Flower Market Cricut Collection - Delphinium Flower

Here's a third card inspired by a fellow consultant - Julie Carriere - with her Canadian floral cards.  She had used the Cricut Hello Canada (Z3391) Collection to create her cards.  I'm still using Flower Market Collection (Z3290 digital or Z3285 physical).  This time I went with the Delphinium flower  because they're supposed to be a fall/winter bloom.  I only made one orientation.  Another  smile on my face.  : )

With this card, I went with the blues.  Crystal Blue (X5977). It's hard to see in the picture, but some of the flowers are the back side of the Crystal Blue cardstock (so it's a different hue).  The center of the flowers is Linen cardstock (X5946), the flower stock and flower centers are Nutmeg cardstock (X5951), and "hello" is my standard Black cardstock (1386).

The flowers were raised with the Thin 3D foam (Z2060).  Have I mentioned how nice it is to cut the foam with our Non-stick Micro-tip scissors (X1836)?  There is no residual tape left on the blades!  I just can't get over how nice that is!

Anyway, the Delphinium flowers  are found on the Flower Market cartridge on page 4!
There are three keys needed the shift key is involved too, so I guess I could say there are 6 keys needed):
<4><flower-1>, <4><flower-1><shift>, <4><flower-2>, <4><flower-2><shift>, <4><icon>, and <4><icon><shift>.

"hello" can be found on page 1, or at <1><title>.  I went with a generic saying, but you could use the font to create whatever you'd like.  You could even weld the letters together to have an easier go at putting the word on your card.

Finally, the background is White Daisy(1385) cardstock dry embossed with the Buffalo Plaid (Z4032) Embossing Folder.  That 4" x 5.25" White Daisy paper sits on top of a 4 1/8" x 5 3/8" piece of Crystal Blue cardstock.

I've got one more card to show you.  Until next time!

Flower Market Cricut Collection Card - Poppy

Here's another card inspired by a fellow consultant - Julie Carriere - with her Canadian floral cards.  She had used the Cricut Hello Canada (Z3391) Collection to create her cards.  Since trying to use my resources wisely (aka, not spending a lot of money), still using Flower Market Collection (Z3290 digital or Z3285 physical).  I love these Poppy cards!  They are so happy  : )

The poppy can be found on page 45.  The images cover <poppy><flower-1>, <flower-2>, <Icon>, and <shift><Background>.

Colors are Nutmeg (dark part)(X5951), Poppy (large part of flower)(X5963), Cranberry (accent of Poppy)(X5975), and Sweet Leaf (stem)(X5980).  And the saying is once again Black (1386).  The base of cards are from Poppy cut to 4" x 5.25" and White Daisy (1385).  Both are dry embossed with the Buffalo Plaid (Z4032) Embossing Folder.

After the flowers were glued together, glue them down to the card front.  "Thanks a Bunch" is also glued down to the White Daisy cardstock.

"hello" has been raised with Thin 3D foam tape (Z2060).  Very small pieces are best cut with our Non-stick Micro-tip Scissors (X1836).















Here they are together:

Embossing Diffuser and Punny Pals

Last week I taught an advanced dry embossing class through the Poway Adult School.  This example showed how to use the diffuser (discontinued - but found at a store).  I only explained the technique of using the diffuser.  And an application of coloring the embossed image.  I posted a video in September about the diffuser.  See how flat it is around the bear?  That's because the diffuser doesn't push down on the embossing folder's image.

The paws embossing folder was purchased at JoAnn, and coupled with a circular diffuser to emboss the White Daisy (1385) cardstock.  That said cardstock was cut to 4" x 5.25" ahead of embossing.  I placed the diffuser higher on the card to stamp my focal image there.  Once out of the embossing machine, I took my Mahogany (Z2456) ShinHan Touch Twin Marker and traced over the raised edges of the lined paw prints.

I stamped the Bear and saying from Punny Pals (D1751) with Memento ink (Z899) because I was going to color him.  I colored the bear with Mahogany, and added Black (Z2446) to his nose and Pastel Peach (Z2460) to his belly and ears.

I didn't have access to the Thin Cuts for the Punny Pals that you can purchase during this month (Oct. 2017) otherwise I would have made the bear pop with 3D Foam (not that it isn't cute as it it).  : )

Time Machine - Mini Bragging Scrapbook from 2003

I tried sharing this with you when I arrived at my mother's house for the quilt retreat.  Look at this little treasure!  I made this gem many years ago (probably 15).  As with first born children, there is more time to do things (sorry, Amber!).  I gave this to my mom and dad, capturing Lindsey in her first and second year of life - back when she was unconditionally adorable.

Just thought I'd share it with you!  Even though it's small, this is a scrapbook!  Not too bad an idea...

It closes with a magnet.  : )  Maybe we'll make some of these at our Holiday Workshop on December 3, 2017 (with updated paper).  hmmm....

Flower Market Floral Cards - Iris

I was inspired by a fellow consultant - Julie Carriere - with her Canadian floral cards.  She had used the Cricut Hello Canada (Z3391) Collection to create her cards.  Since I am trying to use my resources wisely (aka, not spending a lot of money), I thought I would try using Flower Market Collection (Z3290 digital or Z3285 physical).  I'm really happy with the results.  : )

This first card is using the Iris flower:

The card on the left was supposed to be oriented in the other direction.  I had glued everything down before I realized my mistake.  Oh, well!

I just love the embossed backgrounds.  They add dimension to the cards without being distracting.

