Make It Monday!

   I fly out to Salt Lake City tomorrow afternoon for the CTMH Convention! I am SOOO very excited for this! We get to tour the home office this year, I am participating in the Layout Contest, and we get to see the brand new Annual Inspirations Idea Book and all the new products early! Eeeeek! This is my absolute favorite time of year! 

   Before I go, though, I want to close out the month with a bang and show you the last layout using the No Worries Workshop Your Way kit! I really really loved playing with this kit, and have a TON of papers left over still after creating 4 layouts and a few cards! I will definitely be using up all my scraps from this collection and making more artwork soon!

   This layout was inspired by a sketch in the Magic How-to Book (currently on the retiring list...so get a copy for yourself NOW) pages 54-55! 

   I used the Palm tree paper (front and back) and the whitewashed woodgrain paper to create this layout. I then embellished it was die-cuts and stickers from the matching Complements pack. The very thin stripe pieces on both pages is actually part of the negative print leftover on the sticker carrier sheet! I just fussy cut it, cut them down, and used them as banners to complete the look.

   This section of the layout is my favorite, though! The date stamp and this "Relax!" sentiment came from the No Worries-Scrapbooking stamp set in the Seasonal Expressions II Idea Book. I stamped the date stamp using Slate ink, but for the Relax stamp I used a fun blending technique so that it would match some of the other Complements from this collection (see below).

   I used Glacier, Sweet Leaf, and Cashmere inks to create this effect on the stamp with Sponge Daubers! I added the Cashmere first on just the top. Then I added the Glacier along the bottom, and last I blended them using Sweet Leaf in the middle. I love how this turned out, and it matches the stickers pretty good I think! 
   I then added some doodle lines around the stamped area to give it a set apart look from the page, and TA-DA.....done! This layout didn't take long at all to complete, and I love the simple yet elegant look of it!

   I hope you get to try this stamping technique for yourself on your next project! I would love to see how it turns out for you! Enjoy the rest of your week, and I'll be excited to share all the new stuff I learned at Convetion once I'm back! Until next time:

Here's to life, love, and creativity!

June Newsletter

   Summer is almost here, and CTMH is sizzling hot with some awesome sales this month! Get all the details by clicking on my newsletter below!

Click here to view June 2017 Newsletter

   Let me know if you have any questions, need to sign up for a workshop, or just want to share your crafty creations! Have a great month, and until next time:

Here's to life, love, and creativity!

FLASH SALE!!!

CTMH is having a 24 hour Flash Sale starting today at 4pm (CST)!

There will be bundles of product from the Annual Inspirations and the Seasonal Expressions II Idea Books, and each of these is 30% off the retail! How awesome is that??

Shop early for best selection because at these prices these bundles go super fast! Once 4pm hits, go to my Online Shopping Site, click on Promotions, and start shopping for your favorites! Have fun, and score some great deals! Until next time:

Here's to life, love, and creativity!

Make It Monday

   Welcome back to Make It Monday! Have you been getting crafty for the holidays this month? Are you crafting for you or for others? I typically do more crafting for others this time of year, but I am hoping to squeeze in some time for my projects soon!

   Today I want to share another layout with you, but this one is for Christmas pictures! I used the Workshops Your Way: City Sidewalks Kit to complete this layout. However, I modified the original layout and sketch to make it my own. This is layout #2 from the WYW kit:

   Now here is my take on this sketch:

   I took the original sketch and rotated it outward (the bottom of the sketch now became the sides). I don't typically use a lot of 2x2 or 3x3 sized pictures so I also modified the picture sizes on my layout to use 4x6 and 3x4 pictures instead!

   Instead of the stripe paper I used the darker trees side, but kept all the other papers and colors the same. I moved the title to the bottom to accommodate my pictures better, too, and dovetailed all the pieces under the title piece. I added the glitter die-cut pieces from the City Sidewalks Complements pack, but still thought it needed something. So I decided to add some stamping! I used the Cozy Christmas stamp and Thin Cut Bundle to die-cut the trees and stamp them for my pages. I used Willow and Lagoon inks for the trees, Chocolate ink for the bases, and Cranberry ink for the stars. Then I layered and adhered them to my pages. I think they added the perfect touch, and were super easy to do!

