December SOTM Blog Hop - Cutie Pie

Welcome to our Blog Hop featuring "Cutie Pie", Close To My Heart's December Stamp of the Month.  There are over 60 of us participating so you are bound to see some inspirational creations.

If you are coming from Justine's Blog, you are on the right track.  A complete listing of participants can be found here if you were to get lost along the way.

I been really productive here recently, creating quite a few layouts - photos and journaling to come later (when I find the photos I want - lol) and am excited to share one of them with you today!  I created this layout using the Magic how-to book, "Mesmerize", which is found on page 34.

I incorporated the fun stickease from the Confetti Wishes Complements to create "clusters" using the fun cupcake images from the stamp set.  The "hey there, cupcake" saying made for the perfect title for this layout.

I colored the image using three Shin Han Markers - Carmine (red), Turquoise Blue, and Golden Yellow.  I LOVE 3-D Foam Tape which always allows me to add some dimension to my embellishments.  That simple addition gives any creation the perfect touch, really "popping" the items.

Here is a close-up of the right side of the layout, again with a fun cluster.

Because I was without my Peony Purple Marker at the time, I took out my Thistle ink pad and Blending Pen to color in the holder of the cupcake.  It works, right?!  :)  Flexibility is my thing!

I have created several other fun items using this stamp set that I will be showcasing over the month.  It's too yummy to pass up - oh, and perfect for your papercrafting projects, too!  This stamp set can be yours for just $5 with a qualifying order.

Please consider leaving a comment and then head on over to Michelle's Blog.  She always has such fun creations!

Happy hoppin'!

CTMH Cyber Monday Sale!

This just in!!!!!

Cyber Monday Only: 20% Off All Cricut^®Collections!

For the first time ever, Close To My Heart is offering a Cyber Monday Sale on Monday, December 1, 2014. There has never been a better time to buy Close To My Heart’s exclusive Cricut® Collections for 20% off the retail price. Whether you love scrapbooking, cardmaking, or creating 3-D projects, our four exclusive Cricut® collections make the perfect addition to any craft room! Sale starts at midnight (MST) on December 1 and ends at 11:59 pm Monday night. Make sure you share the news about this sale with all your customers, friends, and family memebers, too!

You and your customers will be able to take advantage of this special deal on your Online Business Address (OBA) as well as in Order Entry. Orders placed in Order Entry and on your OBA must be submitted between 12:00 am and 11:59 pm (MST) on Monday, December 1 in order to get the discount on your selected Cricut® collections. Enjoy extra savings on Close To My Heart's exclusive Cricut® collections this Cyber Monday!

Click here to place your order!  Everyone who takes advantage of this fabulous special will receive a free gift from me in the mail as a token of my appreciation.  Contact me if you have any questions and be sure to spread the word!  EXTRA GIFT for referring a friend to this offer.  

Happy Thanksgiving!

Happy Thanksgiving to my family, friends, customers and those who follow my blog, on this beautiful Thursday morning!  I am so thankful to wake up to see another day on this earth.  I pray that wherever you are, you are most importantly, thankful to be alive.

I am thankful for many things in my life.  I am thankful to my Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ; for His grace and mercy.  He has blessed me with so much over my life and continues to reveal himself on a daily basis.  It is amazing the peace and comfort I experience knowing He is in control, when I allow Him to have that control.  (Sometimes that is the tough part.)

I am also thankful for:

• A husband who loves the Lord as much as I do and who keeps me laughing and enjoying life.
• Parents who raised me in a loving home environment, raised me to become the woman I am today, and continue to cheer me on and support me and my hubby as we move through life.
• A sister who shares many great memories with me and who brought my awesome niece into this world.
• Family-in-loves who love me for me and are a blast to be around.
• Team members, through Close To My Heart, who have become my dearest friends and all the blessings I have experienced by being a part of the company for over 16 years!
• The many people I have met throughout my life who I continue to stay in contact with, who I think about and pray for on a regular basis.
• Who I am...I am thankful for health, intelligence, the gifts/skills God has given me and so much more!

I pray today for everyone across this country who are as blessed as I am and for those who experience various challenges...stay prayed up and know the storm will soon be over.  Trust God.

I am mindful to thank God daily for my many blessings daily, not just today, but today was a great day to post about it. :)  Wishing you health and happiness today and always.

God bless you!

Let Me Be Santa's Helper!

