READ BEFORE THE END OF TODAY! Last Day for Planner Bundle and Holiday Products!

Our newly released Everyday Life Planner released on December 1st and has been on sale throughout the month.  Today is the last day to get it for just $29.95 (a 15% savings)!  With the bundle you get the Everyday Life™ Album—Black, Z3209 Everyday Life™ 2016 Planner Pages, and Z3212 Everyday Life™ Perfect Plan Roller Stamp.  Click HERE to see all the items available.

I have mine and am loving it so let me give you a little walkthrough...  

The album is a black hardcover 3-ring album with gold foil designs. The cover is made of polyurethane-covered dense paperboard. It measures 9 3/8" x 8 1/4" x 1 1/2" This specific size was created to coordinate with the other products.  The spine measures 9 3/8" x 1 1/2". The rings are 1" round. The inside is lined with white photo-safe paper.

The roller stamp coordinates with the label stickers that come with the Everyday Life™ 2016 planner pages. It features 12 designs that include titles, reminders, and images.  It is too fun and easy to stamp with one of our Exclusive Ink Stamp Pads.

The 2016 planner pages consist of 154 pages, including 12 monthly dividers with tabs, one designed page finder, one pocket folder page, and four sheets of stickers. The stickers are designed to work perfectly with the Everyday Life™ Perfect Plan roller stamp. The pages are loose, 3-ring hole punched, and measure 8 3/8" x 6 7/8". The pages include both monthly and weekly spreads that begin with January 2016 and run through December 2016. The monthly spreads run from Sunday to Saturday, like a calendar; the weekly spreads run from Monday to Sunday, which make it easy to review your weekend plans at a glance. The monthly tabs are reinforced with a Mylar coating for extra durability.  (You can click on images for enlarged views.)

Shows today acrylic tab for marking place in calendar as well a pocket for storing notes/supplies.

Backside of pocket page that contains sticker sheets (there are four of them).

Monthly spread

Weekly spread

Here is my January page where I have incorporated our stickers and washi tape.

Here is February.  Stickers and washi tape were also used here.  You can see I stamped "birthday" in a couple of places using the roller stamp.  (When you use the roller stamp, do so on a hard surface - removing the page from your planner.  You may want to practice a few times.)

I am still working on my weekly page but here is a photo of it thus far.  I actually have a lot more that should be written in here.  I will get that all updated later tonight.  I will use these pages for my task list and to keep track of my water intake.  That's what those are that I stamped on each day.  Cool, huh?  I'm counting them as 8 oz. and realized I colored in the wrong amount for the week.  I will have to go back and change them.  I am committed to drinking 48 oz a day so plan on coloring in at least six a day!  YAY!  This will help hold me accountable.

As an alternative, this is how my Mom designed her monthly pages.  She "coded" her events and then listed details on her weekly pages.  So...you can decorate it to work for you!

I am still giving away a FREE roll of our coordinating Everyday Life Washi Tape with a Bundle purchase!

**RETIRING HOLIDAY PRODUCTS**

We have some products retiring at the same time the planner bundle becomes unavailable tonight that were included in the Holiday Expressions supplement.  Those items are the Nevermore (aka Halloween) product line, Winter Pines (aka Christmas) product line, and Winter Pines Picture My Life scrapbooking program.  Stamp sets and embellishments contained in the supplement are available while supplies last.  

Oooh...oooh...and guess what?!  With retiring products...that means BRAND NEW PRODUCTS WILL BE RELEASED TOMORROW!  Watch my blog for new links then!

To order the Planner Bundle click here or contact me directly by emailing me.  I am always happy to answer any questions you may have!

Have a blessed and safe New Year's Eve!  See you in 2016!

Merry Christmas!

(Click on image to enlarge view)

Order Your Planner Bundle Now for Christmas Delivery!