   What do you think of my modified layout? What's your favorite way to modify sketches given to you in the Workshop kits? Let me know if you have any questions about this project or about the products used! Remember, this WYW kit and coordinating embellishments and stamp sets retire at the end of this month! So make sure and gets yours before it's too late! I hope you have a very Merry Christmas, and until next time:

Here's to life, love, and creativity!

Black Friday CTMH Haul

   It's the eve before Winter Storm #2 of the year, and I decided to share a fun video with you all! I purchased a couple of the Black Friday bundles from CTMH this year, and got around to finally getting a video posted this week for you all to see what I received!

   I purchased 3 of the bundles, and am very pleased with all the products I got! Check out the video here or on my YouTube page.

   I hope you enjoyed seeing my Black Friday haul from CTMH! Were you able to score one for yourself? I would love to hear what you got!

   Stay safe this weekend if you're traveling, and until next time:

Here's to life, love, and creativity!

Make It Monday!

   Welcome back to Make It Monday! Sorry I have been MIA the last month with my blog posts. It has been very busy with traveling, craft fairs, and the holidays! I am slowly getting caught up, but wanted to share some holiday and winter projects with you before the holidays sneak by us!

   Today I want to share a layout I made using the Oh Deer paper pack by Close to My Heart. This layout was inspired by a Scrapbook Generations sketch that I made into a 2 page layout and modified! Here's what I came up with:

   I also offered the first page of this layout as a make-n-take at my Fall Retreat this past September/October! I used 1 full page of the branches and acorns paper, but cut it down to span the two pages. I then edged that paper with the matching zip strip from that sheet of paper. I used Sea Glass and Cocoa cardstock to mat my photos on the left-hand side and to edge my photos on top and bottom as seen on the right-hand page.

   All the pictures used were 4x6 so I didn't have to cut anything down! I also used Sea Glass glitter paper and the Snowflakes Thin Cuts (now sold out) to embellish the layout. For the title I used the Winter Thin Cut and a Cricut die-cut title from the new Flower Market Cartridge by CTMH. I like how the two different fonts work together even though they are from completely different products!

   On the left-hand side I stamped the journaling lines using the Capture This stamp set and Desert Sand ink. I then stamped the pine branches from the Perfectly Pine stamp set in Bamboo ink. On a separate scrap piece of White Daisy cardstock I stamped the pine cones in Cocoa and Desert Sand inks, and fussy cut them out to layer them over the stamped pine branches. I also added the berry branches in Ruby ink behind the pine cones. This was an extra fussy cut I had from the September stamp-of-the-month (now retired).

   I really like how quick and easy this layout came together, and the pictures of me and my niece from a couple years ago fit perfectly with the colors! If you have any questions about this layout or the products used, please let me know! The Oh Deer paper, Thin Cuts, and Perfectly Pine stamp set will all be retiring at the end of this month! So make sure and get yours before they sell out or before they retire! Until next time,

Here's to life, love, and creativity!

CTMH Updates!!

   Happy Pie Day, everyone! I am finally getting back into the blogging world! I know it's been awhile, but I have enjoyed being home with my little guy these last few months!

   With that said, I have some updates for you today! CTMH has a lot of things going on right now with new product about to be released, old product about to be retired, and awesome new inspirational videos for us to check out! Here's the quick scoop on what you should know:

1.) Low or No Inventory on Thin Cuts dies

   That's right! With the release of this brand new product, CTMH has had a very positive response to these fun new dies. However, that also means inventory difficulties before the end of the Seasonal Idea Book.

   The Springtime Wishes Thin Cuts are completely sold out. New inventory will not be offered for these dies due to the lengthy manufacturing and ordering process. These dies were set to retire with the Seasonal Book's retirement, but inventory sold quicker than expected! It goes to prove that if you really like a product, ordering it sooner rather than later is best in these Seasonal supplements!

   I also found out that the Spring Critters Thin Cuts inventory is very low, and most likely will be sold out before the end of April. If these thin dies are on your wish list, I would suggest ordering them ASAP before they're gone!

2.) New Workshops Your Way Videos are now available on YouTube!!!

