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!

Artwork Spotlight: Seaside Layouts

   Happy Monday, everyone! I hope you all are enjoying the last Monday of April so far! I can't believe May is around the corner! Where does the time go??

   Today I would like to share some recent projects that I have been working on! I was able to get away to a scrappers retreat last weekend, and I worked on a lot of layouts! I am a slow crafter, but was pleased with myself for getting 12 pages done in 3 days! I started a couple other layouts before packing up, and made a couple cards, too! So pretty productive weekend for me!

   Because this month I am featuring the Seaside paper pack and embellishments in my workshops and classes, I decided to use up the rest of my Seaside kit and make some more layouts! I was able to make 5 two-page spreads with my WOTG, complements, and assortment! Here's what I completed:

I scraplifted this layout directly from Dana Kessler of "Scraptabulous Designs"! She inspires me in so many ways, and I love her creative and eye catching layouts!

I created this layout using a couple of the Seaside PML cards and some of my scrap pieces of Seaside paper and complements! I scraplifted the idea from Pinterest, but do not know the original designer.

I got the idea for this layout using the How-to Book "Reflections" by CTMH. I used pattern 2d and 10c in the book to help me plan my project! I also used a couple pieces from the Wildwood Assortment pack to embellish this page!

This is the Alternate layout that you can get instructions for when you purchase the Seaside WOTG kit! I wanted to include more pictures and embellishments on mine, so I spruced it up a bit to my liking!

Lastly, this is the layout I taught at my Cricut classes this month! I used Artbooking for all the Cricut cuts, and distressed in Desert Sand ink! When I took this picture, though, not everything was glued down yet. Oh well...you get the idea! I even came up with a "new" stamping technique for this layout! Check out the instructions below:

   To get the same look on the title as I did on the Cricut layout this is what you'll need to do:

1.) Pick out a light or medium tone color for the title. I used Sorbet for this stamp image.
2.) Now pick out a neutral complement to "weather" the main ink down. I used Desert Sand for this title.
3.) Ink your stamp in your base or main color completely.
4.) Now dust or sparingly add your neutral over top of your main color.
5.) Stamp on your scrap piece of paper or project, fussy cut (if desired), and adhere.

   I call this technique weathering an image. Sorbet was too bright and light of a color for the theme of this page. So I distressed it or "weathered" it to make it fit the rest of the motif! It tones it down more than the "rock n roll" technique, but yet you see both colors when it's stamped! It reminds me of weathered wood, so that's where I came up with the name! Not sure if it's a new technique or not, but I'm going to say it is! ;)

   I love this paper! It's so summery and beachy! Definitely gets me in the mood for some summer fun! You still have time to order your Seaside paper pack this month to play along with me and get inspired, too! Just let me know if you need help placing your order! Have a great rest of your week, and until next time:

Here's to life, love, and creativity!

Tuesday Tidbit: Artfully Sent Pocket Function

   It's already time for another Tuesday Tidbit! I am LOVING this warmer weather that we're having today! It's suppose to get up to 61 degrees here in Hastings today! Woohoo! I am hoping I can get my puppy out for a nice walk and soak up that sunshine!

   Today I want to share another awesome video demonstrating the Artfully Sent cricut cartridge! Today's video is about the Pocket function key! This is an awesome key for all of you Picture My Life scrapbookers! There are so many options and fun cards to create on this key! Check it out for yourself:

   Do you need to get your hands on your own Artfully Sent Collection? You can shop my Online Page now and get all of March's deals and steals as well! Have a great rest of your week, friends, and until next time:

Here's to life, love, and creativity!

Capture the Love

   Happy Wednesday, everyone!I hope you all are having a great week so far! Today I want to share a project with you all that I made using the new Heartstrings Picture My Life collection and the new Kraft mini album (both from the Seasonal Expressions Idea Book)!

   Some of you may have seen this cute little album during my Preview Party in November/December, but I wanted to show off the details and talk about the embellishments a little bit more today! Plus I wanted to show off the paper-pack-of-the-month, Heartstrings, on a few more of my projects!

   The new Heartstrings Paper Pack goes perfectly with the My Crush "In the Pink" book and accessories! These mini albums are perfect for using up extra Picture My Life cards, too! The possibilities are endless, but I hope you enjoy looking at the project I came up with!

Kraft Mini Album Cover decorated with Slate diagonal ribbon, 2 Heartstrings PML cards, a pink puffy heart from the Chalk it Up Assortment, and a clip and paper flag from the "In the Pink" accessories for the My Crush line.

The Inside cover was decorated with Heartstrings paper, an "In the Pink" envelope from the My Crush Assortment pack, stickers from the same assortment, and Pink Flamingo enamel dots.