The Iris (pg 37 - <m><flower-1>, <shift><m><flower-1>, <m><flower-2>, and <shift><m><flower-2>is made from the front and the backside of Eggplant cardstock (X5956).  I love how the paper is now two-toned! The stamen is made from Saffron cardstock (X5961), by cutting the background flower a second time.  Then I hand cut the excess off.  I wanted to keep the openness of the flower top.  : )

The stems on the left are both from Fern cardstock (X5930), while the foreground iris on the right utilized New England Ivy cardstock (X5959).

Finally, the words are cut from Black cardstock (1386).  My favorite base for cards is the White Daisy Value Pack (X254).  The flowers and words are popped from the page with the help of using White Daisy cardstock (1385).

I raised the foreground flower with Thin 3D foam (Z2060).  "Thanks" is only the first part of the "Thanks a Bunch" saying (pg. 3 - <3><title>).

For this card, I went with the modern Buffalo Plaid (Z4032) Embossing Envelope - only available through Dec. 31, 2017.

I hand cut off the smaller flower's bud.  I thought it would detract from the overall look.

You could add some Shimmer Brush (clear - Z3293) accent to the flowers or the background.  I took the pictures before I did that - it had been my intention.  But, at the same time, it isn't necessary.
Background: Eggplant cut to 4" x 5.25".  White embossed cut to 3.75" x 5" before embossed.



For this second card, I made the iris' larger.  I popped the foreground iris up with the Thin 3D foam.

This time I used the Leaves (Z4031) Embossing Folder - again, only available through Dec. 31, 2017.  I used the "back" of the embossed leaves.  I thought it had a cooler look that the other side.  : )

The Eggplant cardstock background was cut at 4.25" x 5.5".  The White Daisy cardstock to 4" x 5.25".

"hello" came from pg 1<shift><1><title>.

October is Time to Share the Smile with Operation Smile™

Have you wondered about Operation Smile™?  And why Close to my Heart would raise money for such an organization?  What about your role in helping the cause?

Close to my Heart partnered with Operation Smile™ to help kids smile again - one at a time.  You can read a little more here.  A smile can be a powerful thing, and why wouldn't we want to help.

There are lots of ways to help others out.  With natural disasters, as we've seen, people will collect money almost anywhere you shop.  You can help Operation Smile™ a little at a time by rounding up your order to the nearest dollar - that could be 3 cents or 99 cents (or anywhere in between - okay, and could also be 1 and 2 cents).  Three cents might not seem like it would make a difference, but what if 100 people rounded up just 3 cents.  We'd have $3 dollars.  What if another 1000 people rounded up just 3 cents?  Well, that's another $30.  Even though that example would take a while to collect the $240 necessary for an operation, we'd get there.  And the odds are of only rounding up 3 cents is pretty low.

Sometimes you can do a little more.  Take October 2017 for example.  What would you say if I told you you could donate $7 by purchasing a stamp set?  Would you do it?  For $17.95, you'll get Punny Pals (D1751), and $7 will go toward a life changing operation.

As I mentioned, this month Close to my Heart is "pushing" the stamp set by sweetening the pot.  For this month only, and while supplies last, you can get a coordinating set of Thin Cuts for cutting out the adorable animal shapes. Even better, we’ve built an exclusive card kit that includes the Thin Cuts along with card bases, envelopes, paper pieces, and instructions that you can use to create endearing cards that will sure enough bring a smile to anyone’s day!

Close to my Heart is so passionate about this campaign, how about this?!
"When you participate in our Share a Smile promotion by purchasing any of these special items or rounding up your order in support of Operation Smile™ you will automatically qualify for a chance to win a not-yet-released stamp set from our upcoming 2018 Seasonal Expressions 1 idea book! We’ll be choosing winners throughout the month of October, so any time you place an order, you can be a winner!"






3" x 3" cards and envelopes: $9.95 for 32 of them.  That's a GREAT deal!  I'm stocking up on just this item for the future. : )

Thin Cuts for the stamp images, because who wants to have to hand cut these babies out when there's a machine to do it quick and easy for you.  This set is $28.95 and includes all 13 animals from the Punny Pals stamp set.

Why not go for it, and save some money too?!  If you want to purchase the two items above, the total is $38.90.  Well, with this package, you'll get the 10 sheets of cardstock and 1 sheet of glitter paper for an additional $1.05.  Yes, all of this is $39.95!  PLUS you'll get cutting diagrams and instructions to make 6 different card designs.





Don't think it can get any better?  What about Close to my Heart matching?!
Close to my Heart will be matching round-ups this month up to $10,000!  Meaning that your round-up donations will go even further to improve the lives of children!

In a nutshell:
Buy Punny Pals
Buy the kit and make 32 cards (great gift idea!)
Round up (all year round) your order
CTMH will give up to $10,000 this month to Operation Smile™
Be entered to win a stamp set from the 2018 Seasonal Expressions 1 (that comes out in January) idea book!

Quilting With Mom

I'm quilting with my mom this week.  We are enjoying Lake Arrowhead and the time together.

I just wanted to remind you that this is the last week for you to get the From the Heart Card Kit.

Interactive Cards: From the Heart Kit Celebrates National Stamping Month in Great Fashion

This month we celebrate National Stamping Making with an interactive card making kit.  If you receive this card, you might be thinking, "no way can I put that together!".  It isn't as bad as all that though.  Here is a video that walks you through assembling a card.



Not too bad, huh?!  Actually, the hard part is deciding on the colors to use to stamp the cards!  I love the detail the stamp set brings out on these flowers and leaves.  : )

The best part?  These were my inspiration for my Cardaholics card swap this month.  But you'll have to see my next post for those pictures...

