In-Person & Remote Greeting Card Classes (Clubs) in 2018!

Would you like to create three cards like these each month, exclusively designed by me, using Close To My Heart products? You can enjoy coffee (or another beverage of your choice) with me, in person or virtually, or by yourself in the comfort of your home. J

Many people have been asking me for card clubs and I am starting something new in 2018! You can either choose to participate in a club or opt-in to participate each month as you choose. All the details are below so keep reading. Then, contact me with your selection by January 8, 2018 and we will get the fun started!

What will the card kit include each month?
Each month you are guaranteed to create at least three cards of varying themes. There will be times when there is a bonus project (or two) thrown in. We will use different stamp sets, techniques and embellishments. You are asked to provide your own adhesive (various types will be used in card design), or you can elect to purchase them from me, scissors and other basic supplies. Envelopes will be included.

What is the cost?

·         If you participate in and attend a local event, the cost is $5 for a card kit or you can get it FREE when you purchase at least $30 in products (before shipping & tax) no later than the end of the day of the scheduled event. A $5 payment reserves your spot and kit for the class. (If you are unable to attend the physical event, you can make arrangements to get the kit from me at a later time.)

·         For remote participants, the card kit is $8, includes shipping to your door, pre-stamped images, and full-color directions for easy assembly. You can get the kit FREE with a $30 purchase (before shipping & tax). Payment for either option must be made at the time of RSVP.

Get the Most by Joining a Club!

Commit to participating in the card class for five (5) months, January – May 2018, purchasing at least $30 each month and you will get a minimum of $25 in FREE products one of those months. (Each of the five persons in the club will take a turn.) You will also receive special goodies from me as a “Club Member” to include a copy of our NEW Seasonal Expressions Idea Book, exclusive stamp set, and more!

Benefit by Coordinating a Group or Club

If you would like to get your own group or club going, get at least four people to join you locally - each month - where you can enjoy the fellowship of creating the greeting cards. As the coordinator of the group, you will get the kit FREE each month. If you elect to coordinate a club, you agree to purchase at least $30 for four of the months and I will cover your purchase for the fifth month. Each of you will take turns getting the FREE products as outlined above. (I can provide you a visual to help generate interest.)

What can you purchase for the minimum $30 requirement?

Anything you want. J I will provide a supply list for the cards we make each month should you want more of what we used or you can get whatever your heart desires.

When will payment be due?

To get started, please contact me by the end of January 5, 2018 with your selected interest. At that time additional information will be shared based on what option you choose, when the group decides to meet, etc. There will be a required purchase before the end of January 2018.

How do I sign up?

Fill out this form immediately! J Once you do so, I’ll send you some additional information and we’ll get the fun going. (If you would like a link to the PDF of this form, to share with others, here it is: http://bit.ly/mlisrobinsoncardclass.) 

If you would like to discuss further options or details, please let me know and I’d be happy to do so. I’m excited about this opportunity to serve your card-making interests and want everyone to benefit! Please consider sharing this with anyone who you think may be interested.

Thank you!

Melissa Robinson, Director

Close To My Heart Independent Consultant

(214) 984-0280 • MlisRobinson@gmail.com • MlisRobinson.CTMH.com

Say Goodbye to Holiday Products in Four Days!

Unfortunately, it's that time of the year when we say goodbye to some fabulous, holiday-related products. December 31st marks the end of the life of the Holiday Expressions Idea Book and the photographed Silver & Gold Collection seen above.

The same holds true for the Beary Christmas Collection and quite a few others to include Halloween and Thankgiving-themed products. In fact, a lot of the Beary Christmas Collection is already unavailable because it was well-loved.

Be sure to check out what's included in the Holiday Expressions and check out the Going Soon! area of my website that includes some other items. 

Some of these products are my favorites and it's going to be hard for me to see them go. 

Have an awesome day!

Need Another Tax Write-Off for 2017?

There are many benefits of being a Close To My Heart Consultant and a member of my team. However, at this time of the year there is probably one reason that jumps to the top of the list and that is...getting NEW PRODUCTS before they are released to the general public!