   Are you a visual learner? Do you enjoy watching instructional videos rather than read a pamphlet?? Well CTMH has the perfect solution for you! CTMH has made Workshops Your Way videos to help guide you through the 3 new workshops from the Seasonal Book. Simply go onto YouTube, search Close to My Heart, and you will have access to these and so many more helpful videos! Go check it out now!

3.) New Stamp Policy!

   Some of you may have seen my newsletter or Facebook post about this, but it's really important and I thought I should revisit again on here!

   CTMH is revamping their stamp policy for when and how long stamp sets are available for purchase. Starting now, stamp sets featured in the current Idea Books will retire when those Idea Books retire. There are only a few select stamps that this will not apply. You can view which stamp sets will carry over on the Google Document I set up for you:

Stamp Sets not Retiring in 2016

   Let me know if you have any questions about this or any of the other updates I shared today! I hope you all had a great weekend, and are enjoying some pie today! Until next time:

Here's to live, love, and creativity!

March Newsletter

   Happy Leap Year, everyone! I hope you enjoyed your extra day in February, and maybe even got some crafting done as well!

   Stampaganza is back during the month of March, and I'm so excited! Now's the perfect time to stock up on your favorite stamp sets. Plus I mentioned new items retiring, and more information on next month's Scrap Your Stash Weekend Retreat! You can check it all out on my monthly newsletter below:

Click here to access my March Newsletter!!!

   If you have any questions or would like to sign up for any of my upcoming events, please contact me! I would love to help you out! Enjoy your first week of March, and until next time:

Here's to life, love, and creativity!

McQuistan Baby Month!!

   I can't believe it's already August! The countdown is on to meet our little one now, and I think we're just about prepped and ready for him! I apologize that I haven't been able to post as much artwork as before, but I just haven't had the chance to get creative lately at all! I am hoping that these next few days before baby can also be creative, relaxing sessions for mommy! :)

   Many of you have seen my newsletter already since you're on my newsletter mailing list (thank you for that!!)! For those of you that haven't heard of all the amazing things going on this month, you can check out my August newsletter below for all the inside scoop! Let me know if you have any questions or are ready to take advantage of these amazing August deals:

Candid Correspondence: August Newsletter

   If you didn't catch it in my newsletter, starting today you can view some of the new products that are now available by checking out my YouTube page! Here's the quick video I did showing off some of these amazing new items for all of you:

   I hope you enjoyed my exclusive video for you all, and, as always, if you have any questions, please do not hesitate to ask! Until next time:

Here's to life, love, and creativity!

More Retiring Products Added

   Good Afternoon! I hope this finds everyone doing well and enjoying the start to their week! I have family visiting from Washington state this week, and we are having fun relaxing and enjoying our time together! However, I wanted to take a quick minute out of the day to let you all know of some exciting announcements that CTMH sent to their consultants yesterday!

   There are more products that have been added to the "retiring items" list for this year! These additions include our current Base & Bling chains and pendants, selected inks and cardstocks, and our four current Cricut collections. Now I know what you're thinking........but don't worry! The collections are not going to be gone for good....they are just getting a mini makeover! Here's what I mean:

   These collections are being revamped to include colored cardstock in place of the dimensional elements, which requires a change in item number. Through August 31st, you can choose to order the "older versions" of the Cricut collections with their original embellishments included. After September 1st, however, the new Cricut collections will include cardstock sets instead!

   Now if you're like me and want to stock up on your favorite colors before they're gone, then you're going to want to pay attention! The Enchantment cardstock collection is also getting a makeover, and has 7 colors retiring from it's collection this year!

The colors that are retiring are:

Smokey Plum
Outdoor Denim
Indian Corn Blue
Ponderosa Pine
Olive
Autumn Terracotta
Barn Red

  
   This means that starting now these colors are on the "while supplies last" list. All of the ink pads, reinkers, and cardstock for each of these colors is only available for a limited time longer! If you need to stock up on your favorites, then now is the chance to do it! I cannot promise that they will be available long, though, so act fast and order yours today!

   I also have the new Annual Idea Book and Holiday Seasonal Book ordered to hand out to all of you, too! These books should be in and available to you mid-late August, but I will keep you posted and let you know when you can get your own copy from me!