There are three parts you can purchase:

CC1227 From the Heart Card Bases & Envelopes
12 – foil-stamped card bases with accompanying die-cut pieces
12 – 5½" x 4¼" white envelopes
Price: $13.95 USD

CC1228 My Acrylix® From the Heart Stamp Set
E-size stamp set containing 35 stamp images, including stamp sentiments for the inside and outside of your cards, as well as coordinating images for stamping floral scenes on cards and envelopes.
Price: $29.95 USD

CC1229 From the Heart Card Kit (best deal!)
12 – foil-stamped card bases with accompanying die-cut pieces
12 – 5½" x 4¼" white envelopes
1 – My Acrylix® From the Heart Stamp Set
Retail Value: $43.90 Discounted Price: $34.95

How do you get your hands on the Kit for FREE?
Host a gathering in September that reaches the third level of Hostess Rewards or higher, and receive a From the Heart Card Kit (CC1229) for FREE! That’s a $43.90 USD retail value, FREE! 
That includes Facebook and online gatherings!

Embossing Folder and Diffuser Video

I'm teaching a class on Advanced Techniques at the Poway Adult School in a couple of weeks (Oct. 2nd to be exact), so I'm thinking a lot about embossing.  Maybe you should check out, and sign up for, my class! 

In this video, Carly will show you how to start using embossing folders and diffusers.  Okay, you'll learn what items look like.  Some of the folders, and the diffusers, are retired that she shows.  The embossing machines, such as Cuttlebug, are simple to use and can be used for our Thin Cut line too!

What I'd like you to watch is the affects of the diffusers.  Carly quickly mentions that you'll use the diffuser as one of the plates that you feed into your embossing machine.  There are so many embossing machines out on the market, just follow the instructions that come with your machine.

Enjoy!

Feel So Blessed - September 2017 SOTM

September is going to be a banner month!  Let me start by showing you the Stamp of the Month.



This thankful card was created using the September Stamp of the Month - Feel So Blessed (S1709).


I was inspired by a pinterest card that was in the other orientation that had a strip running the length of the card with the saying to the right of the strip.  My card looks nothing like the inspiration.


How did I make my card?  Simple...
I stamped the border image from the set in Eggplant (Z2347) toward the top of the card base.  The adhered B&T paper is an Almond piece from our Basic Fundamental Papers (Z3353), which measures 1.5".  Then I stamped the border stamp below the B&T paper.

Next, using the Basic Circle Thin Cut (Z3318), I cut out a 2.5" Eggplant circle from the the Enchanted Fundamental Papers (Z3352).  I cut a 2" circle of White Daisy as well. "Thanks" was stamped on the White Daisy circle in Almond ink (Z2827).  On a scratch piece of paper, I stamped "for everything" in New England Ivy ink (Z2835).  The circles are adhered directly to the card front.  The banner, after being cut out, was raised with Thin 3D Foam (Z1151).

I didn't just want to add plain clear Sparkles (Z3274 (4mm) and Z1263 (2mm)), so I colored them with our Shin Han Markers; Green Sap (Z2463) and Lavender (Z2453).  I added those around the sayings.

Simple and fast!

Here, let me show you all of the stamped images within this set and you will see I barely used the set to it's potential!

What will you create?!

Two More Days for Seasonal Expressions 2

You've only got two more days to shop from the Seasonal Expressions 2 book.  Don't miss out on all the items you want!

Go shopping right now at dsdoodles.closetomyheart.com.  You can get in on the last of the Warehouse Deals too.  I just ordered 4 of the Everyday Life albums.  One for each of us.  That's where I'm going to put my monthly writings...  I'm so excited!

Flower Market - Page 19 Key

Kristina explains how she made a layout and matching card using cutouts from the Flower Market Cricut Cartridge.  See how nice the Cricut is?!  Change sizes of the images to suit your needs.




Supplies:

A1192  Happy Heart (card saying)
Z3352  Enchantment Fundamentals (new patterns now, same great colors) - (layout base, card and layout strip)
Retired Swan Lake (go with retired Sea Glass cardstock - stamp tone on tone if want pattern look) (layout behind photo)
Retired Oh Deer! (go with All about the Gold fundamentals - Z3246) (layout)
1385     White Daisy Cardstock (card saying focal and strip through Sapphire stripe, pansy container)
X5639  Sweet Leaf Cardstock (pansy container)
X5774  Eggplant Cardstock (layout saying, demo half wreath with pansies)
X5759  Pacifica Cardstock (card flower)
X5762  Lagoon Cardstock (layout flowers)
X5783  Emerald Cardstock (layout photo mat)
Retired  Sea Glass Cardstock - (layout heart, mat, journaling, pansy container)
X5776  Sapphire Cardstock (card flower)
X5777  Fern Cardstock (layout greenery and arrow, demo half wreath with pansies, pansy container)
X5778  Saffron Cardstock (card sprigs, demo half wreath with pansies, pansy container)
X5776  Peacock Cardstock (layout flowers, pansy container)
Z2848  Sapphire Ink (card saying)
Z3216  White Twine (layout - wrapped around middle, card - wrapped around the top)
Z1263  Bitty Sparkles (card - either side of "Happy")
Z3089  Grey Enamel Gems (layout)

Cardaholics Creative Block Inspirational Blocks

What do you do when you have a creative block?  You roll the dice!  Inspired by a magazine, I made up some inspiration blocks - each block representing something dealing with creating a card or layout; Color, Embellishment, Technique, and Theme.

Each block was made from the Artiste Cricut Collection (retired) page 45, 3D Object.  The finished block is 1.5" x 1.5" x 1.5".  Each block is covered with a different Fundamental B&T family.  I'll admit, I was short on time, and printed the items instead of stamping them.