The planner bundle is 15% off through this month!  It is perfect for getting organized in the new year AND it can also serve as a mini album.  My planner and all the goodies will arrive Monday and I cannot wait.  I may be stalking the delivery person so is anyone willing to bail me out?!  LOL

This weekend is the last opportunity for you to order to get it under the tree for Christmas.  (I do suggest the faster shipping option.)  Of course, if you are in no rush to get it, the special is good through midnight, MST, on December 31, 2015.  After that the Everyday Life Planner items can be purchased at regular price.  You can CLICK HERE TO ORDER it.

I have a thank you gift for purchasing the Planner Bundle...  You get the coordinating washi tape from me for FREE - and...(keep scrolling)...

If you purchase at least $50 in products, to include the planner bundle, you will get both the washi tape FREE (above promotion) AND a Black Ink Pad FREE!  This photo contains suggestions for what to add to your planner bundle purchase to make it perfect for starting 2016!  If you already own a black ink pad, you can choose another ink pad color.  You need an ink pad for the roller stamp that comes with the bundle.

This planner is perfect for that female on your Christmas list who may be challenging to buy for.  Have a teenage girl on your list?  A girlfriend who has a busy life?  They will love it.  I guarantee it!

Contact me with questions or place your ORDER HERE.

Have a fabulous Saturday!

CTMH Paper Pack Blog Hop - Kaleidoscope

Welcome to our Blog Hop where we are featuring artwork made with the beautiful and fun paper pack, Kaleidoscope!  I absolutely love the color combination and fun patterns of this product line and know you will too!

If you are coming from Katy's Blog, you are on the right track.  You can find a list of participants at the bottom of this post.

I decided to use Studio J to create a layout, using one of the layouts in the Expression Collection.  Do you know this layout took me only 19 minutes to complete?  It's true, it did.  That is because all I did was upload my photos, drag them into the photo wells, resized them and then added the journaling and titles.  Don't I look like a seasoned artist?!

This layout commemorates the time spent this Thanksgiving with my Niece, Grandpa and Uncle.  I so love the saying, "Keeping It Real".  It totally describes the personalities of these three family members.  I love them all!

Aren't the colors just pretty?  Someone would look at it and think it's girly but you can see the colors of this paper pack reflected in our clothing.  The guys will just have to accept it.  LOL

Thanks for stopping by and...if you have never taken a stab at Studio J, you should try it out!  Did you know it is FREE TO USE and you only pay when you want the layouts printed?  Yep.  You read that correctly.  If you have any questions about Studio J, just ask.  I love that I can scrapbook my most recent memories in minutes...and with no mess!

Now, head on over to Tonya's Blog so you can see her beautiful artwork!  As always, please consider leaving a comment. I love to hear from you!

Happy hoppin' and don't forget to Make It From Your Heart!

This is a list of the participants:

1. Melissa Robinson *YOU ARE HERE*
2. Tonya Whitehurst
3. Marianne Hancock
4. Katy Taylor

Stamping Technique Blog Hop

Today we are highlighting fun ways to use your stamps, incorporating various techniques.  We were very much inspired by the Creative Live class that Close To My Heart held in November where various techniques were shared.  You can check out the FREE class by clicking here.  It is well worth checking out as I am sure you will be equally inspired.

If you are coming from Jen's Blog you are on the right track.  I am the start of the hop and you can find a complete list of participants by clicking here.

For my card I decided to keep the focus on the images of the "Reason for the Season" stamp set and incorporated the Watercolor Paints.  I used them to represent sand and the sky, stamping the images using Black Ink.  That's it.  I chose not to incorporate any embellishments.  Surprised, right?!  But I felt this card didn't need it.  This card was so simple, yet says so much.  I hope you agree.

I did apply some water to the Watercolor paper, before applying any color to the brush.  It just gives a different effect.  Would you like to know what I love after I watercolor?  The feel of the paper!  LOL  Yep!  It's another new addition - like smelling our stamps and paper.  (Don't knock it 'til you try it.)

I encourage you to try out some of these techniques and incorporate them into your own papercrafting projects.  In my opinion, this technique is so simple, allowing attention to be drawn to the beautiful stamped images.  You are sure to find some fabulous inspiration at Melinda's Blog so head on over there now and then keep making your way around the hop.

Happy hoppin'!

