January Newsletter

   Happy New Year, everyone! I hope you all had a wonderful holiday season and are enjoying the start of a new year!

   We were busy this holiday season with Ian working and then traveling to my family's Christmas over New Year's. We're back, though, and starting to tackle taking down the decorations and cleaning the house (a larger task when you have a little guy on the move).

   January is National Papercrafting Month, and there's a lot going on this month with CTMH! You definitely don't want to miss these steals and deals! Check it out by clicking the link below to access my monthly newsletter!

Click here to access my January Newsletter!!!

   I told you it was exciting! Let me know if I can help you score any of these deals for yourself this month! In the meantime, I hope you're getting some crafty time in! I know I'm itching to get back in my craft room for sure! It's been way too long! Until next time:

Here's to life, love, and creativity!

CTMH Updates!!

   Happy Friday, everyone! Today I head down in Wisconsin for my cousin's graduation party and for my baby shower this weekend. I am looking forward to celebrating our little guy yet again this month with family and friends! I think he's definitely loved already!

   Before I go, though, I have some updates to share with you from CTMH! I have a lot to share, so without further delay...here ya go:

Updated "While Supplies Last":

   Yesterday, CTMH updated their clearance items on my Online Shopping site! There are a lot of new and exciting items discounted to sell, and believe me you don't want to miss out on some of these goodies!

Here's just a few of the new items added to the "While Supplies Last" section on my Online Shopping site!

August's New Product Release:  

   Another exciting announcement I have for you today is the unveiling of August's stamp-of-the-month! The current Annual Inspirations and Seasonal Expressions II Idea Books have been extended to stay live until September 1st! However, the Annual book does not have an August SOTM to show you! Well CTMH released the August SOTM for everyone to see so that we can plan our orders ahead of time for this special $5 stamp set!

   The August SOTM is called "Framed" and it has 12 awesome images to use on all your projects and designs. Here's a picture of the August SOTM:

   Isn't this awesome?? I love how versatile it is and all the fun fonts it has! I can't wait to start creating with this awesome stamp set, and I think you're going to love it, too!

   In August, CTMH will also be releasing a new paper pack as well! I have no idea what it looks like or what colors it has, but I am excited that CTMH is accommodating the extended amount of time the Idea Books are live with extra product releases! I will make sure and keep you updated on the new paper pack in July as soon as images are released to us!

Unavailable Items:

   Have you checked out the list of retiring products yet? There's so many great things to scoop up from this list, but I have to tell you that some of it is already gone! Here are the products that are no longer available and have sold out:

Z1296    Distressing Inks                

Z1342    Dark Chocolate Faux Leather Album       

Z1473    White Daisy Die-Cut Cards          

Z1823    My Creations Clear Treat Tubes                

Z1942    Picture My Life Avonlea               

Z2002    Topiary Washi Tape        

Z2042    My Crush In the Pink Assortment                            

Z4131    Exclusive Inks Organizer               

Z4132    Exclusive Inks Stamp Pad Tower
  
   There is still time to take advantage of the My Crush promotion going on this month. The "In the Pink" book is still available even though the "In the Pink" assortment has sold out. CTMH announced that when you purchase the "In the Pink" book and matching clips then you get the coordinating stamp set, "Glitter Glam", for FREE!! So there's still an opportunity to get this Crush book for yourself and score an awesome deal!


   That's it, everyone! Those are the updates I have for you before the weekend! If you have any questions or need anything, though, feel free to contact me! I would love to help you out! I hope you all have a great weekend, and until next time:

Here's to life, love, and creativity!

Quick Updates from CTMH

    Happy Friday to you! I hope you're enjoying the start to your month! Today I wanted to give you some quick updates from CTMH about new products available, the daily deal promotion, and more!! Here's the low down on all things CTMH this weekend:

April Constant Campaign: Deal of the Day

Spontaneity and surprise are the two key elements fueling the fun of April’s Deal of the Day campaign. Part of the fun of buying a grab bag is that you never know just what you are going to get! All you know is that you will be getting a great deal on a mix of new and retired Close To My Heart products—and everyone loves getting a good deal! The value of each grab bag varies with its price point, with some grab bags containing product valued at more than DOUBLE the price you pay! You can see the different price tiers that will be made available during the month and their average value under the "Steals & Deals" tab above!