On the COLOR block, the choices are: Black and White, Reds and Yellows, Blues, Primaries, Secondaries, and Tertiaries.

On the EMBELLISHMENT block, the choices are: Brad/Gem, Flower, Button/Sew, Ribbon/Twine, Glitter, and Distressing.

On the TECHNIQUE block, you'll find: Pattern/Pinterest, Monochromatic, Watercolor, Embossing, Fancy Folds, and Coloring.

And on the THEME block: Floral, Animal, Thank You, Blank, Birthday, and Beach.

The 3.5" x 6" bag topper was fun to make.  The word "CREATIVE" was stamped in Nutmeg (Z2830) ink using Jennifer's Hand (B1484) stamp set.  "BUSTER" was then stamped in Toffee (Z2828) ink.

"BLOCK" was created with the Marker Alphabet (E1034) and Bashful (Z2819), Blossom (Z2810), and Raspberry (Z2812) inks.  The entire word was inked in Bashful.  Then 2/3s of the word was inked in Blossom (leaving the very bottom as Bashful).  The top 1/3 of the word was then inked in Raspberry (the darkest red).  Then the image was stamped on the White Daisy topper.  Note: If you make more than one, you'll need to clean the stamp before going back to the lightest color.

A small bead of Liquid Glass (Z679) was used to adhere the bag to the inside back of the topper.  Another bead was used to keep the Enchantment Sapphire Twine (retired) in place at the fold of the topper.  Hook and Loop Dots keep front side of the topper down.  One hook dot is adhered to the bag while the loop dot is on the inside of the topper.

So, when I can't think of something to make, I whip out my handy blocks, roll them, and move forward with what they suggested.  No more creative block!

Magazine Inspired Fundamentals Swap Card

How about this card?  My inspiration came from a beach bag card in Paper Crafts Magazine from July 2012.  It's the stripes that stood out to me.

My card uses the new patterns of Enchantment and Whimsy Fundamentals (both new patterns).  I also made my own B&T paper by stamping with Sapphire ink on Sapphire cardstock.  For that I used the In the Background stamp set (new).  The flowers are from Beautiful You (new) stamp set, but I used the bundle - the corresponding Thin Cuts and Stamp Set.

How dimensional do those flowers look?!  Three stamps were used in the making of each!

Large Flower:  Pansy was 2nd generated for the base layer.  Then I stamped Pansy again, but 1st generation, for the middle layer.  The top/smallest part of the flower was inked in Eggplant.

Medium flower:  For this one, I only used Saffron Ink.  The base is 3rd generation, the middle layer is 2nd generation, and the top layer is 1st generation.

Small Flower:  This followed the same process as the middle flower except that I used Peacock ink.

Leaves:  Both were stamped 2nd generation and then 1st generation with New England Ivy ink.

The Pansy/Eggplant flower and larger leaf are adhered directly to the paper, the Saffron flower and small leaf are raised with Thin 3D Foam, and the Peacock flower is raised with 3D Foam.  Having different levels adds interest to the card.

The 5.25" x 4.25" card is finished with Gold Pearls (new), and the right two corners rounded.  You might have noticed that I mentioned the dimension of the card isn't the standard 5.5" in height.  Well, I didn't feel like thinking... Each of the strips are 7/8".  I didn't want to decide which color got an extra 1/8" - two are needed to make up the missing 0.25".  Which two strips would you have made higher?  I would have noticed a difference in height.  So, the card is a little shorter - no biggie.  And you may not have noticed if I hadn't mentioned it.  ; )

Before I put my swaps in the mail, I added a piece of cardstock to the top.  I'm hoping this will prevent the pearls from cutting into the envelope.  In addition, I placed the fold of the card into the envelope first.  I don't normally mail cards this way, but I was hoping without the pearls being at the bottom, the cards will go through the machine (and therefore not returned to me for more postage as this might have to be a hand-sorted card.

Check out all the new goodies at dsdoodles.closetomyheart.com.

Item Number	Description
Z3352	Enchantment Fundamentals
Z3350	Whimsy Fundamentals
X5957	Sapphire Cardstock
Z2848	Sapphire Ink
Z2835	New England Ivy Ink
Z2849	Peacock Ink
Z2847	Eggplant Ink
Z2804	Pansy Ink
Z2851	Saffron Ink
Z3384	Beautiful You Thin Cuts & Stamp Bundle
D1750	In the Background Stamp Set
Z3371	Gold Pearls
Z2060	Thin 3D Foam
Z1151	3D Foam
Z1912	Corner Rounder

Handmade, Hand Stamped Wedding Invitation

Want to see the wedding invitations I made for my niece?!  Of course you do.  : )

She got married at a historical park.  She likes Sea Glass and had succulents as wedding favors. Woodgrain came to mind for the invites.

Closed Invitation

 The word Buckle is a cut from Artistry Cricut Collection (page 11).  The top layer is the word Love which was cut from Colonial White cardstock.  The background is Sea Glass.

Here it is opened.  I hand stamped each invite with the swirl (I still LOVE that retired stamp set) and heart in Sea Glass.  I also edge distressed the invite with Sea Glass.  The reply and guest information went into the pocket to the right.

As you can see, I kept the same motif with the information card and reply.