As a Consultant, we get products approximately one month before they are released to others, giving us an opportunity to order, create, and prepare for our upcoming events. We received a copy of this beautiful Seasonal Expressions I Idea Book (valid January - April 2018, while supplies last), on December 2nd. It will debut on January 1, 2018 - a wonderful way to welcome in the new year. 

Did you know we also get to write-off all business-associated expenses? That means products I purchase and use in my business, photo-printing, registration and attendance at events are just a few examples of related expenses.

The New Consultant Kit is $75 and loaded with essential supplies for getting your business off to a running start. Check out what's included: 

• Adhesive Runner (Z3372)
• 2" × 2" My Acrylix® Block (Y1003)
• Charcoal Exclusive Inks™ Stamp Pad (Z2831)
• Custom Cardstock Combo Pack (Z9976)
• Non-stick Micro-tip Scissors (Z1836)
• Make It from Your Heart™ Volume 3 (9043)
• Everyday Life™: Album — Bashful (Z9996)
• Customer Order Forms (1 pack of 25, W101)
• Seasonal Expressions 1 Idea Book (qty. 5, WCS1182)
• Annual Inspirations Idea Book (qty. 5, WC1181)
• Cardstock Sampler (W1180)
• Fundamentals Sampler (W1181)
• Seasonal Expressions 1 B&T Duos™ Sampler (W1171)
• Petite Perks™ Heartstrings Stamp Set (qty. 3, W2039)
• Desk Pad (W1140)
• Let Me Show You How Stamp Set (W1190)

Here are just a few additional benefits of being a Consultant: 

• 22% base commission on product purchases and sales, with the potential to earn even more!
• Opportunity to make money doing what you love: crafting!
• Flexibility to earn extra income while working your own hours.
• New Consultant Kit full of product valued over $200! 
• $50 in CTMH Cash immediately upon sign-up.
• Free Consultant website so your friends can shop with you online!
• Opportunities for other exciting incentives, like trips, crafting products, and more! 

If you have any questions regarding the Consultant opportunity, please contact me. I'm happy to answer them. Or...you can sign up directly on my website and then anxiously await the arrival of this beautiful kit!

From My Home...To Yours...

MERRY CHRISTMAS!

I know it's easy to get caught up in all the worldly things surrounding Christmas - I do enjoy the lights and festivities - and am thankful I do pretty well not getting drawn into the crazy and negativity that's possible. I hope you are able to take a deep breath today and celebrate the joy of the holidays, consuming yourself in the moment.

We have really enjoyed our Christmas tree, lights and holiday decorations this year. I don't know that I'll be ready to take them down when it's time to do so.

One of the blessings in my life is as a Director for Close To My Heart. Thankful for everything in my life that encompasses CTMH - fellow Consultants, team members, customers, friends and family - we are well taken care of by the owner, Jeanette Lynton, and all of the home office staff. We enjoy various perks as a Director and one of them is receiving a Christmas gift each year.

This is how the package arrived this year and included a beautiful handmade card, with a heartfelt message from Jeanette. It was a definite feel-good and before opening the gift...I drooled a bit over the wrapping paper (LOL); the look AND feel. :) (I'll share the gift soon but am being respectful of those Consultants who may have not already received theirs.

This is a close-up of the card that was included. Isn't it beautiful?! I love everything about it and if I had received it sooner, I would have so copied it! LOL It may just serve as a Christmas card for next year, but regardless, it sure gives me some ideas for other greeting cards.

I wish you a blessed and enjoyable day - whether surrounded by tons of people or a quiet day by yourself or with a few others. Whatever you do today, be sure to remember the reason for the season.

Merry Christmas!

Save 30-40% During Our Boxing Week Sale!

Just when you thought the holidays couldn’t get any better—we’ve got another seasonal sale planned: a Boxing Week Celebration featuring four days of savings! During this sale Close To My Heart will be offering daily deals on my website, featuring 30% savings on individual items and 40% savings on exclusive bundles of product they’ve put together just for this sale! They can’t tell us what specific items will be included quite yet, but they are current items!

