Wow -- it has sure been a while since I have posted.  While I have still been "crafting and creating", it has just been more difficult to post it all.  Little by little, I try to get a few things up :)

In the meantime, I am once again impressed with our latest catalogue!  I am always amazed how Close to my Heart is a such a dynamic company with their "finger on the pulse" of the crafting industry.  While we still have our tried and true products, CTMH continues to roll out new products as well.

One of our latest and greatest new products is . . . 

our NEW Cricut Cartridge -

ARTISTRY!!  

This is the fifth in our collection.  Once again, like our other cartridges, it features over 700 images.  That fact alone makes our cartridges the GREATEST value.  One change we have made is that instead of including chipboard sheets with our cartridge collection, we now include a bundle of paper (the Enchantment Colors)!

Here is a video detailing the new ARTISTRY cartridge.  Check it out and I'm sure you will see the possibilities. There is a reason why these specific cartridges NEVER leave my desk top!!  I'm sure Artistry will be added to my collection.

If you are interested in ordering the cartridge, you can check it out here!!

Order Your New Artistry Cartridge Here!

Also, if you are interested in having a copy of our latest catalogue, email me and let me know at mystudiowithaview@gmail.com

And stay tuned for more creative goodness!!

Best Promotion - EVER!

 
In all the years I have been with Close to my Heart, I have never seen a sign-up promotion this FANTASTIC!  If you are a hobbyist who loves scrapbooking/cardmaking or looking to build a business/make money on the side, you MUST take advantage of this offer!

During the month of April, you will receive over $400 in products for only $99!!  When you sign up as a consultant and purchase the $99 starter kit, you will receive the Cricut Cartridge bundle of your choice for FREE!!  



PLUS if you sign up with me,
I will give you a stamp set of your choice (up to $15 value)
for FREE!

If you are a visual person (like I am), you may want to see what you will be getting :)  You will receive all the items pictured below as well as the Cricut Bundle of your choice.  The business supplies you will receive (bags, forms, paper sample swatches, etc) are not pictured below, but you get those as well!

$99 Starter Kit

Artbooking Cricut Bundle

Art Philosophy Cricut Bundle

Artiste Cricut Bundle

You get to choose the Cricut bundle that is your favourite.  You will receive over $400 in product and supplies for only $99!  The starter kits includes a fantastic assortment of our products:  stamp pads, acrylic blocks, three stamp sets, five mini stamp sets, an alphabet stamp set, various embellishments (triangle studs, shimmer trim, resin flowers, twist ties), two of our incredible layout idea books (one for cards, one for scrapbooking), CTMH paper (solid and patterned), tools (such as micro-tip scissors, glue pen, sponge, stamp cleaner and brush pad) - and of course, your FREE Cricut cartridge bundle!!  After that point, you are able to place your orders at a consultants discount.

____________

For more information, follow this link to my webpage.

If you are interested in taking advantage of this offer, signing up is a super easy process.  It is all done online by following this link: 

http://michelleolson.ctmh.com/ctmh/what-we-do/be-a-consultant.aspx

Once you have signed up through my website, send me an e-mail letting me know which stamp set you would like for FREE!!

____________

If you have any questions, please give me a call or send me an e-mail.  I am happy to answer any questions you may have.

This offer is only available during the month of April.  This promotion is super hot so act quickly to be sure to get the Cricut cartridge you love most!!

To help you decide which cartridge you like best, links to pdf versions of the cartridge handbooks can be found below; or check out my blog post "Which CTMH Cartridge is best?"  

Art Philosophy

Artiste

Artbooking

WHICH CTMH CARTRIDGE IS BEST? Art Philsophy, Artiste or Artbooking?

This post includes links to the pdf versions of each CTMH cartridge handbook.

Which CTMH Cricut Cartridge is the best??  This is a question I get asked again and again.  The Close to my Heart Cricut cartridges are WHY I signed up as a consultant!  

Here is the story --  I was researching which Cricut cartridges are the most popular, as I didn't want to buy cartridge after cartridge.  Time and time again, I kept hearing about the Art Philosophy cartridge.  It didn't take me long to learn that you could only get Art Philosophy through Close to my Heart.  After seeing the images on the cartridge, I was SOLD!   I had previous experience with Close to my Heart product and LOVED it (the clear stamps were also a favorite), so I decided to sign up.  Since then, they have released two more cartridges which are equally impressive.