How would you like to receive what you want under your Christmas tree this year?  While I am totally appreciative of any and all gifts, it is especially fun to get exactly what you want, isn't it?  If you are like me, you have people who will ask what you want/need for Christmas.  So you don't have to keep repeating yourself, or so you have more time to process it, let me be Santa's Helper this year.  Tell me what you want, tell me who you want me to share your wish list with and I will work with them to get the items ordered and delivered before Christmas arrives.  It is best I receive the form by December 5th to be sure the order gets submitted so it can arrive on time.

There are just two simple steps to complete this process - as noted below - and you are always welcome to contact me with any questions you may have.  If you participate in this customer service offer, you will receive a fun "gift" from me in January as a small token of my appreciation.

Follow these steps to complete the process and ensure I receive all the information needed to make this a success for you!

1. Download the document by following this link: "Santa Helper".  Complete it by a) editing it on your computer (it is a Word document), re-saving it and emailing it to me (mlisrobinson@yahoo.com) OR b) Print it, complete it and either scan and email back to me or take a quality photo and email or text it to me.  The sooner you get it to me the quicker I can get things moving.  (You can also email me if you prefer that method to obtain the form.)
2. Then, complete this short Santa's Helper Information Survey, providing me the information for contacting your friends/loved ones who you want to receive this information.

Once I receive both, I will proceed with contacting the persons mentioned.  (If you want to add people to the list - I have allowed room for five - please just complete the survey again or email me the additional contact pieces.)

Thank you in advance for considering this special offer.  Have a blessed holiday season!

Just 5 Days Remain - Studio J Special

On the November 19th post, I shared how I assisted my cousin in working on some layouts for her daughter's soccer banquet.  What I failed to mention is that it is her Senior soccer banquet which adds that much more sentimental value to the photos and her thoughts of them.  The banquet has since been held and she said her daughter loved them (and started crying when she saw and looked over them).  Wouldn't you love that kind of a reaction for a loved one who were to see memories you have preserved for them?

Here are three more layouts I created for her...

This one I do not believe I changed at all from the standard design of the layout.  I just uploaded the gorgeous photos, dragged and dropped them into the wells, and added some titles and journaling.  I love how this paper pack, intended for Valentine's Day, worked perfectly with these photos and the color scheme of their outfits.

Click on image to enlarge photo.

 This layout...I absolutely love!  I used the "No Limits" template for creating both pages.  And it is just that - it has no limits so you can design the pages as you choose!  The page on the left was created as the title page for her book.  I simply increased the size of the photo to fit the entire page and then added her name to the front, allowing the photo to show through the title.  Awesome, right?

The right page...I decided to do a little it of the "subway art" idea you see on the web these days.  I asked her mom to provide me some words that would describe her daughter and I used most of them to create a frame around the photo.  This page would serve as the back page.  LOVE being able to use various fonts to the words which created a fun appeal to the page.

Click on image to enlarge photo.

When I created this layout, I did switch out the color schemes some so I could get the chevron paper to be red in order to coordinate with the school colors.  I liked being able to draw the viewers eye to the photos so kept it simple.

Click on image to enlarge photo.

These layouts were created in Studio J, where you can play with and create layouts for FREE!  You only pay when you want them printed and for the rest of this month they are just $5!  November is a great reason to it out.  (I will even help in creating your layouts if you would like.  We can also make various other items with the program - watch my posts over the next few days.  When the layouts are not on sale, they are still a deal for just $6.95!  You cannot beat that price!

Contact me with any questions you have or let me know how Studio J can help you make progress through your papercrafting projects!  Wishing you a great day with two days left until Thanksgiving!

Grateful,

"She Art" - Check It Out!

The CTMH Team Builders event was held last weekend.  Unfortunately I was unable to attend due to our recent move but I have enjoyed reading, learning and seeing all that took place at the leadership conference, including a fabulous form of art called, "She Art."

Here is one sample (shared from the blog) to grab your attention.  Head on over to our CEO's blog Make It From Your Heart to find out all the details and to see the other beautiful creations!  I am sure you will love it as much as I do.  A 6x6 canvas is on my next order - to be placed this weekend - and I will work to create my rendition.  I will post it when it is finished.

I am enjoying this overcast and supposed-to-rain Saturday, getting ready to go papercraft with my team members/friends.  I hope you are enjoying your Saturday!

P.S.  I got my new business cards in!  I love them!  :)  What do you think about them?

Just For You Card Using the Stamp of the Month

I saw a card - but cannot find it again - that inspired me to create this simple but appealing card.  If you have followed me for long, you know I like that kind of look - sometimes less IS better.