The fun starts at 12:00 am (MST) on Tuesday, December 26, and runs through 11:59 pm (MST) on Friday, December 29. New offers will be posted at midnight each day and stay up until 11:59 pm on that same day, while supplies last. Sale prices are only available on orders placed through my website during these times. All discounted items ordered as part of this sale do count towards Stamp of the Month and Hostess Rewards qualifying order totals.

As usual with discounted items, shipping and handling will be based on the full retail value of sale items. 

To see which items will be discounted during this sale, visit the Promotions Page on my website at any time during the sale—the Boxing Week items will be listed on that page. All the items included in the sale are only available while supplies last, and there is no grace period for placing orders—so be sure to place your orders before the sale ends!

A reminder and direct link about this sale will be provided in my VIP group on the 26th. Join me there, if you aren't already a member. I would love to have you!

Please share this information with anyone you think may be interested. I can't wait to see what they have to offer us! Contact me if you have any questions or if I can assist you with your shopping experience. 

Gift Box in a Card

I have seen these cards over the last few months and decided to give one a try to teach to my team members when we gathered earlier this month. Believe it or not...SUPER EASY! In fact, you can actually put something fun (and small) in the gift box. One of my team members suggested a beautiful ring! LOL I was simply thinking chocolate. Duh! I need to dream bigger!

So what do you think you can do with this card since you [obviously] cannot put it in an envelope? It was suggested to place it on a desktop, beside table, etc. You can still write a greeting inside. While I created this with Christmas in mind, you can totally switch out the paper and colors for birthdays and other holidays/occasions. 

This super fun stamp set, "Thought that Counts", will no longer be available after the end of this month (and is only available while supplies last). Check out the cute sentiments and while perfect for Christmas, there are many you can use throughout the year! Which is your favorite?

The tag design in the stamp set coordinates with this set of Thin Cuts - Basic Tags. I used the one on the top left for these tags. You can use the 4 thin metal dies to quickly and easily cut the paper shapes shown in the photo. Size of the shapes: 2 1/2", 2", 1 1/2", 1". 

Thin Cuts are packaged on their own magnetic sheet and work well with most die-cutting machines. (I use a Cuttlebug.)

To create a card like this on your own, check out this great video I used to create mine. Feel free to contact me if you have questions and if you make one...please share it with me! I would love to see it!

Only two days until Christmas and I'm totally excited!

Let's Crop in the New Year!

Location: Heritage Senior Center

200 S Jefferson St, Irving, TX 75060

Cost: $10

Let's get together and crop in downtown Irving. This is a no frills crop, hosted by the City of Irving, where we can gather together and meet new papercrafting friends.
Bring your own projects to work on and a snack to share with all others who attend. You might consider packing a lunch/dinner - there is a refrigerator - or you can go pick up something nearby.

RSVP to this event, and attend as part of our group, to receive a goodie from me! I'll get there early enough to reserve space for all of us. (Let me know if you want to sit by specific people.)

Registration will take place through the City of Irving website. Here is the direct link to registration. It's called "Crop 'til U Drop". There are two sessions. One is $7 and is for 10 am to 4 pm. $10 covers 10 am to 10 pm. I usually just pay the $10 for Session 2. You can come and go, as needed. Register by Monday, January 9, 2018, and let me know you did so. The best place to RSVP is through the event in my VIP group. (Feel free to bring a friend to join us!)

I look forward to seeing you there! 

Just a Little Bit of Pun!

"We MERMAID to be friends." LOL For some reason I get tickled with puns and Close To My Heart hit a homerun with this adorable stamp set! Don't you agree?!

These fun little images are perfect for brightening someone's day or for providing them some cheer when they need it. It's only available through December 31, 2017 for $5, with a qualifying $50 order! Here is where you can find all the details or contact me. 

This sentiment is a little more obvious but I still love the adorable cupcake image. One can never go wrong with a cupcake!

