? Amazing! I can't wait to get my hands on this collection and start playing with all the fun functions and images!

DEAL ALERT!!!! DEAL ALERT!!!

Would you like to get your hands on this collection, too? It's super easy! You can order it and have it shipped directly to you from my online shop!

Would you also like to receive over $40 in FREE products for ordering your Artfully Sent Cricut Collection this month? Duh!! Right?? Here's what you do:

- Sign up for my brand new Candid Cricut Club starting this month (it's completely FREE to sign up).
- Then order your own Artfully Sent Cricut Collection!
- Once you are signed up and ordered, I will contact you to choose your freebies from my Anniversary promotion and my new Cricut Club member promotion both going on this month!

Email me today to sign up for the club, and start shopping for all your freebies right away! It's the perfect month to take advantage of this amazing offer!

I also have Crafting with Cricut Class coming up on September 24th from 6-8pm! All Candid Cricut Club members get to attend for FREE, and we will be exploring and playing with the new Artfully sent cartridge for the evening! So please come join us for a fun night of creating, crafting, and Cricut! Feel free to invite friends and pass along the club information! I love meeting new people that love their Cricut as much as I do!

Have a wonderful weekend, everyone, and happy crafting! Until next time:

Here's to life, love, and creativity!