I used the "dot" background from the November Stamp of the Month to add some color to the base of the card, using Olive ink, after laying it on some solid, coordinating cardstock.   I stamped the leaf and vine on the card as well and then added some 3-D flowers from the stamp set.  Some Clear Sparkles ALWAYS adds to the card; I think that's the case here.

 Here is a color variation to the card.  I used Twilight ink.

These cards were fun (and easy) to make.  I was really pleased with the look and hope you are too!  The stamp set is available for just $5 this month with a qualifying order.  Click here to place your order!

Happy Friday eve!

Celebrating Studio J All Month Long!

Where can you go to buy a layout - or the supplies - for a beautiful and quality layout for JUST $5?  Nowhere but to Studio J!  What is Studio J, you ask?  It is Close To My Heart's online digital scrapbooking program that is completely FREE to use; you only pay when you want your layouts printed and shipped to your door!  Sound too good to be true?  It is not and it is even better than that...

I created eight layouts for my cousin who needed scrapbook layouts to present to her daughter at this year's soccer banquet.  She was not quite sure where to head when she contacted me late last month.  With this month's Studio J promotion, I knew this was the perfect solution for her and I was right!  Here are two of them - I'll be sharing other Studio J creations throughout the month - from her daughter's early years in soccer.

This "Game On" layout (above) was designed for me.  It's from the Designer Collection.  Would you believe I just made a few simple edits - enlarging a photo well and adding in a few stars?  That is it!  Isn't it fun to see the years inserted on the photos?  I did that.  Just typed it in and changed the font to white.  Cool, huh?

I did very few edits to the above layout as well.  I kept it pretty simple, wanting to draw attention to the photos.  A ribbon and a few buttons was all it took to make this layout attractive and athletic-looking.

She provided the photos, some of the titles, and the journaling information.  I created these layouts for her and she received them, in her hands, just three business days after she placed the order.  She paid just $5 per layout and they did arrive on her doorstep.  More importantly, she absolutely loved them saying they were more beautiful in person.  I tried not to say, "I told you so."  lol  The quality of Studio J layouts is absolutely phenomenal.  

If you are interested in knowing more about Studio J or would like for me to create some layouts for you and/or your loved ones, let me know.  They are on sale this month - at 25% off - but are only $6.95 in a typical month - still very affordable for a high-quality product.  Let me know what you think of them.

Have a Wacky Wednesday!

NEW Albums have Arrived!

We have just added stylish 1 1/2" D-ring and post-bound albums, perfect for your holiday projects and they are just $34.95!  (Black and Lagoon are currently available with the red, floral to be released soon!)

The D-ring style is great for projects using divided Memory Protectors such as Picture My Life layouts.  The post-bound style is ideal for showcasing class 12" x 12" scrapbook layouts side by side featuring the lay-flat seams.  It is sturdy binding for securing thicker layouts.  With both styles, Memory Protector capacity varies depending on thickness and weight of layouts.  Albums are non-expandable.

Click here to see the albums currently available.  I have just ordered one and can't wait for it to arrive in my hands!

Happy Tuesday!

Love & Good Cheer

This card was fun to make using the sketch shown at the end of this post.  I have fun trying new patterns and seeing what I can make of them.

Using the stamp set included with the Workshop on the Go Snowhaven Cardmaking Kit and Single Snowflake - which just costs $2.95 - I kept this card pretty simple.  I loved adding our Grey Glittler Paper and Pink and White Glitter Gems to add some glitz to the card.  Of course, I had to add 3-D Foam Tape for some added dimension.

I used our ShinHan markers to color/highlight the images and...  Do you notice the "cardstock" borders match the markers exactly?  That is because I used the broad side of the marker to color in the edges of white cardstock so they would match.  Too fun and easy, right?!  Love that I can make the cardstock match perfectly to any marker color I choose!

Here is the sketch I used from Freshly Made Sketches.

We enjoyed chilly temperatures and some snow yesterday - perfect for setting the mood for the holidays and a reason to stay inside and create!  Have a great week!

Join the Close To My Heart Adventure!

Why not treat yourself for the holidays?  Who knows what you want most, but you?!

How would you like to get $370+ in scrapbooking products/supplies for just $99?  Our newly-released consultant kits are absolutely fabulous and can meet your scrapbooking or cardmaking needs.  Not to mention, I would love to add you to my Heartfelt Sentiments Team.  (In fact, the first person who contacts me with interest to sign up and follows through first, will receive an additional $25 in products for doing so!  I am working to meet a goal and you can help!)