Heart 2 Heart Challenges - 'Tis the Season

'Tis the Season is right!  I hope you enjoyed a wonderful Thanksgiving full of great food and fellowship.  I was blessed to spend the holiday with my family in New Mexico.  It was a blessed time.

This week's Heart 2 Heart Challenge is obviously perfect for this time of the year.  Can you believe it's already December 1st?  That is so crazy as we near the end of 2015.  We love papercrafters linking up to us to share their artwork aligned with the theme and hope you will join the fun!

I used the fun, chevron pattern from the Winter Pines paper pack  The patterned paper behind the star also comes from it.  I random-stamped the Glacier cardstock with Glacier ink, using the "A Christmas Star" stamp set.  Fern cardstock is the color of the background and the star is stamped in Cranberry ink.  Some Clear Shimmer Trim and Red Gems were added for the finish.

Thank you so much for stopping by today.  I would love for you to leave a comment and then consider linking up with us at Heart 2 Heart.  I look forward to seeing your fabulous creation!

Enjoy your week and don't forget to Make It From Your Heart!

December Stamp of the Month Blog Hop - Candlelight Garden

Happy December 2015 and welcome to our Stamp of the Month Blog Hop!

This month we are highlighting this beautiful stamp set that has perfect sentiments and images great for any time of the year.  Isn't it perfect for celebrating those genuine and valued friendships you are blessed to have?  You CAN get it for just $5 when you place a $50 order.  The stamp set is valued at $17.95 - that is 72% off!  You can click here for details regarding the stamp set or to shop online.

If you are coming from Sheila's Blog you are on the right track.  You can find a complete list of participants by clicking here.

In building this card gradually, I was pleased with the result and hope you are too.  It is pretty simplistic with the images stamped in Black Ink and colored with our ShinHan markers.  I did use the Colorless Blender to provide some shading on the images but didn't do anything else fancy.  

Two Red Gems were added as were Poppy Twine and Silver Shimmer Trim.  Cardstock colors used were:  Thistle, Gypsy, Black, Whisper and White Daisy.

Thank you for hopping with me/us.  Head on over to Gina's Blog to see what she has in store for you and please consider leaving a comment before you do so.  I always love to hear your thoughts on what I create.  (Don't forget our planners went on sale this morning and the Cyberweek sale is going strong through December 4th! Click HERE for those details.)

Make this a great December and happy hoppin'!

The Planner is HERE!

The planner will become available at 10 am CST- in two hours! CLICK HERE TO PLACE YOUR ORDER when they go live!  I. Cannot. Wait.  

I am logging on to place my order at 10:01.  Why don't you do the same?!  It's a great price for a purposeful gift or for you to keep!  You can place your order on my website, through the Cyberweek Sale link in the bottom right-hand corner!  In fact, while you're purchasing the planner, be sure to check out those items that are 25% off through 5 pm CST, Friday, November 4!  It's a great time to make a purchase while saving some money.

Let me know what you think of the planner, by commenting below.  I may just do a drawing for a goodie, if you do!  

Can't wait to get this beauty in my hands!  Have a Terrific Tuesday!

Cyberweek Sale GOES LIVE at 9 am MST!

Here is a link to my newsletter that went out last night - CLICK HERE.  In it you will find details regarding the Cyberweek Sale that starts this morning, the NEW PLANNER release and so much more!  Contact me if you have any questions!

Have a blessed week!

Cyber Week is Coming to Town!

WOOHOO!  Close To My Heart is getting ready for an amazing Cyberweek SALE!  For five days only, from 9 am MST on Monday, November 30 through 4 pm MST on Friday, December 4, there will be nearly 40 items offered at an incredible 25% off retail price!  The items selected are all especially suited to making handcrafted gifts and cards for the holidays - including our Cricut Artfully Sent collection!  All items will be available in a special shopping category on my website.

There are thirty-nine products included in this sale, which come from our current idea books. Their item numbers are listed below. Additionally, all items will be shown in a special shopping menu entitled “Cyberweek Sale!” on your Online Business Address. 