I added Heartstrings PML cards throughout the mini album which has protectors in both 3x4 and 4x6 sizes. Then I added some cute photos of my niece and nephew from this last year!

The 3x4 photos were printed in Studio J and cut apart from the 12x12 sheet! This was an easy and fast way to get all the pictures off my phone and computer, but also get them in a smaller size that does not distort the image.

The back inside cover I decorated with another piece of Heartstrings paper and a couple strips of Slate washi tape. I didn't journal or embellish the cards on the inside of the album, but that's the next step! In total this project took less than an hour to complete!

   This book works well as a brag book in your purse or bag, and also works as a coffee table display album! Either way, you're going to love this little project! Grab your supplies and start getting crafty, friends!

   If you need any of the supplies I used to complete your own Kraft Mini Album, visit my Online Shopping Site today and start shopping!

   Have a wonderful day, friends, and 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!

Farwell August

    Another month of the summer is on its way out! Many of you have already returned to school, but some of the schools in my area go back this week! I cannot even fathom that it's already that time of year! Whew...it goes fast!

    Today I want to share a monthly wrap up with you all as we say goodbye to August! First up are a couple cards that I made for my mom and dad's birthdays this month! These were super fun to make, and really easy to execute! Check it out:

I tore this paper out of the new My Crush "In the Pink" book! I then cut it down to size, and used it as my card background. I stamped the frame from the "Have a Happy Day" stamp set in Glacier ink. The 'Happy Birthday' sentiment came from the "Belated Birthday" stamp set.

I added Liquid Glass to the edges of the largest flower to make it "pop"

The inside of my mom's card

For my dad's card I used the back of the same My Crush book paper, a scrap piece from the "Paper Fundamentals: Basics" pack, the new "Slate Diagonal Striped" ribbon, the new "Black Arrows" washi tape, and the new "Topiary Striped" washi tape. The burst image came from one of the "Artiste Cricut Collection" stamp sets, and was stamped in Olive ink. The birthday sentiment came from the "You Mean the World to Me" stamp set.

On the inside of my dad's card I wanted the phrase to stand out a little more. So I first stamped the phrase in Olive. Then I re-stamped the phrase in Black and a little off set. This image came from the "Belated Birthday" stamp set.

    A couple weekends ago, I hosted another "Scrap Your Stash" event at my house! It's a super busy time of year so I didn't have many that could come, but a friend of mine came and we had a girls day getting projects done!

    I worked on my upcoming "Christmas Card Buffet" workshop for September, and Terry worked on layouts! We had a wonderful lunch (thanks again, Terry), good conversation, and fun creative time! I cannot wait to do it again soon (and hopefully with more of you ladies in attendance)!

    I hope you all can join me for the next Scrap Your Stash event in October called Croptoberfest! I will be posting more details on this upcoming event later in September, but save-the-date now for October 25th! Trust me...you don't want to miss this fun all day fall crop!

    Also, since it's the end of the month! You all have less than 24 hours to take advantage of August's awesome steals and deals! Here's a refresher for those of you that might have missed it:

August SOTM: What a Hoot

   August's SOTM is called What a Hoot! and it features super cute owls and phrases perfect for this fall's events! This month only you can get this amazing stamp set for only $5 with a qualifying purchase! This is too cute to pass up, so get yours today!

A fun card that I made during Barbra Otten's card workshop!

Another cute card using the SOTM, more of the same My Crush paper, and Chalk It Up papers!

Picture Perfection Promotion

    I love this next promotion! During the month of August, when you purchase any one of the 13 available "Picture My Life" Scrapbooking programs for $24.95, you are automatically eligible to add your choice of any 1 of the 8 qualifying Memory Protector 10-packs for only $3 ! This is such an awesome deal! You can get 122 double-sided cards (in 3"x4" and 4"x6" sizes), 1 matching designer cover sheet, and 20 Memory Protectors for only $27.95!!!

    Ladies, now is the time to stock up on these awesome kits! Check out the 5 new Picture My Life Scrapbooking programs in the Annual Inspirations book, or choose from any of the 8 existing PML programs. You're sure to find something that's perfect for you! Contact me today to get started with Picture My Life! 

Pick any one of these 10 packs for only $3 this month!

    Here are a couple PML projects that I did this month for my engagement pictures (hey...it's only been two years....that's a new record for me!!):

A 12x12 picture that I cut apart and put into a pocket page protector! I then cut the adhesive off a new 3x4 flip flap, put the 3x4 sparkler picture in it, and popped that section of the photo up with foam tape. Then I cut the title out of a 4x6 card from the "For Always" collection, glued it to the negative space of my photo, and added a couple black flourishes on top of the page protector! I love the simplicity and clean lines of this layout! 