So, which cartridge is my favorite?  Unfortunately, the answer is, they ALL are! Each one is my favorite for a very different reason.  I love the basic elements of the Art Philosophy cartridge (ie. flower, oval, banner shapes, labels, etc.  I love all the 3D items (gift card holders, rosettes, boxes) on the Artiste cartridge.  I love the background images and how easy it is to do an entire scrapbook layout with the Artbooking cartridge.  I should also mention that I love all three cartridges because I have stamp sets that co-ordinate with each of them.  Don't forget, as you look through the catalogue, any image that is outlined with a red line, means there is a co-ordinating cut on one of our cartridges.  If you look at the bottom of the page in the catalogue, it will tell you which cartridge the "cut" is from.

To help you decide which cartridge you like best, I have included a brief description of each below.  I have also included links to pdf versions of the cartridge handbooks.  I find it really helpful to see all the images on any cartridges I may want to buy in order to decide if I will use it.   Click on the cartridge name or the picture of the handbook below to get to the pdf of the handbooks.

Art Philosophy 

 This cartridge includes many basic shapes and images.  Each image on the cartridge also has a co-ordinating card and a co-ordinating tag cut.   There is also an assortment of borders and backgrounds.  This cartridge includes a variety of seasonal items some of which include a snowflake, christmas tree, stocking, hearts, acorn and cupcake.  The only 3D items that can be made with this cartridge is an assortment of six flowers.  The font included on this cartridge is a standard, slightly-formal font.

Artiste  

This cartridge includes basic shapes as well as shapes which are more detailed.   There is a wide variety of seasonal items such as a turkey, mitten, leaves, spider, skeleton, hearts, and snowflakes.  It also includes shaped cards, gift card holders, ready-made mini-books, phrases and words (ie. "thank you", "it's a girl", "Happy Birthday", "family", "Merry Christmas", etc.  One of the main features of this cartridge are the 3D items you can make such as milk cartons, file folder boxes, cupcake holders, rosettes, decorative boxes, gift bags, french fry boxes, etc.  Because of this feature, there is an assembly guide included.  The font included on this cartridge is very clean, straight-edged and basic.

 Artbooking 

This cartridge is a little different because it includes a very special additional feature.  In addition to a number of detailed and basic shapes, you can make an entire, co-ordinating scrapbook layout using one key on the overlay.  This allows you to quickly and easily create an entire perfectly sized layout-- using just one key/page on the cartridge.  This cartridge includes lots of backgrounds, borders, picture frames and phrases (ie. "always and forever", "capture the details, "fun and sun", "think grow learn", "party time".   There are no 3D items on this cartridge.  The font included on this cartridge is the most formal and a little "curly". 

  

I hope this helps you determine which cartridge you put at the top of your wish-list.  And don't forget, each cartridge comes with three pages of co-ordinating chipboard elements as well as three co-ordinating stamp sets.  In my honest opinion, all three are must-have cartridges -- not only because they are a great value, but they are also sure to be your "go-to" cartridge for any project you tackle!

Once again, here are the links to the pdf of the handbooks for each cartridge:

Art Philosophy

Artiste

Artbooking

 

 

Artbooking Made Easy Video - Fall Layout

CTMH has put out a series of videos specifically for our new Artbooking Cricut Cartridge. I love this video series because it helps with understanding how the cartridge is set up and the use of the "Real Dial Size" button.  It also walks you through how easy it is to complete a beautiful layout!

Here is the first video in the series which goes over the cartridge details generally.

Here is the newest video on creating a beautiful Fall Layout using the Artbooking cartridge.  I couldn't get the video to load on my page, so just follow this link.

If you are interested in purchasing the new CTMH Artbooking Cricut Cartridge, come and shop with me here.

*   *   *   *   *   *   *   *   *   *

October Stamp of the Month

You can purchase this set for only $5 (reg. $17.95) with any $50 purchase.  This is a fantastic seasonal set which includes holiday sentiments.  It also coordinates with the Cricut Art Philosophy cartridge.  You can start shopping by clicking here.

CTMH Artiste Christmas Banner

I love making banners!  I started by making one for my daughter and was amazed at how quick and easy it is to make something beautiful.  Once again, it is especially easy if you have the right tools!  I have decided I will make a banner for my mantle for each of the seasons, and the perfect season to start with is Christmas.

There are many words you can choose but I thought this pretty much sums up the entire season for our family -- JOY.  I used the CTMH Artiste cartridge.  Wow -- it was soooo easy!