I had created each base piece in Word after some designs I found on Pinterest.  I was able to get two invites from one 8.5" x 11" piece of light cardstock, and four of the Guest Information and Reply cards.  Unfortunately I couldn't get the margins to work out correctly, so when I brought the job to Staples for them to print and cut, I had some weird cutting instructions for them.  The Staples employee was able to follow along so everything was cut the way I wanted.  : )

To assemble the cards, I used a small bead of Liquid Glass around the edges.  I knew everything was going to be thrown away (*sigh*) so I wanted the cards to be economical.  I thought about using glue stick, but felt parts would dry before I had an opportunity to glue it down.  Plus it would be more labor (I know, I put a lot of time into the cards anyway) intensive with the stick.  The Liquid Glass was quick, easy, and cost effective (I didn't come close to using a bottle - maybe half a bottle).

You might be asking how much?  The raw materials was the most expensive part of the project (okay, if I were charging to make these invitations, raw materials wouldn't be the most expensive part) - about $350.  I made 100 tri-fold invitations.  So you have the tri-fold part, the envelopes for those, and the envelopes for the replies.  So about $245 for those.  Then the Sea Glasss cardstock; about $50 for three packs, and the few bucks for cardstock, ScoreTape, and other odds and ends.  Printing and cutting were another $40.  I didn't keep track of the time it took me.  I started early enough that I was able to edge distress while watching TV.  Assembling I did at the table so I could focus on that... I hate crooked cards.

Then I handed everything over to my sister.  I had cut and scored the belly band for the front.  And put ScoreTape on the edges so it would be easy for my sister and niece to secure the invite closed.  My niece really liked them, so that's what matters!

I made matching Thank You cards for her shower gift too.  : )

Flower Market - Page 29 Key

Today's installment has Jill talking about how to layer, and what can be done with changing sizes.




Supplies used today include:

Item Number	Description
D1706	School Kids (globe card)
A1182	Etched Alphabet
X7211B	Jeepers Creepers Paper - RETIRED - can use any grey background paper (layout, globe card)
Z3255	Whimsy Fundamentals (flowers and title on layout)
X5789	Sea Glass Cardstock (Retired) (layout container, hydrangea card, globe card)
1385	White Daisy Cardstock (layout base)
1388	Colonial White Cardstock (layout, hydrangea card)
X5637	Sweet Leaf Cardstock (layout, hydrangea card, globe card)
Z2872	Whisper Ink (hydrangea card)
Z891	VersaMark Pad (globe card)
Z2068	Ranger Super Fine White Embossing Powder (globe card)
Z555	Craft Heater (globe card)
Z3269	You & Me Complements (hearts on layout)
Z3287	Whimsy Ribbon Pack (hydrangea card)
Z3285	Flower Market Cricut Collection

Close to my Heart Warehouse Sale - Every Tuesday in August!

I'm always super sad when an idea book retires.  I can no longer get items from the book.  And now that it isn't available, I REALLY want it!  Curses!!

Corporate may be able to help...
"Every Tuesday during the month of August we will unveil a fresh set of retired Close To My Heart products and product bundles at a 50% discount! For this sale only, we’ll also only charge shipping and handling on the price paid instead of on the retail value of the items, the way we normally do. These items will only be available during the week they are launched while supplies last, so you’ll need to act fast!

We don’t want to give too much away, but we can say that the products we will offer are items that have been retired. From paper packets, Complements, stamp pads, stamp sets, and much, much more! Some items will be available individually and others have been grouped into purposeful bundles.

Normal shipping and handling rates, and taxes, will apply, but they will be calculated on the discounted price you pay rather than the customary full retail price of any item."

Other questions and answers:

Is this offer available only while supplies last? Yes, these items are only available while supplies last, so shop early in order to get yours while they are available!

Does the purchase price of these items count toward earning Hostess Rewards and the discounted Stamp of the Month? Yes, these items do count toward earning Hostess Rewards and the discounted Stamp of the Month.

Are these items available for purchase with Hostess Rewards credit? No. These items are not available for purchase with Hostess Rewards credit.

Are these items available for purchase as a Hostess Rewards 50% off item? No. These items are not available for purchase as a Hostess Rewards 50% off item.

Are these items available for purchase with Select Product Credit? No. These items are not available for purchase with Select Product Credit.

If you're a bargain hunter, I can set up a gathering for you.  Then, each week you'll have the opportunity to get the new items each time counting toward your gathering.  At the end of the month, you'll be close to $150 and qualify for hostess rewards.  Don't forget, the NEW Annual Inspirations will be orderable in August!!

Of course I'd be happy to come to your house and share with you products Close to my Heart offers. Or how about a Facebook gathering?  Let me know how I can help you reach your goals!

Picture My Life Video

Monica takes you through some stand alone sets we used to sell.  Now, though, every paper packet comes with two sheets of cut apart images.  Just like the cards she shows, each side has the same imagery but in both orientations.



What is still purchasable (is that a word?!), are the overlays.  We have three to choose from (until July 31, 2017 or while supplies last).  We also have more generic stand alone cards.

• White Frames (Z3283).  These you place over your pictures to border them or add is little sentiment with the picture.
• Retiring: Picture my Life Overlays - White (Z3193)
• Retiring: Picture my Life Overlays - Gold & Silver (Z3144)

Stand alone cards are as follows:

• Tabbed Journaling Cards (Z3278) are fun for journaling - lines to write straight! - and slide them into the pocket protector (or add on a page directly).
• Watercolor Cards - both white/clear (Z3221) and gold (Z3217) are waiting for you to add color with watercolor paints.

How about miniaturizing your book?! Additional retiring items (July 31, 2017) are mini memories - Instalife 4" x 4" books - Blue Jean (Z3282) and Blush (with dots on them- Z3270).  These have their own overlays - Gold (Z3279) and Black (Z3284). They get their own memory protectors (4" x 4" Z3116) and printed cards - Hello Gorgeous (Z3275) and Enjoy (Z3291).