Check my Online Shopping Page or my Facebook Business page each day at 4:00 pm (CST) to see the new deal price, which will be available for 24 hours or while supplies last. Keep in mind that while each day’s deal will feature grab bags at the same price tier, there will be a variety of grab bags available at that price. This means that you may purchase multiple grab bags on a single day and get different products in each one.

To trigger each day’s deal, simply place any retail-priced item in your shopping cart. You will then be able to add your desired number of grab bags to your online order. Although the grab bag purchases don’t contribute toward Hostess Rewards totals, they will count toward earning the Stamp of the Month, which just adds even more value to the order! April is the month for great deals, so be sure you make the most of this dynamic, daily promotion!


Slate Circles and Cocoa Damask My Legacy™ Albums

The My Legacy Slate Circles and Cocoa Damask post-bound albums are now available to order, and the D-ring varieties will be available beginning next week. As CTMH corporate reviewed the albums, they noticed that the manufacturer placed an old label with the incorrect item number on them. The correct item numbers are those listed on page 34 of Seasonal Expressions 2 and on my Online Shopping Page. These are the item numbers you should use when placing orders for these albums, even though the item number will appear differently on the packaging of the album you receive.

Jackson and Blossom Collections in Studio J

CTMH experienced some technical difficulties adding the new Jackson and Blossom kits to Studio J, but the issue has been resolved and the kits are now available! Enjoy creating with the newest paper designs in Studio J!


Seasonal Expressions 1 Product Availability

It has been determined that there is enough inventory left of some of the products that were retired from the Seasonal Expressions I Idea Book! These items will continue to be orderable through the "While Supplies Last" section of my Online Shopping Site at their regular retail price.

This means that you can score some of your favorite embellishments from the SE I book, and be eligible for the daily deal grab bag all in one order! Make sure and score these awesome goodies today while they're still available!

Current Items on Back Order

The following two items are currently on back order until the middle of April:

Z3014   Seaside Assortment
Z334     12 x 12 Paper Organizer

Let me know if you are needing either of these items, and I will contact you when they become available!


   Well I think that's all the updates that I have before the weekend! Have a great rest of your Friday, everyone, and I hope you get a chance to get crafty this weekend! Until next time:

Here's to life, love, and creativity!

Introducing Daily Deals in April!!

   Happy Wednesday everyone! It's no April Fools joke that today is the first day of April's Daily Deals! You can get all the information and more steals and deals for the month in my newsletter! You can check it out here:

Candid Correspondence: April Newsletter

   Have fun scoring amazing deals on CTMH products this month! If you have any questions or need help placing your grab bag orders, please let me know! I would love to help! Happy Shopping, and until next time:

Here's to life, love, and creativity!

Retiring Stamp Sets

   Good Morning, everyone! I hope you all are enjoying your week so far! Today I wanted to share with you some exclusive CTMH news! This week I found out the stamp sets that will be retiring at the end of the month!

   Stamp sets are only active for a year's time (unless they are Cricut compatible stamp sets....those never retire)! So it's time to say goodbye to the following stamps in 2015:

A couple of my absolute must haves from this list include: "A Tree", "Love Doily", and "You're the Best"

I love love love our mini stamps! So my must haves from this list are the "Perfect Polka-Dot Day", "Balloons", and "Good job Stencil"! However, all of these sets are adorable and will be missed!

   All of these soon-to-be-retired stamp sets can be seen on my Online Shopping Site for easy reference and a super easy shopping experience, but act quickly to get your favorites because they will no longer be available after January 31st!

   Also note, the brand new rolling tote and shoulder bag are in stock right now, too! I received my set before Christmas, and absolutely LOVE them! Together they hold so much stuff! They're the perfect size for all my necessities,  and they're super cute, too! So make sure and check those out while you're shopping online as well!