Two more PML pages complete using the "For Always" collection! I love how fast and easy these came together! I added just a little extra embellishing with some Chalk It Up Assortment hearts!

The fourth PML layout page of my engagement pictures using more "For Always" cards and Chalk It Up Assortment hearts. In total it took me less than an hour to complete all 4 pages! :) I love quick projects!

    The last couple reminders I have for you all today are a couple reminders from my events calendar! If you have not seen my fall promotion for "Pick Your Party", definitely check it out now! It's an amazing deal, and a great way to stock up on all these new products!

Pick Your Party Promotion from Candid Captures

     I have the perfect solution for you this fall! It's called "Pick Your Party", and it's a special promotion that Candid Captures is offering during the months of August-October only! Here are the details you need to know to take advantage of this amazing new special:

• Host a workshop sometime during the months of August-October
• Choose the style of workshop you would like to have: Online or In-home (can be at your house or mine!)
• Choose the type of workshop you would like to have: Scrapbooking/Memory Keeping, Cardmaking, or Home Decor

Here are the amazing benefits of being a host at one of my workshops:

• When you host a workshop during the months of August-October, you automatically qualify for a NEW paper collection of your choice with matching complements!
• The night of your workshop you get to choose a surprise grab bag containing new products!
• You will make a FREE project the night of your workshop!
• You will receive the new Annual Inspirations Idea Book for FREE!
• The chance to receive exclusive stamp sets only available to hosts
• The chance to receive FREE and DISCOUNTED Close to My Heart products of your choice with CTMH's exclusive hostess rewards program!
• AND so much more!!!

  So don't delay! My calendar will fill up fast for these next 3 months, but I want to make sure I see you on it! Get a hold of me to start scheduling your workshop today!

September's Workshop Wednesday: Christmas Card Buffet!!!

    My Annual Christmas Card workshop is back, but with a fun and exciting new twist! This year you get to create as many Christmas cards (and other fall cards) as you can in 2 hours for only $12!!! That's right! You get to choose which cards you work on, and you get to work at your own pace! 

 

    There will be 25 different cards to choose from, and you have the full 2 hours to get as many of them done as you can! This awesome new workshop will be held September 10th from 12-2pm and again from 6-8pm at my house in Hastings, MN! The cost is only $12, and you will walk away with beautiful, finished Christmas cards! 

    I am suggesting that each 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 (under the Event Calendars tab) and on my Facebook page (or you can contact me with questions)! 

    Please RSVP by September 3rd for this awesome new workshop, and I cannot wait to see you all there!

Featured Paper Pack-of-the-Month: Chalk It Up

    Lastly, I want to show you all the projects I did using the featured paper pack-of-the-month, "Chalk It Up"! I love this paper pack! The colors are fantastic, and the designs are super fun to play with! Plus it's perfect for back-to-school time! Here are my projects from this month using this awesome new paper pack:

WOTG Chalk It Up Scrapbooking Kit Layout #1 using the Cricut Artbooking Cartridge

WOTG Chalk It Up Scrapbooking Kit Layout #2. I altered this layout for larger pictures on the left-hand side. I used the Reflections How-to book to pick a different layout design to go along with the right-hand side.

This is one of the 2 page layouts that we made at Convention this year! I love the simplicity and colors of this layout. We used "Chalk It Up" and "Wanderful" papers, and the following stamp sets: "Happy Birds", "Have a Happy Day", and "Here We Go".

The FREE make-n-take project I had at the Annual Inspirations Preview Party. This fun little project is a gift card holder which was perfect for back-to-school gifts!

The next few pictures are glimpses of the Chalk It Up Picture My Life Mini Album that we made at Convention, too! I showed this off in a previous post, but wanted to show it off again since I was featuring this paper pack this month!

We used 4x6 PML cards, black cardstock, the Chalk it Up Assortment pack, and some stamping from the "Here We Go" stamp set!

Here's the Cricut shaped card I did for a card swap at my July Consultant Camp meeting. I used the WOTG Brushed Scrapbooking Kit stamp set for the title piece, Chalk it Up, Wanderful, and lots of new embellishments!

Here is the inside of the Cricut shaped card. The middle section folds up into a gift card holder, too! It was super easy to put together and decorate, and I love how it turned out!

    You still have time to get your hands on the "Chalk it Up" paper pack before school officially starts! If you have any questions on my projects or would like more information, please let me know! Otherwise, have a wonderful and safe Labor Day weekend, and I will see you tomorrow for a peek at what September has in store for us all! Until next time:

Here's to life, love, and creativity!