Take inspiration from the video and move your scrapping along with the cut apart cards found in the Seasonal Expression books!

All is Bright and December Word Puzzle

Here's another two samples (because I'm running out of days to show you).  One uses the Quick Cards - All is Bright with December Word Puzzle, and the other just December Word Puzzle.

Here, Sapphire is the base of the left side of this Originals - On the Left (page 21).  The All is Bright is again stamped in Sapphire ink on White Daisy cardstock.  The stamped image is then adhered to Pansy cardstock.

Sapphire ink was used with the December Word Puzzle on Willow cardstock.  I know, it's odd to have the green with the purple and blue - those are tertiary colors.

Not that fast!  Before you adhere any cardstock, you're going to take your sanding kit and sand the paper to reveal the white core.  Don't worry about the stamped words, you can sand them too.  By doing so, you bring in some white to soften the intensity of color (especially the Willow paper) and marry the white from the cardstock.

Gold Foil Tape separates the Sapphire and Willow papers.  And if you can see them, there are 3 Dream Big Glitter Gems on top of the Foil Tape.


This second card also comes from Originals (retiring at the end of the month).  Buckle (page 82), I think, was the perfect choice for this card.

The colors are Poppy, Ruby, Fern, Canary, and New England Ivy.

Before I continue, I'd like to point out what NOT to do.  And that is not pay attention to your drawn lines.  I'm sure you see my line to the left of "Holidays" is slanted.  Well,that's because I didn't pay enough attention.  Had I paid attention, the line would be straight and higher in the corner.

Now that that rant is over, on with how the card was made.  : )

Enchantment Fundamentals - New England Ivy is the background paper for this card.  The trees were stamped with Fern (the outside two) and New England Ivy.  The stars were stamped with Canary (there are three stars).  Then the stars were stamped on scratch paper and then colored in with Pastel Green.  Two were cut out and then glued onto the focal.  The trees were 3D Foam Tape raised on Ruby cardstock.  The two buckle parts are Poppy cardstock.  I distressed them with the direct to paper technique - love that look.

"Happy" is stamped in Ruby and "Holidays" in New England Ivy.  As I mentioned earlier, I drew a line with the Journaling Pen around the base of the card as well as the focal trees. The card was finished off with the Green Triangular Gems (I thought they looked like trees).

So there you have it... Two stamp sets that aren't in the idea books that are eligible for Stampganza event - buy 2, get 1 free!

Items Used:
Let it Snow

Item Number	Description
A1148	Quick Cards - All is Bright (Stampganza special)
D1313	December Word Puzzle (Stampganza special)
X575	Sapphire Cardstock
x5782	Pansy Cardstock
X5784	Willow Cardstock
1388	White Daisy Cardstock
Z2848	Sapphire Ink
Z3129	Foil Tape - Gold
Z3321	Litter Dreamer Glitter Gems (retiring 8/31?17
Z1294	Sanding Kit (retiring 7/31/17)
Z1151	3D Foam
9036	Originals (retiring 7/31/17)

Happy Holidays

Item Number	Description
D1313	December Word Puzzle (Stampganza special)
1388	White Daisy Cardstock
X5927	Ruby Cardstock
X5779	Poppy Cardstock
Z3254	Enchantment Fundamentals (patterns retiring 7/31/17)
Z2870	Ruby Ink
Z2835	New England Ivy Ink
Z2850	Fern Ink
Z2843	Canary Ink
Z2852	Poppy Ink
Z2459	Pastel Green Shin Han Marker
Z3223	Enamel and Glitter Duos - Green Triangles (retiring 7/31/17)
Z1979	Journaling Pen
Z2060	Thin 3D Foam Tape
9036	Originals (retiring 7/31/17)

Annual Inspirations 2016-2017 Setting to Retire

As sad, and hard, as it is to say good-bye to an old friend, July 31, 2017 marks the end of our 2016-2017 Annual Inspirations.

The Fundamental papers will be changing, so if you like the patterns of what we have, order now!

The majority of stamp sets are retiring.  Stock up with our Buy 2 get 1 free promotion (through the end of the month too).  Corporate brought back some oldies but goodies for the month.

All Base and Bling items will be going.

Our Color of the Year - SEA GLASS - will be making room for a new color.  Don't forget to stock up on this gorgeous color!

Our Basic Color Palette is being retired too!  Black will be moving to be with White Daisy as a staple color, making room for a new palette of grays and browns.

Colonial White is going off into the sunset too.  That includes cardstock, ink, reinker, and the 50 value cards and envelopes.

Our How to Books - Reflections, Imagine, Cherish, and Originals - are going.

Go to the Going Soon! part of my website right now to see what's being retired.  Just don't wait to long or you might be out of luck!  And get that order in before 11:59pm Mountain Time (that's 10:59pm Pacific).

Stampaganza Stamp - All is Bright - Sample

I thought I'd share with you a stamp that is part of the Stampaganza campaign that you won't find in the idea books.  : )

Let me introduce you to Quick Cards - All is Bright.

I made this monochromatic card using the colors Sapphire, Pacifica, Crystal Blue, and Glacier.  I'm really pleased with how it turned out!

I modified the Make it from your Heart Volume 2 pattern #24 to make it.  According to the pattern the papers are 1/4" narrower and then butted next to each other to leave an 1/8" border around everything.  Instead, I cut the papers 4 1/4" wide to span the width of the card.  I had intended for no white to show, but had forgotten to take the height into account when I cut the pieces.  Instead, I made lemonade!