    Don't forget that when you shop online you have access to CTMH's clearance items! These are retired items that you no longer can order from the Idea Books, but you can get your favorites for deep discounted prices! It's one of my favorite things to check when shopping online with CTMH! Here's a peek at the items currently in the "While Supplies Last" section:

   Last, but not least, I wanted to let you know that the White Shimmer Trim is currently unavailable! It's been a hot item since its release in December, and I am not surprised that inventory went quickly! I will keep you all updated when this item is officially back in stock, but it looks like new inventory should be coming in yet this week! So hopefully you won't have to wait long!

   I think that's everything I have for you today! If you have any questions or need help getting the goodies you would like this month, please let me know! I would love to help you out! Have fun shopping for your favorites, and until next time:

Here's to life, love, and creativity!

Happy Belated Thanksgiving

   Happy Belated Thanksgiving, everyone! I hope this finds you all enjoying your long weekend! I am still in Southern Wisconsin this weekend, and enjoying all the family time this week! It has been a really wonderful visit!

   Can you believe that it's the last day of November already? I cannot! I feel like we just had Halloween, and now we're fully in the Christmas holiday season! Yikes!

   Well being that today is the last day of the month, it is also the last day to take advantage of all the wonderful CTMH deals going on this month!

   The biggest deal you still have time to take advantage of today is the Studio J $5 layout special! You do not want to miss out on this amazing deal! You have until 11:59pm (MST) to get all your layouts finished and submitted for only $5 each!

   I worked on a few Studio J layouts this month! I made 3 layouts of my newest nephew, Jaz, using the "Wishes and Fishes-Boy" collection! I love how these pictures from July worked perfectly with this paper collection! Here are the 3 layouts I made using Studio J pre-designed layouts and sketches:

   I have some little boy embellishments that I bought when we found out my sister was having a boy, so I will add those here and there on a couple of these layouts for added dimension and texture. I love that I can make these digital layouts as detailed or simple as I want! It's so much fun to play with!

   I also printed a bunch of photos from my phone in Studio J! Phone cameras are getting really nice, but they still do not "blow-up" to a good 4x6 size without distortion. So I printed a bunch of my nephew and niece in the perfect 3x4 size! These will be perfect to use on Christmas brag books, 2015 calendars, and so much more! Here's an example of what it looks like when it prints from Studio J:

   The last project I worked on this month was my Christmas cards! I used the Snowhaven paper collection, a couple photos of Ian and I and our dog, Boji, from this year, and some simple embellishments to make a really nice 5x7 Christmas photo collage! In the blank space I had left, I added extra Snowhaven embellishments that I can cut out and use on gifts, tags, and other Christmas decor! Here's how it turned out:

    My Christmas cards end up being less than $0.80 when I print them like this! It's the perfect deal! Plus I love that I am getting all the extra embellishments, too! When I design invitations or Christmas cards in Studio J, I use the "No Limits" collection that I talked about last week! It's perfect for making your 12x12 layout look however you would like, and with as many layers and details as you would like! It's awesome!

   Make sure and finish those layouts today, friends, and get your awesome digital layouts processed before midnight! Also, remember that all orders placed have a chance of winning a brand new CTMH Canvas-coated album! Plus if you post your jpegs (free with your order) to CTMH's Facebook and/or Instagram accounts using the #ctmhlucky5 tag, you also have a chance to win a new album, too! So get those orders in, and good luck scoring a new album!

   The other deals to take advantage of include the super cute November SOTM: It's the Little Things for only $5 with any $50 purchase, and the new items in the "While Supplies Last" section of the Online Shop!

Mini card made using the November SOTM! This card was scraplifted from Vicki Wizniuk.

While Supplies Last items in my Online Shop! These are limited time only so get them while you can!

   I think that's everything for today! Make sure and check your email later today to get all the details on tomorrow's new specials and an exclusive Cyber Monday steal! Until next time:

Here's to life, love, and creativity!

Brrrr....November's Here

   I hope you all are staying warm on the 1st day of November! Brrr brr brr! We haven't had any snow like some of you, but I know it's coming.....and all too soon!

   Last night's trick-or-treating went really well! We were told our house was the "best" in the neighborhood, and second best in Hastings (although we didn't get to see the "spook house" to see which one some kids were calling the best)! It was cold, but most of the kids came out early and went home before 8pm. We definitely didn't have as many kids as we usually do , but we still had a decent turn out (maybe a little less than 100 kids)!