   I am still taking reservations for personal workshops and classes this fall! My calendar is filling up fast, but if you would like to host your own workshop or class and earn FREE, brand new CTMH products from the new idea books, then contact me today!

   The next 5 people that host their own workshop or class this fall will receive a bonus hostess gift from me! So sign up with me today! I would love to help you earn some bonus freebies! I hope you all have a great rest of your week, and until next time:

Here's to life, love, and creativity!

July is here!

   July is officially here!! I hope you all are having a great 4th of July weekend! I have been busy busy busy getting our house back in order this weekend with my mom and hubby! My mom came up to help us now that our basement project is practically complete. We still have a few little things to do, but we were able to tackle a lot off our list this weekend!

   It's also the last month of my pregnancy! Yikes! It went so fast!! I can't believe it! I'm still feeling great and doing well. I haven't had that inevitable "sick of being pregnant" feeling yet, but I'm sure it's right around the corner!

   Well July is packed with all kinds of fun and exciting things from CTMH, and I don't want you to miss any of it! Check out my July newsletter, if you haven't already, to get all the news, steals, and deals! Just click on the link below to see the whole newsletter, and let me know if you have any questions or need help getting your hands on some CTMH goodies this month!

Candid Correspondence: July Newsletter

 
   CTMH Convention starts this week, too! So make sure and follow my Instagram, Facebook, and blog to get exclusive announcements on new products coming your way soon! I can't wait to see what CTMH has in store for us this fall! Until next time:

Here's to life, love, and creativity!

Artwork Spotlight: Blossom Layout #3

   It's the last weekend of June and I have one more Blossom layout to share with you today! Today's layout is a one-page spread that was also a promotional kit for anyone that hosted a CTMH party with me last month! The hosts received this kit and all the pre-cut supplies needed to put this fun layout together when I gave them their hostess gift bags!

   I used a sketch from "Scrapbook Generations: One-page Sketches" book Volume 2. I love these inspirational sketches! They always get my creative juices flowing so much faster when I start creating (especially if I haven't created in awhile).

   For this page I used Kraft cardstock as my base. Then I cut a piece of Blossom paper for the main strips in the background. I even used the super cute, striped zip-strip from the top of my paper! I used my Cricut Explore to weld and cut the notebook edge border from the Artbooking cartridge out of Sweet Leaf cardstock. I also cut a piece of Sunset cardstock as the other background strip.

   I edge distressed my larger background strips for added texture, and then used up more of my Blossom complements to embellish the rest of the page. The word flags come from the Carnival and Boardwalk washi tape sets, but I backed them with White Daisy cardstock to make them pop a little more off the page.

   I also tried a fancy stamping technique for this page. I did a type of reverse shadow stamping to make my images pop against the Kraft background. The title came from the "Documenting Moments" stamp set out of the Seasonal Expressions II Idea Book.

   I stamped it in Lagoon pigment ink first, and set it aside to dry. Then I stamped over top of the image with White Daisy pigment ink. I off-set this second stamp to allow the Lagoon to "peek" out as a shadow, and I love how it turned out! It's so easy to do techniques like this with clear, acrylic stamps!

   I used the same reverse shadow technique with the arrow stamp in the bottom left corner. This image is from the "One-Way Borders" stamp set in the Annual Inspirations Idea Book. I stamped one direction in Sweet Leaf pigment ink, and the other direction in Sunset pigment ink. I let those dry, and went back over them with White Daisy pigment ink. I love how the color shows through, and the images stand alone!

   Many of the products that I used to complete this layout are retiring at the end of the summer! You do not want to miss out on your favorite paper collections, stamps, and embellishments! So make sure and shop the retiring products selection on my Online Shopping site! Many items are going fast, and are not guaranteed to be in stock through August! Shop early and shop fast to get the items you want! 

   It's also the final days to order the Blossom pack, or the Blossom WOTG, with the Blossom Complements from me this month! When you do you will automatically receive instructions to complete the exclusive layout you see below for FREE!! What are you waiting for?? Get your free layout instructions today and place your order!

   Have a great start to your week, everyone, and I can't wait to share more projects with you in July when I'll be featuring the Brushed paper collection! 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!