Check out the fun contents of both kit options below and let me know if you have any questions.  I would love for you to join me on this CTMH Adventure!  #16yearsandgoingstrong

The Scrapbooker's Consultant Kit includes a huge supply of CTMH products, perfect for creating beautiful scrapbook layouts and pages, all for only $99 (retail value over $370)!

CONTENTS OF THE SCRAPBOOKER’S CONSULTANT KIT INCLUDE:

• Annual Inspirations (qty. 5)
• Seasonal Expressions 1 (qty. 15)
• Hostess Order Forms (qty. 25)
• Customer Order Forms (qty. 25)
• Close To My Heart Cardstock Sampler (W471)
• Close To My Heart Paper Fundamentals Sampler (W1133)
• Annual Inspirations B&T Duos™ Sampler (W1130)
• Seasonal Expressions B&T Duos™ Sampler (W1134)
• Petite Perks Incentive Stamp Set (qty. 5) (W2030)
• Workshops on the Go™ Hopscotch Scrapbooking Kit (G1091)
• Hopscotch Complements (X7194C)
• Heartstrings B&T Duos™ Bulk Pack (BULK365)
• Stuck On You Puffies (Z3037)
• Heartstrings Assortment (Z3015)
• Flaxen Extra Thick Twine (Z3036)
• Teal Shimmer Trim (Z1918)
• Black Arrow Washi Tape (Z2003)
• Bling Gems Gold Assortment (Z2023)
• Flaxen Exclusive Inks™ Pad (Z2642)
• Smoothie Exclusive Inks™ Pad (Z2196)
• Slate Exclusive Inks™ Pad (Z2173)
• Glacier Exclusive Inks™ Pad (Z2641)
• Picture My Life™ Hopscotch Scrapbooking Program (Z3045)
• My Acrylix™ Rain or Shine (D1634)
• My Acrylix™ Assorted Edges (D1635)
• My Acrylix™ Brushstrokes (C1608)
• 2" × 3½" My Acrylix™ Block (Y1009)
• 2" × 6½" My Acrylix™ Block (Y1010)
• ShinHan™ Touch Twin™ Carmine Marker (Z2448)
• ShinHan™ Touch Twin™ Cerulean Blue Marker (Z2449)
• ShinHan™ Touch Twin™ Golden Yellow Marker (Z2452)
• My Legacy™ Outdoor Denim Post-Bound Album (Z1346)
• My Creations™ Hip Pics Album (Z1956)
• Non-Stick Micro-Tip Scissors (Z1836)
• My Acrylix™ Stamp Scrubber (Z1782)
• My Acrylix™ Spritz Cleaner (1778)
• Bonding Memories™ Glue (1512)
• Sponge (Z697)
• Liquid Glass (Z679)
• Cello Bags (qty. 25) (W1152)

(Some items may not be shown. Contents are subject to change without notice.)

The Cardmaker's Consultant Kit contains a wide selection of CTMH products, ideal for creating stunning cards, all for only $99 (retail value of over $370)!

CONTENTS OF THE CARDMAKER’S CONSULTANT KIT INCLUDE:

• Annual Inspirations (qty. 5)
• Seasonal Expressions 1 (qty. 15)
• Hostess Order Forms (qty. 25)
• Customer Order Forms (qty. 25)
• Close To My Heart Cardstock Sampler (W471)
• Close To My Heart Paper Fundamentals Sampler (W1133)
• Annual Inspirations B&T Duos™ Sampler (W1130)
• Seasonal Expressions B&T Duos™ Sampler (W1134)
• Petite Perks Incentive Stamp Set (qty. 5) (W2030)
• Workshops on the Go™ Heartstrings Cardmaking Kit (G1090)
• Hopscotch B&T Duos™Bulk Pack (BULK366)
• Hopscotch Assortment (Z3016)
• Junebug Puffies (Z3038)
• Pixie Extra Thick Twine (Z3035)
• Red Shimmer Trim (Z1848)
• White Shimmer Trim (Z3024)
• Red Enamel Hearts (Z2009)
• Smoothie Exclusive Inks™ Pad (Z2196)
• Slate Exclusive Inks™ Pad (Z2173)
• Lagoon Exclusive Inks™ Pad (Z2195)
• My Acrylix™ Happy To Be Friends (C1605)
• My Acrylix™ A Bunch Of Thanks (C1603)
• 1" × 1" My Acrylix™ Block (Y1000)
• 1" × 3½" My Acrylix™ Block (Y1002)
• 2" × 2" My Acrylix™ Block (Y1003)
• ShinHan™ Touch Twin™ Turquoise Blue Marker (Z2465)
• ShinHan™ Touch Twin™ Cherry Pink Marker (Z2450)
• ShinHan™ Touch Twin™ Sap Green Marker (Z2463)
• White Cards and Envelopes Value Pack (X254)
• My Creations™ Hip Pics Album (Z1956)
• 3-D Foam Tape (Z1151)
• Non-Stick Micro-Tip Scissors (Z1836)
• My Acrylix™ Stamp Scrubber (Z1782)
• My Acrylix™ Spritz Cleaner (1778)
• Bonding Memories™ Glue (1512)
• Sponge (Z697)
• Liquid Glass (Z679)
• Ranger™ White Super Fine Embossing Powder (Z2068)
• Versamark™ Ink Pad Tsukineko™ (Z891)
• Water Color Pencils (3505)
• Cello Bags (qty. 25) (W1152)