The B&T paper is from the Adventure Fundamental pack - Pacifica - specifically. ;)

All is Bright is one stamp set, so easy peasy!  That's where I started...by stamping in Sapphire ink on White Daisy cardstock (3" x 3" - unlike the pattern dimension).  From there I picked the other colors. The stamped image is mounted on Crystal Blue (1/4" larger than the White Daisy)(because I liked the look better than when the Glacier was placed on top of Crystal Blue).  That is 3D foam mounted to be raised.

To the Glacier cardstock, I used the direct to paper technique.  The look is accomplished by opening your ink pad, and lightly rubbing it (in a circular pattern) over the cardstock.  It gives the cardstock some movement and life (definitely one of my favorite techniques!).

Lastly, I cut and glued on the Sapphire Twine from the Adventure Ribbon Pack.  Those are two pieces.  One for the straight, and another for the bow.  I used Liquid Glass to glue the pieces.  Those were in position before I mounted the stamped image.

Oh, and the last thing I did, was add some Shimmer using the Clear Shimmer Brush.  I added it to the snowflakes, every other tree, and below the "Merry and Bright all night" saying (you can sort of see that in the picture).

Items used (all CTMH):

Item #	Description
A1148	Quick Cards - All is Bright
Z2848	Sapphire Ink
Z2841	Glacier Ink
1388	White Daisy Cardstock
X5770	Glacier Cardstock
1292	Crystal Blue Cardstock
Z3253	Adventure Fundamental Pack - Pacifica
Z3286	Adventure Ribbon Pack
Z3293	Shimmer Brush - Clear
Z1151	3D Foam Tape
Z679	Liquid Glass
9042	Make it from your Heart Volume 2

Sign In Guest Book Album

I saw Karen Pederson at convention last month.  I wanted to, and did, thank her and curse her for the video she put together about the sign in guest book.  I loved the idea as soon as I saw it.  I sent it to my niece, who also loved it!  Since I had made my niece her wedding invitations as her gift (100 invitations made!), I needed to find a sponsor to make the album.  My younger sister jumped at the chance!  Yeah, Lora!!

This is the front page.  It will hold a 5" x 7" picture.  My niece wanted Sea Glass.  I added the grays, browns, and blacks.  When I learned that her flowers were going to have coral in them, I turned to the Hello Lovely (retired) paper and fussy cut the flowers for each of the layouts.

This back page also holds a 5" x 7" picture.  The saying is from a retired stamp.  I thought it appropriate for the last page of a wedding.  The front and back photos are double matted.  A very small frame of Sea Glass is between the black and white.







The following are the two page layouts.  There is a lot of white space for people to write things.  Some of the papers were Rustic Home Fundamentals, Sea Glass cardstock and glitter paper, Some KindaWonderful B&T, Desert Sand cardstock, Whisper cardstock, Black cardstock, Live Beautifully B&T paper, Rustic Home Ribbon, and Washi tape.

Each page is double matted.  The base page is 12" x 12" of Black cardstock.  The next layer is 11 1/2" x 11 1/2" of Slate cardstock (the groom was going to wear a gray suit).  Then the 11" x 11" White Daisy cardstock.

pages 2 and 3

pages 4 and 5

pages 6 and 7

pages 8 and 9

pages 10 and 11

pages 12 and 13

pages 14 and 15

Some techniques I used:

• embossing (front and back cover)
• embossing and then sanding (pages 3 and 4)
• direct to paper inking (pages 2 and 3)

The strips of paper I used varied from 1/4" (going with the central background strip) to 3 1/2" (central background strip).  The banners ranged from 1/2" (washi tape and ribbon as well as paper) to 2 1/2".  Most were 1 1/4" to 1 3/4" I believe.  Each was bannered about 1/2" upward.

Since pictures were not going in beforehand (my niece wants to put wedding picture in), I varied the orientation.  I stamped "place photo here" so people wouldn't sign there.  The single Black mat was cut at 4" x 6" and the white area is 3 1/2" x 5 1/2".  The 4" x 6" pictures will need to be trimmed down.

I raised the flowers with Thin 3D Foam so that pictures could be placed beneath them.

So, THANK YOU, Karen Pederson (her original post on her blog), for sharing this with us!  I'm so grateful because I've started a new tradition in my neck of the woods.  And curse you, for sharing the idea with us, because now I'll be making more.  : )  Of course seeing the expression of the bride and groom, and hearing the oohs and aahs of guests, the effort was well worth it!

July is Stampaganza at Close to my Heart

It's time to stock up on your stamp sets at a discount!

It's also a great month to be a hostess!  Host a gathering in July that reaches the fourth level of Hostess Rewards or higher (submitting your party order no later than August 7, 2017), and receive the Word Puzzle Bundle (CC1300) FREE! The Word Puzzle Bundle is a set of 12 classic D-size stamp sets and is valued at $215.40!

Are there any My Acrylix® stamps that will not be eligible for this promotion? Yes. Stamp sets not available for retail purchase (such as stamp sets included in Cricut® collections), Operation Smile™ stamp sets, and Stamp of the Month stamp sets (both discounted and full-priced) will not be eligible for this promotion (either as the qualifying full-priced stamp set or as the free stamp set).

How many free stamp sets can I qualify for in a single order? Everyone can purchase as many stamp sets as you wish during this campaign. For every two sets purchased at full retail price, you will qualify to receive a third stamp set of equal or lesser value for free. (Free stamp sets will always be the lowest-priced stamp sets in an order.)

Is now a good time to become a consultant? Become a Close To My Heart Consultant in July and submit $300 in commissionable sales by August 31, 2017 and earn the Word Puzzle Bundle FREE!