Tuesday Tidbit: Many Ways to Distress

   Welcome to the first Tuesday Tidbit for June! Today I thought I would share a video from CTMH about the different tools and techniques you can use to distress your paper projects! I know that this might be a "review" tip for a lot of you, but I like to revisit classic techniques now and then because it's good to be reminded of the simple things we can do to spruce up our everyday projects!

   I love the look of distressed paper, but there are a lot of ways to achieve this look. You can use ink, sandpaper, or a sharp edge! It all depends on the style or look that you are going for! Check out the awesome video demonstrating some of my favorite ways to distress paper projects:

   Heads up, though, CTMH is retiring the Distress Inks this year! So if you are interested in scoring this set of inks (in Black and Chocolate, 1"x1" pads for only $3.95/set), make sure and shop my Online Site today because these amazing inks will sell out fast!

   I hope this has inspired you to get crafty this week! Until next time:

Here's to life, love, and creativity!

2015 Retiring List!!!!

   CTMH released the retiring products list for 2015 yesterday! Holy cats, friends! There are sooooo many amazing products on this list! I am sad to see some of them go, but I'm even more excited to see what could be replacing them in the new Annual book (coming in September)!!!

   All the items on the list are now considered while supplies last! That means that if you see some of your favorites, or items that you still want to get from your wish list, NOW is the time to get them! I will not be able to get any retired items for you (easily) once they're gone! So start shopping, friends, and let me know if I can help you plan your orders through the summer!

Here is a small picture of some of the items retiring this year! I couldn't make my screen font small enough to get a screenshot of all the items! So there's definitely a lot of great goodies to still scoop up while you can!

   I hope you're having a great weekend! Stop by my Online Shopping site to view all the retired items, clearance items, and all available stamp sets from CTMH! Trust me; you don't want to miss out on your favorites! Until next time:

Here's to life, love, and creativity!

Don't Miss Out!!!

   I have loved playing with all the awesome goodies in the Seasonal Expressions I Idea Book! I found some new favorites, some classic must haves, and made some fun, new, and fresh artwork! However, there's only a couple more weeks to order some of the amazing supplies from this Idea Book before they're gone forever!

   Here are a few items that you are going to want to get your hands on before the book is retired at the end of the month:

Heartstrings Collection:

   This whole Heartstrings collection will be retired at the end of the month. This includes the paper pack, Complements, Accessories, and Workshop-on-the-Go: Cardmaking Kit!!! I love this paper pack, and have had a blast playing with it!

 

 Hopscotch Collection:

   The whole Hopscotch Collection will also retire at the end of the month! This is such a great Spring pack with lots of fun colors and designs to help ring in the Spring season! Don't miss out on getting the paper pack, Complements, Accessories, and Workshop-on-the-Go: Scrapbooking Kit for yourself!

Other Fun Items Retiring at the end of the Month:

Puffies Embellishments

Clothespins

Cut Above Kits

Operation Smile stamp set:

   The last major product retiring at the end of the month is the exclusive Operation Smile stamp set: You're the Bomb!!! I love this stamp set! It's full of fun images, great phrases, and versatility! You're going to want this stamp in your stash!

   Plus when you purchase this stamp set for $13.95 retail, CTMH automatically will donate $3 of your purchase to Operation Smile! Isn't that awesome?? I love that CTMH supports this awesome organization!

   The stamp sets in the Seasonal Expressions I are going to be available for the rest of the year, and any of them that have Cricut compatible cuts on them will be available indefinitely!

   The other products not listed here (PML, mini albums, twine, shimmer trim, etc) will be available until further notice!! So you have plenty of time to stock up on these items in the future as well!

   You can get all the retiring items and more on my Online Shopping site 24/7! Make sure and get your favorites ordered before the end of the month, though! The sooner the better since all of these items are while supplies last! Have fun shopping, and until next time:

Here's to life, love, and creativity!

Spring into March!!!

   I'm trying something new this month to help me with time management for my blog! Instead of re-writing my newsletter, I am going to link my monthly newsletter on here at the start of the month so that everyone can see the monthly specials!

   My March Newsletter is out with all of the steals, deals, and insight to all things CTMH this month! You can check it out by clicking the link below:

Candid Correspondence: March Newsletter

   Let me know what you think of this new way of introducing the monthly specials! I hope you all are having a great weekend! 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!

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!

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!