(Some items may not be shown. Contents are subject to change without notice.)

Click HERE to join my team today!  You will be glad you did!

Cut Above Cafe' - Christmas Goodies Workshop

Don't you just love artwork creations that do not require any cutting but instead, just some adhesive and easy assembly?  I do!  And...it is not too much for you to expect just that!

We have an awesome new product line called "Cut Above", designed for just that reason.  You can join me on November 29th, in Mansfield (TX), for just $10, where you will walk away having created one of each of the items below.  This workshop provides you an opportunity to create a sampling of these products, allowing you to choose which you want to order and assemble for the holidays.

Click this link for more details on this class.  You can even purchase the class if you are long-distance from me.

I look forward to you joining me for some craftin' fun!  Wishing you a great weekend!

Congratulations on Your Exciting News!

Creating this card was fun and I like the look of it.  I placed washi tape across the middle of the card and used it as a "mask", random stamping the images from this month's Stamp of the Month in a diagonal pattern.

By removing the washi tape, a blank area was left where I stamped the sentiment in black ink.  I layered it on Cranberry cardstock, creating a matte, and this is what resulted.  I love the simple but clean look of this technique (which I saw somewhere but I cannot find where; it was not an original design).

The color combination chosen - Goldrush, Lagoon, Cranberry and Desert Sand - were inspired from a challenge at Heart 2 Heart Challenges a month ago.  (I created it to participate in the challenge and never posted it.  Oops!  Oh well, I still like it and am glad I gave the colors a try.)  Upon creation, I had no idea the reason for this sentiment but now I know...it will be sent to someone to whom it applies.

Have a blessed week!

Autumn with an Attitude Blog Hop

Thank you for joining seven Close To My Heart Consultants from the Stampers with an Attitude team as we showcase autumn artwork with an attitude.  If you are coming from Di's Blog, you are on the right track.

The weather has begun to change, even in Texas, and I cannot believe Thanksgiving is around the corner.  Crazy enough, Christmas will be here before we know it!  This theme is perfect for this time of the year and I had fun creating this card with some B&T scraps and lots of fun layers and textures.

I used two different stamp sets on this card.  The one containing the fall images is the stamp set included with the Pathfinding Workshop on the Go (as you see below).  Aren't the images too fun?!  I really love how they added to this card.

The "Life is Beautiful" stamp image is from the "Your Kind of Wonderful" set.  I LOVE that sentiment and think it is perfect for the purpose of this card.  I hope you think so too!

I hope you life is beautiful as you enjoy this gorgeous November day.  Feel free to leave a comment and then hop on over to Jen's Blog to see what I know will be a beauty!

I used the Freshly Made Sketches 161 sketch for my design inspiration.  Fun stuff!

Happy hoppin'!

Artfully Sent Blog Hop

There are almost 50 Close To My Heart Consultants participating in this hop.  If you are coming from Peachy's Blog, you are on the right track.

I had fun creating this card, literally, with a push of just a few buttons. I was amazed at how easy it came together. The most difficult thing was thinking about what bling I was going to use to pretty it up.

 I cut a separate piece of Outdoor Denim cardstock to lay on the left flap and cut the panel out of Sky cardstock. The deer was backed with Desert Sand cardstock.

Deciding it needed a little something, I cut two 1/8" strips out of our Silver Glitter paper and a circle to back the snowflake. Some Clear Sparkles, to add dimension to the snowflakes, and a red one for Rudolph's nose were perfect until...my husband decided he needed an eye. Lol I fixed that real quick with a bitty black Epoxy Bubble.

I had fun ceating this card and cannot wait to make more. How quick my Christmas cards can come together! Let me know what you think of my card and then head on over to Paige's Blog and see what she has in store for you.

Happy hoppin'!