Here are my "cut" dimensions.  Page numbers refer to the Cricut Artiste handbook that comes with the cartridge.

Flag pieces - Pg. 77 - 4.5" - Elemental Patterned Paper

Top border - Pg. 47 - 1" - Red card stock (trimmed as needed)

Rosettes (3-D) - Pg. 77 - 1.75" - Colonial White Cardstock (remember to cut two for each rosette)

Rosettes (flat) - Pg. 56 - 3.5" - Colonial White Cardstock

Ornament - Pg. 79 - 3" - Colonial White (remember to cut four as you will need two for each ornament)

Letters - Various Pages - 3" - Cranberry Cardstock

Stamp sets used:

Love Life (D1482)

Very Merry Christmas (Oct. SOTM)

Inks and Embellishments:

Cranberry

Olive

Zip Strip from Elemental Paper Pack

Clear Sparkles (Z1752)

 

Tips/Notes:

-Almost every one of my pieces were sponged around the edges with Olive or Cranberry ink. This step adds dimension to your project.  You MUST do this and you will not be disappointed!

-I just used ribbon to string my pieces together.   I tie a knot behind each piece so it does not slide around.  

-To make the ornament multi-colored, I simply stamped two ornaments, one in green and then one in red.  I then cut out the middle of the green ornament and glued it onto the red.

-I used 3-D foam tape to mount my letter.  Again, gives the project dimension.

Don't forget about this month's Promotions!!


From Dec. 1-31, all orders placed on my website that reach or exceed $50 will also include a free Bonding Memories glue pen (Z553) -  a $4.50 value!

Not only is this my absolute favorite adhesive -- but it is a MUST for Cricut users who agonize over glueing up each individual letter.  The glue pen offer is also in addition to our regular Stamp of the Month promo.

December Stamp of the Month

December's SOTM is "Year Round Cheer" is so super-cute -- it includes reasons to celebrate all through the year. You can purchase this stamp set for only $5 with any purchase over $50.

New Catalogues are Here!

I have been completely "captured" by summer!  Between holidays, yard work, running with children, etc, my blog postings have taken a bit of a hit!  I hope to get back into the routine of regularly posting some "creative motivation".

My shipment of new catalogues has arrived!  It is IMPRESSIVE!!  If you'd like a copy of the idea book, send me an e-mail or give me a call and I will get one to you.  There are so many wonderful new items!  

Foremost though, we have a new Cricut cartridge!  It is called Artiste, and it is an amazing collection of images.  

Like the Art Philosophy cartridge, it is offered as a collection, complete with three co-ordinating stamp sets as well as chip board shapes.  Have a look through the idea book here. It is loaded with a ton of creative inspiration!

Also featured in the catalogue are 8 brand new paper packs, new Workshop-on-the-Go kits (some specifically for card-making and some specifically for scrapbooking), 6 new colors (our color palette has changed from 60 to 40), over 50 new accessories (including burlap ribbon, new wood shapes, glitter gel, chalkboard shapes, journal spots, etc.), new my creations albums and project kids, as well as workshop kits for home decor projects.  Incredible!

3 x 3 Card Box Using CTMH Florentine Paper

I really wanted to make a cute and delicate box of cards using the new Florentine Paper from CTMH.  I picked up this little 3"x3" box at Walmart for only a couple of dollars, but it's amazing how adding the right paper and some embellishments can turn it into something beautiful!  I will be using this project as a doorprize, so when I made the cards, I was sure to provide for a variety of occasions and to keep the design quite simple.  I used the Art Philosophy cartridge to cut out the papers flowers, flourishes and sentiment piece.  A list of supplies can be found below.

The flourishes (green) were cut using the CTMH Art Philosophy cartridge (Pg. 60, <Font Layer><Tag4> at 1" and 3/4") as well as the sentiment tag (Pg. 53, <Square4> at 2".

These flowers were cut using the Art Philosophy Cartridge (Pg 50, <Flower8> at 1.25" and 1.5").

I included this picture to again stress the importance of distressing your paper edges with ink.

I kept the card layout very simple, but wanted to include sentiments for a variety of occasions.

Have fun creating something beautiful this week!  And I also must mention that I will be entering my first H2H challenge with this project.  Wish me luck!!