I've shared a couple of other pieces of artwork, using this stamp set, so check them out:

• "I need S'MORE friends like you."
• "I like you a whole WATT." 

If you want a bit more inspiration, and some recipes to recreate cute items on your own, check out what the CTMH Art Department has shared with us! You can use them as a source of inspiration for your own projects, changing out the colors and products you use!

CONTACT ME if you want to place an order while this stamp set is available! When you do, I'll mail you a handmade card with a fun sample. You can also place your order directly on my website. Be sure to select for the $5 stamp option when your order reaches $50.

12″ × 12″ Love You Layout

S1712 My Acrylix® A Little Bit of Pun — December Stamp of the Month

Z3353 Basics Fundamental Paper Packet

1385 White Daisy Cardstock

X5941 Bashful Cardstock

Z3146 Watercolor Paper

Z2819 Bashful Exclusive Inks™ Stamp Pad

Z2831 Charcoal Exclusive Inks™ Stamp Pad

Z2829 Espresso Exclusive Inks™ Stamp Pad

Z899 Black Memento™ Ink Pad

Z3344 Thin Cuts — Basic Tags

Z3317 Thin Cuts — Basic Hearts

Z3348 Thin Cuts — Scallop Border

Z4036 Thin Cuts — Thankful for You

Z3386 Thin Cuts — Block Alphabet

Z3318 Thin Cuts — Basic Circles

Z3369 Bashful Pearls

Z3216 White Twine

Z3132 Watercolor Paints

Z3224 Waterbrush — Small Round

– Sewing Machine

– Die-cutting Machine

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4¼″ × 5½″ I Like You a WATT Card

S1712 My Acrylix® A Little Bit of Pun — December Stamp of the Month

Z3353 Basics Fundamental Paper Packet

1385 White Daisy Cardstock

Z3146 Watercolor Paper

Z899 Black Memento™ Ink Pad

Z3312 Gold Glitter Gems

Z4030 White & Bronze Twine

Z3132 Watercolor Paints

Z3224 Waterbrush — Small Round

---

4¼″ × 5½″ We MERMAID To Be Friends Card

S1712 My Acrylix® A Little Bit of Pun — December Stamp of the Month

Z3353 Basics Fundamental Paper Packet

1385 White Daisy Cardstock

X5968 Lagoon Cardstock

Z3366 Silver Foil Paper

Z3239 Silver Glitter Paper

Z3146 Watercolor Paper

Z899 Black Memento™ Ink Pad

Z3089 Grey Gems

Z1263 Bitty Sparkles

Z3328 Thin Cuts — Basic Ovals

Z3329 Thin Cuts — Basic Stars

Z3348 Thin Cuts — Scallop Border

Z3293 Shimmer Brush — Clear

Z3132 Watercolor Paints

Z3224 Waterbrush — Small Round

– Die-cutting Machine

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You Are Just My TYPE Gift Box

S1712 My Acrylix® A Little Bit of Pun — December Stamp of the Month

Z3353 Basics Fundamental Paper Packet

1385 White Daisy Cardstock

X5968 Lagoon Cardstock

Z3146 Watercolor Paper

Z899 Black Memento™ Ink Pad

Z3216 White Twine

Z3089 Grey Gems

Z3345 Thin Cuts — Basic Banners

Z3132 Watercolor Paints

Z3224 Waterbrush — Small Round

Z2468 ShinHan™ Touch Twin™ Warm Grey 7 Marker

Z2467 ShinHan™ Touch Twin™ Warm Grey 4 Marker

– Craft Box

– Die-cutting Machine

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I Need S’MORE Friends Like You Gift Box