Z3111 Base & Bling Snowflake Charm—Faux Gold 

Z3112 Base & Bling Jingle Bell—Faux Gold 

Z3135 Base & Bling Snowflake Charm—Faux Silver 

Z3136 Base & Bling Jingle Bell—Faux Silver 

Z3138 Base & Bling Red Bead Charm—Faux Gold 

Z3139 Base & Bling Red Bead Charm—Faux Silver 

Z3180 Picture My Life™ Going Places Scrapbooking Program 

Z3147 Cut Above™ Dapper Giraffe Card Kit 

Z2028 Designer Creations Short Stack Album 

Z2036 Designer Creations Slate Paper Bags 

Z2037 Designer Creations Lagoon Paper Bags 

Z2038 Designer Creations Ruby Paper Bags 

Z2039 Designer Creations Honey Paper Bags 

Z2049 Designer Creations Cupcake Box 

Z2050 Designer Creations Takeout Box 

Z2053 Designer Creations Buttoned Bag 

Z1838 5" x 7" Hinged Display Tray 

Z1750 Designed Décor Display Tray 

Z2006 Designed Décor Red Magnetic Chalkboard 

Z2015 Designed Décor Black Shadow Box 

Z2016 Designed Décor Colonial White Shadow Box 

Z1833 My Creations™ Kraft Container 

Z1871 My Creations™ Kraft 3-Ring Album 

Z1953 My Creations™ Journaling Cards Box 

Z1956 My Creations™ Hip Pics Album 

Z3043 My Creations™ Black Mini Book 

Z3044 My Creations™ Kraft Mini Book 

Z3069 My Creations™ Mini Mix Album 

Z3137 My Creations™ Pint-Sized Container 

Z3168 Cricut® Artfully Sent Collection 

Z1476 4 ¼" x 5 ½" White Daisy Envelopes 

Z1477 5" x 7" White Daisy Envelopes 

Z1478 6" x 6" White Daisy Envelopes 

Z1756 3" x 3" Colonial White Envelopes 

Z1757 4 ¼" x 5 ½" Colonial White Envelopes 

Z1758 5" x 7" Colonial White Envelopes 

Z1759 6" x 6" Colonial White Envelopes 

Z1851 Scallop Border Punch 

Z1997 Triangle Border Punch

This is simply phenomenal, unique and one-time special offer!  How many items are on your list just from seeing what is on special?!  Mine is pretty long!  LOL  They are things I have needed/wanted but haven't ordered.  There is no better time to get them!

IF YOU WILL ORDER $150 OR MORE ON YOUR OWN, CONTACT ME DIRECTLY ASAP - at mlisrobinson@gmail.com - and let's get you your own party established (even if you are the only one to order from it) so you can collect at least $25 in FREE products.  If you know of a few friends who would also like to order, consider having them submit their order through your party to increase your hostess rewards.  Just contact me ASAP so we can get things set up in advance of the sale starting so nobody misses out on the product they have their eyes on.

I will post this information again on the night of November 29th so you are sure to take advantage of Cyber Week with Close To My Heart!  I cannot wait!  How about you?!

Ooh...and don't forget, our fabulous planner goes live on December 1st!  You can find details here.  Who, on your gift list, would love a planner that serves a purpose and is a beauty?!

This is a great week to check off people on your gift list, while saving some money or...go ahead...treat yourself to something.  You have my permission!

Make It From Your Heart,

Happy Thanksgiving!

I pray you are reading this message in good company, with friends and/or family, taking in the goodness of all that is cookin' wherever you are.  There are just certain things I wait to enjoy on this special day and I will be ready to indulge this afternoon (while watching Cowboy football, of course).

I work daily to be mindful of my many blessings, even when life is fast and furious and throws challenges my way.  I know I have much to be thankful for, too many to list in one sitting.  Isn't that an awesome thing to say?  

God has blessed my life in so many ways, sometimes in ways that seem small but are key to making me who I am and who I was designed to be.  Despite the hiccups along the way, I truly now it is all for a purpose even when the reason may not seem clear at the time.  I am thankful there only has to be one day a year that serves as a reminder to all of us to be thankful for our many gifts, regardless of their size.  