 

   We had the outdoor speakers set up, too, and played spooky music during the trick-or-treating! It was super fun! I didn't get all the little things done that I wanted to for decorating, but it still turned out pretty awesome! 

   Well with a new month upon us I have a ton of amazing things to share with you: new specials, new products, giveaways, and so much more! Let's jump right in, shall we?

  

November Stamp-of-the-Month: It's the Little Things!

   A new month means a new SOTM! This month's SOTM is called "It's the Little Things", and it features perfect images to layer, fussy cut, and create backgrounds on all your projects! I love how versatile this stamp set is and how simple and beautiful the handwritten phrases are on this set!

   This stamp set is only $5 with any $50 purchase this month! Check out some of the SOTM artwork to get inspired:

Card scraplifted from Vicki Wizniuk of Wizard's Hangout.

Studio J Anniversary Sale!!!

 
   November marks the five-year anniversary of Studio J, CTMH's digital memory keeping program, and that means it’s your lucky month! There are five amazing ways to win through Studio J and Close To My Heart social media this month!
 

5 LUCKY WAYS TO WIN BIG:  

1.) Throughout the month of November, all layouts purchased in Studio J are only $5! That's over 25% off!

2.) Your second chance to win big must come by sheer luck: every fifth order placed in Studio J during November receives a FREE surprise Close To My Heart accessory in its shipping box! The accessory has a retail value of $5 or more!

Could be any accessory! Surprises are so fun aren't they???

 

3.) If luck doesn’t smile on you in that way, you might stumble upon it by finding a little extra something in your Studio J box. Five “golden tickets” will be sent out during the month of November with randomly selected Studio J print orders! This “golden ticket” is redeemable for one of Close To My Heart’s new D-ring albums* loaded with 10 Top Load Memory Protectors. 

4.) For a fourth way to win, simply create new, gorgeous layouts in Studio J, select your favorites, and then post pictures of them on Close To My Heart’s Facebook page using the hashtag #ctmhlucky5. After November 30, five lucky winners will be selected from the entries based on their artistry and creativity. Each of these winners will receive their own D-ring album loaded with 10 Top Load Memory Protectors!

 

5.) The last way to win is to take your new Studio J artwork and post a picture of it on Instagram using the hashtag #ctmhlucky5. Just as it is with Facebook, after November 30, five lucky winners will be selected from the entries to receive their own D-ring album loaded with 10 Top Load Memory Protectors!

    And to make things even more exciting, starting November 1, five brand new kits from the Annual Inspirations Idea book will be made available in Studio J, so you can create new artwork using the latest papers and embellishments from Close To My Heart. With so many ways to win, five may be your new lucky number! Log in to Studio J and start creating today!!!

*Offer valid November 1–30, 2014. Pattern and color of new D-ring album to be given to winners will be at Close To My Heart’s discretion based upon availability. New kits available in Studio J® on November 1 include Confetti Wishes, Snowhaven, Seaside, Pathfinding, and Scaredy Cat. No tax or shipping will be charged on the free item(s). Studio J layouts ship in a protected box that can hold 4 to 50 two-page layouts.

Close to My Heart 's Clearance Items now Updated: 

CTMH just released new products in their While Supplies Last section! Shop early and shop fast for the best selection because these new items will not last long!

Shop these items and more in my Online Store!!!

 

New Products in November: 

   This month is jam packed with so many awesome new things! Not only are there new Steals and Deals this month, but there are also new products! Starting this month you can take advantage of being one of the first to get these newly released products:

 

Picture My Life A la Carte:

      
   Starting November 1st you can now get any of the Picture My Life kits a la carte style! This means you can purchase just the pack of 4x6 and 3x4 cards without having to get the page protectors and cover page, too!

   The new a la carte option includes 122 pre-printed, beautiful cards in both 4x6 and 3x4 sizes, and is only $14.95!!! Check out all the Picture My Life kits and cards on Candid Crafter's Online Shopping Site today! 