S1712 My Acrylix® A Little Bit of Pun — December Stamp of the Month

Z3353 Basics Fundamental Paper Packet

1385 White Daisy Cardstock

Z3146 Watercolor Paper

Z899 Black Memento™ Ink Pad

Z3216 White Twine

Z3089 Grey Gems

Z3345 Thin Cuts — Basic Banners

Z3224 Waterbrush — Small Round

Z3132 Watercolor Paints

– Craft Box

– Die-cutting Machine

---

You Mean The WORLD To Me Gift Box

S1712 My Acrylix® A Little Bit of Pun—December Stamp of the Month

Z3353 Basics Fundamental Paper Packet

1385 White Daisy Cardstock

Z3146 Watercolor Paper

Z2826 Heather Exclusive Inks™ Stamp Pad

Z899 Black Memento™ Ink Pad

Z3345 Thin Cuts — Basic Banners

Z3089 Grey Gems

Z3216 White Twine

Z3224 Waterbrush — Small Round

Z3132 Watercolor Paints

–Die-cutting Machine

CTMH Technique Blog Hop - Glitter is Glamorous

Thank you so much for joining us for this month's Technique Blog Hop where we feature Close To My Heart products and fun techniques to incorporate them. Today we are highlighting all things "glitter" which includes our Glitter Paper, Shimmer Trim, and Shimmer Brush. Each of these, as well as some other products, add that little bit of sparkle that is perfect for your artwork.

If you are coming from Judy Faye's Blog, you are on the right track. There is a complete list of participants listed at the bottom of this post should you get lost along the way.

This card was made using the December Stamp of the Month and is in honor of my non-glitter-lovin' friends. I do have a couple of them. LOL

I didn't want to do a whole lot to these cards, wanting the focus to be on the puns that are the attraction of this adorable stamp set. While it needed a bit more, I didn't want anything to overpower the simple design so decided to use some Silver Shimmer Trim under the black strip of cardstock. I love how it's that little shimmer that does the trick.

So...you can use a lot of glitter - which actually makes me very happy - or you can use a little glitter, like here, that just provides that little bit of sparkle that we all sometimes need. :)

Now, head on over to Haley's Blog to see what artwork, and the other hoppers, have to share with you.

List:
1. Melissa Robinson *YOU ARE HERE*
2. Haley Dyer
3. Darlys Recker
4. Belinda McLane
5. Sarah Devendorf
6. Cat Nowak
7. Michelle Loncar
8. Annemarie Julian
9. Judy Faye Garner

On the 12th day of Christmas... (Final Day of SAVINGS!)

...my Consultant gave to me...

It is hard to believe it's almost mid-December. I hope you've enjoyed the 12 days of savings and that you've taken advantage of them, whether for you or a friend or loved one. It has been fun offering these specials to you and I truly appreciate your business. In fact, you still have time to purchase products. Scroll back through the 12 days and let me know if you want to add to your order.

If you've participated in any of the 12 days of Christmas, I will contact you tomorrow with a final total and to make arrangements to collect payment. Full payment is due December 15, 2017 and the order will be placed on the 16th, to be delivered to your doorstep. The prize drawing, as disclosed in the initial details, will take place on December 16th. The winner will be announced in my VIP group. Please contact me with your questions.

Now...for today's final offer...

On the 12th day of Christmas my Consultant gave to me...

Purchase any three stamp sets of your choice and get ONE (of lesser value) FREE!

We have a variety of Stamp Sets to choose from, some which include coordinating Thin Cuts. Message me with your list of three stamp sets.

Contact me before 11:30 pm today (CST) to select this special and get two tickets into the drawing.

FULL DETAILS OF THIS SALE

To fully benefit from this 12 Days of Christmas offer, read up on the fun details posted HERE and contact me if you have questions.

On the 11th day of Christmas... (12 days of SAVINGS!)

...my Consultant gave to me...

Have you check out our Glitter Paper? It comes in SIX colors. Each package contains 3 - 12" x 12" sheets, 1 color per pack. It is of quality weight (cardstock) and cuts nicely with the glitter remaining on the paper (and not ending up on everything else).

When you buy two packs this month, I'll give you one FREE (your choice of color)!

Here are the colors we offer:

Black

White

Gold

Silver

Red

Bashful

Contact me before 11:30 pm today (CST) to select this special and get two tickets into the drawing.

FULL DETAILS OF THIS SALE

To fully benefit from this 12 Days of Christmas offer, read up on the fun details posted HERE and contact me if you have questions.