Thank you for being part of my life.  I am thankful for YOU and wish you a day full of blessings, laughter, belly laughs and lots of food.  It will also include football for me!  :)  Happy Thanksgiving.

Blessed Beyond Measure,

CTMH Christmas Crafts Blog Hop

Welcome to our Blog Hop where we are featuring Christmas Crafts made with Close To My Heart products.  Do you have people on your list who are challenging to buy for?  I do and when that's the case a thoughtful gift, in perfect packaging, usually does the trick in putting a smile on their faces.

If you are coming from Aggie's Blog, you are on the right track. A complete list of participants is provided at the end of this post.  Let's get this fun started!

I fell in love with these Pint Containers when they were first released this summer at Convention.  I decided to pull one out and decorate it for this hop, recognizing they are perfect for filling with goodies - cookies, chocolate, socks, smell goods, etc.  They are a perfect size - not too big and not too small as Goldilocks would say.  There are a variety of ways to decorate these containers.  Because I wanted to cover mine in paper, and they are not a perfect rectangle because of their shape, I decided to take apart one container to make a pattern.  (The pattern will be provided HERE - by noon today CST.  I was forced to cut it into two pieces so you will have two seams, allowing it to print on standard-size paper.)  I traced the pattern in this beautiful B&T paper from our White Pines paper pack.  The stocking was cut from our Art Philosophy Cricut cartridge, three times - on Colonial White, Olive cardstock and the chevron patterned paper from White Pines.  The colonial white stocking was used as the base and the other pieces were cut and glued on top.  Green Shimmer Trim was added to the rim of the container, for some sparkle.

For the lid, I took a Cocoa piece of cardstock, cut a circle to fit and ran it through my Cuttlebug using the Dot Embossing Folder.  For the added texture, I distressed it using our Sanding Block (from the Sanding Kit).  The big bow was cut out of Cranberry cardstock, using the Artiste Cricut Cartridge.  A Bling Gold Gem and Gold Shimmer Trim were added, for the finishing touch.  I love how it turned out and cannot wait to fill it and gift it.

If you would like to make one of your own, be sure to grab the pattern above.  I would love to see what you create as well as what you decide to fill it with.  What suggestions do you have for fillings?

Now, how on over to Marianne's Blog to see her fun creation!  Happy hoppin'!

Blog Hop Participants:

1.  Melissa Robinson *YOU ARE HERE*

2.  Marianne Hancock

3.  Melissa David 

4.  Tonya Whitehurst

5.  Katy Taylor

6.  Aggie Peters

Heart 2 Heart - Watercolors

This week at Heart 2 Heart our theme is "Watercolors".  I fell in love with the Close To My Heart Watercolor Paints when they were released, and we used them, at Convention this summer.  I have enjoyed playing with them, realizing how forgiving they are and that you truly cannot do much damage with them.  I have since used non-CTMH watercolors and I can say their quality does not compare.

For my card this week, I simply painted these three colors on a piece of Watercolor Paper.  I did brush water over the entire piece before adding the color.  The sentiment was stamped with Black Ink, and comes from the November Stamp of the Month, "Cheers, 2016!"

Banners were cut from the Fundamentals paper line (our special this month), Peacock cardstock, and Silver Shimmer Trim.  Whisper Thick Twine was attached at the top of banners using our Mini Stapler and Mini Staples.  They ARE mini and so cute, please the ease of using this stapler is phenomenal and well worth having in your papercrafting supply box. Black glitter stars were used from the Fundamental Assortment Black.  (The variety of fun of these assortments is amazing and also a must-have!)

Remember, you can get the Stamp of the Month for just $5 and this month's is a favorite!  It is perfect for new year's cards and/or layouts and for recording your goals - or for use in our new planner, whose release we await.  ;)

Consider linking up to us and showcasing artwork with watercolors.  We love to see your beautiful and fun creations so head on over to Heart 2 Heart Challenges and join us there!

Enjoy the rest of your week and don't forget to Make It From Your Heart!