New Albums in D-ring and Post Bound Styles:

   They are finally approved and being shipped for availability as we speak! The brand new CTMH albums are gorgeous and the perfect addition to the memory keeping family! I think you all are going to love these! There are 3 new designs to choose from: Lagoon Chevron, Ruby Floral, and Black! They are all canvas covered, 1 1/2" non-expandable, durable albums that are sure to excite any memory keeper's style! 

   I do not have an official release date yet, but CTMH has assured us that they will be available for purchase this month! So keep your eyes open and check back here often for updates!

 

 

Organizational Must-Haves:

 

   Starting in mid-November, CTMH is releasing a brand-new rolling tote and matching shoulder bag for all your organizational needs! I cannot wait to get my hands on these awesome new additions!

   The rolling tote is designed to store the CTMH Organizers in the center, 12x12 products in the front pocket, and other small tools, adhesives, and products in the side pockets! However, the possibilities are endless! It's durable material and functional storage make it the perfect addition for crafting on the go!

 

   The shoulder bag complements the rolling tote perfectly! It has the same style and durable material, but in a shoulder bag option! It's big enough to fit all your 12x12 projects, kits, and books, but also has room to store your embellishments, tools, and so much more! This super cute bag will be available at the same time the rolling tote is available, and believe me.....you're going to want both!

 

Upcoming Workshops, Classes, & Crops:

 

Christmas Card Buffet Part II

    
   Back by popular demand....the Christmas Card Buffet is here and with new cards added! Come create as many Christmas cards (fall, everyday, and spring ones, too) as you can in 2 hours for only $12!!!

    This awesome workshop will be on November 5th from 12-2pm or 6-8pm! You can sign up for whichever works with your schedule!

    I am suggesting that each regular attendee bring their own "Basic Workshop Kit" with them since I have limited supplies. A list of the "Basic Workshop Kit" can be found on my blog and on the event page (or you can contact me with questions)!

   Please RSVP NOW for the return of this fun and exciting workshop! Feel free to invite friends and family, but please make sure they RSVP, too! This is a popular workshop, and will fill up fast!

 

Regina Craft Fair: 

   I will have a booth at the Regina Craft Fair the weekend of November 13-15th! I will be there from 7AM-4PM on Thursday and Friday, and from 9AM-4PM on Saturday!

   I will be selling homemade paper crafts like Christmas cards, home decor, mini albums, and lots of other fun goodies! I will also have some of most recent projects on display to show off upcoming workshops and classes!

   The Craft Fair is located in the Chapel Lobby at 1175 Nininger Road in Hastings, MN, and is FREE to attend! So come stop by and see me and check out all the fun projects I have!

Crafting with Cricut

   The next Crafting with Cricut Class will be November 14th from 6:30-8:30pm at my house in Hastings, MN! We will be exploring and combining Artbooking and Artfully Sent in this exciting new workshop!

   Please bring your Cricut Expression, laptop, cords and plug-ins, Cricut mat, Cricut spatula, adhesive of your choice, and a pair of scissors! A complete supply list will be updated on the Facebook page closer to the class!

   This class will fill up quickly so please RSVP by November 7th to save your seat! I can't wait to see you there!

Seasonal Expressions I Preview Party:

   It's almost here! The Seasonal Expressions Idea Book is set to release December 1st, but here's your chance to get a glimpse at this amazing new supplemental book before it goes live to the public!

   This book has 40 pages packed with all new products, tools, and fun new collections! You're going to LOVE all the new items this book has to offer!

   The Seasonal Expressions Preview Party will be November 19th from 12-2pm and again from 6-8pm at my house in Hastings, MN! This event is FREE and will showcase the new products, show off fun new artwork, and will have a FREE make-n-take featuring the new products from the book!

   You definitely do not want to miss this special event! Invite your friends and family along, too! Tis the season to be sharing! I can't wait to see you all there!

   Please RSVP by November 12th to get your preview spot set!!

   Whew!!! I think that's everything! November is an awesome month, and you definitely do not want to miss out on any of the amazing things going on this month! Let me know if you have any questions or need assistance placing your CTMH orders this month!

   Have a great weekend, everyone, and 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!