Check out my website for more details and to order your stamps.  : )

Cardstock Carnival Almost Done

The end of the month marks the end of 25% off all cardstock.  There are no colors retiring this year, so stock up for the next year!  At a discount!*****CORRECTION- the basic colors (except black) are ALL changing.  We have 10 new colors!  Colonial White is also retiring.

What's more, is that our card stock is going two tone. The great color you know and love on one side; and a lighter version on the back side!!!  *******

Shop my website.  : )  Don't wait, because after June 30, this deal is done.

Hinged Ghirardelli Box Holder

I'm ready for convention... at least my swaps are!  I came across a hinged box by Caroline Helwigh Wright.  I was fascinated, but needed to modify her dimensions to fit my needs (getting more than one box from a 12" x 12" cardstock and fitting something yummy inside).  : )

The most important aspect of this hinged box is that it needs to be square.  If it's not square, it won't close!  Each box measures 5 ¾” x 6 ½” and is cut from cardstock.  You'll be able to make 2 boxes from one 12" x 12" sheet of cardstock.

Along the 5 ¾” side, score at ¾”, 2 7/8", and 5".
Along the 6 ½” side, score at ¾”, 2 7/8", 3 5/8", and 5 ¾”.

Cut along the solid blue lines shown in the picture.  Not shown are the tabs wedged to make it easier to fold (but take a look at the pictures below for how I wedged mine).

After I cut on the lines, I stamped the outside front flap/cover.  I thought it would look cool not to stamp the sides, but it took a little more time to avoid the sides (I masked the sides with paper).  Once the stamping was done, I put Scoretape on the appropriate places (see picture).




To make it super simple, I didn't layer on the outside of the box.  I chose to cut some images out from Artbooking Cricut Collection.  And since I get bored quickly (once I figure things out), I made two different designs.

The first is Hugs found on page 49 under the <icon> and <icon><shift> (2nd column, 2nd row).  Both the heart (in Thistle Cardstock) and "hugs" (in Pansy Cardstock) are 1.82" x 1.82".

I stamped in Cashmere ink on Cashmere cardstock.  The stamp is from the Flower Market Collection.



The second of my swaps are "just BE" cut from Emerald cardstock (found on page 39 - <title><shift> (2nd column, 1st row) and be yourself - at least the banner part - found on page 41 <title> (4th column, 1st row).  Using Design Space, I hid the "be yourself" with the hide contour feature.  Then I made the banner 1.8" wide and 0.35" high.  Originally I was going to keep "yourself", but it didn't look right; and I realized I would have to back the banner with another piece of paper, so I took the word out.  After the banners were cut from Willow cardstock, I stamped "YOU!" with the Pen Pals Alphabet stamp set in Black Ink.

This time I stamped in Bamboo ink on Bamboo cardstock.  I stamped on the wrong piece (the inside) so I had to go back and restamp!  Again, I used paper to mask the ends.

The green dot in the cutting diagram (above) is an optional, although highly recommended, hole for the pull string.  To make the pull string, I used the White Twine, Willow ink and Thistle ink (corresponding to the box in mind) and a sponge dauber to color the white twine.  Hold the end of the twine and pull the twine between the dauber and the ink pad.  Pull the twine several times to get the intensity of color you want.  I fed about a 2" piece of the pull string through the hole, securing it to the inside with regular tape.




The front flap/cover measures about 2".  If you'd like to add a mat or decorate the flap/cover, you'll want your papers to be smaller.

Want to get the dimensions of "HUGS" and "just BE YOU!" just right?  Let me make this simple... Here is the Design Space canvas file: https://us.cricut.com/design/#/canvas/62185737

Ready for the finished products?!

The hinge is on the bottom left.  The easiest way to open the box is to hold the upper left corner with your left hand while pulling the twine with your right.  Then the treats are revealed, removed, and consumed.














Cute, right?!  Now it's your turn!

Item Number	Name
Z2805	Black Ink
Z2803	Bamboo Ink
Z2875	Cashmere Ink
Z2840	Thistle Ink
Z2807	Willow Ink
X5932	Cashmere Cardstock
X5782	Pansy Cardstock
X5769	Thistle Cardstock
1301	Bamboo Cardstock
X5783	Emerald Cardstock
X5784	Willow Cardstock
Z3285 or Z3290	Flower Market Cricut Collection - background stamp sets
Z3169	Artbooking Cricut Collection
B1539	Pen Pal Alphabet stamp set
Z3216	White Twine
Z726 or Z1938	Sponge Daubers
Z1204	Bone Folder - to score and burnish
1512 or Z553	Bonding Memories Glue - to glue the Cut pieces together and to the box
Z1151	3-D Foam Tape (to mount the banner)
Z534 or 1836	Micro-tip Scissors
	Scoring board
	Score Tape / Red Line tape

June 2017 Stamp of the Month

Before the month ends, you should see the stamp of the month set and a few examples.

S1706    Hello Foxy Stamp Set
X7219B  Little Dreamer paper (zip strip)
1385        White Daisy Cardstock
Z3271      Archival Black Ink
Z3216     White Twine
Z3274     Clear Sparkles
Z1263     Bitty Sparkles
Z3132     Watercolor Paints
Z3132     Paintbrush Set
Z2060     Thin 3D Foam Tape

S1706    Hello Foxy Stamp Set
X7219B  Little Dreamer paper (+ zip strip)
1385        White Daisy Cardstock
Z3271      Archival Black Ink
Z3216     White Twine
Z3321     Little Dreamer Gems
Z1263     Bitty Sparkles
Z3132     Paintbrush Set
Z2060     Thin 3D Foam Tape