Supplies (all are CTMH unless otherwise noted)

Paper:  Garden Green, Florentine Paper Pack (X7153B)
Embellishments:  Pearl Opaques (Z1336), Bohemian Assortment (Z1687)
Paradise Paper Flowers (Z1710), Lace Ribbon (Stampin' Up)
Stamps: Remarkable Wreath (C1473), Wonderful You (W332)
Ink:  Creme Brulee, Garden Green, Sunset
Cartridges:  CTMH Art Philosophy

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

April Stamp of the Month

This month features the stamp set You Are . .  (set of 15).  It's retail value if $17.95, but with a $50 purchase, you are able to purchase it for only $5!  This is a fantastic stamp set that works well for both card making and scapbooking!

Dotty for You!

This month also marks the beginning of our Dotty for You Promotion!

Snatch a Dotty for You paper packet at an incredible discount or even FREE!

Celebrate National Scrapbooking Month in May by mixing and matching to your heart’s content with our new Dotty for You paper packet! The trendy patterns on the front of the papers coordinate perfectly with the dots on the reverse side, giving you lots of options for crafting colorful layouts, cards, and other projects. Dotty for You includes 24 specially designed, coordinating B&T Duos^® sheets (2 each of 12 patterns) and an artwork idea insert to get your creative juices flowing.
There are three ways to get this exclusive Dotty for You paper packet, valued at $19.95:

• Place an order of $35 or more in products from the Spring/Summer 2012 Idea Book between April 17 and May 31, and add the Dotty for You paper packet for just $5*.
• Host a Gathering with a sales total of $400 or more (excluding tax, shipping/handling, and Operation Smile^® donations) between April 17 and May 31 and receive a Dotty for You paper packet FREE.
• Join Close To My Heart as a new Consultant between April 1 and May 31 and receive a Dotty for You paper packet FREE.

Mini-Banner using Lucy Workshop on the Go Kit

When I first saw the Lucy Workshop on the Go, I instantly thought of my daughter, Emily.  The patterns are so feminine and cheery!  This idea for a banner was perfect for her, and I knew she would love it.

If you are not familiar with Workshop on the Go kits offered by Close to my Heart,  they are a quick and easy way to get a couple of layouts done, in addition to a "bonus project".  Each Workshop on the Go (or WOTG) includes a themed paper pack (which includes patterned paper and solid paper), a co-ordinating stamp set, a set of complemetary embellishments (could be stickers, rub-ons, sparkles, chipboards, buttons, etc. depending on the kit) and an instructional brochure for completing two - two page layouts.  The directions include the layout template, a cutting guide, as well as step-by-step instructions.  After you have completed the two layout ideas included in the Workshop of the Go, there is a suggested bonus project that can be made from the leftover scraps (additional items may be required).

This particular banner is the bonus project suggested for the Lucy Workshop on the Go kit.  In addition to the kit, you also need the Bitty Buds assortment (small flower embellishments) and the My Creations Mini Banner (chipboard banner).  It's also handy to have the CTMH Art Philosophy Cartridge so you are able to cut all the shapes with the push of a button!  I used creme colored ribbon (instead of the included "jump rings") to string together each piece of the banner.  It was super easy and I am delighted with the results -- so is Emily!

I have included the next picture because it truly shows the value of "inking your edges".  I use a sponge tapped on an ink pad.  You can also use sponge daubers, or the ink pad directly.  This picture shows you the dimension it adds to a piece, and gives it a "finished" look - so worth the extra time and effort!

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

April Stamp of the Month

This month features the stamp set You Are . .  (set of 15).  It's retail value if $17.95, but with a $50 purchase, you are able to purchase it for only $5!  This is a fantastic stamp set that works well for both card making and scapbooking!

This month also marks the beginning of our Dotty for You Promotion!

Dotty for You!

Snatch a Dotty for You paper packet at an incredible discount or even FREE!

Celebrate National Scrapbooking Month in May by mixing and matching to your heart’s content with our new Dotty for You paper packet! The trendy patterns on the front of the papers coordinate perfectly with the dots on the reverse side, giving you lots of options for crafting colorful layouts, cards, and other projects. Dotty for You includes 24 specially designed, coordinating B&T Duos^® sheets (2 each of 12 patterns) and an artwork idea insert to get your creative juices flowing.
There are three ways to get this exclusive Dotty for You paper packet, valued at $19.95:

• Place an order of $35 or more in products from the Spring/Summer 2012 Idea Book between April 17 and May 31, and add the Dotty for You paper packet for just $5*.
• Host a Gathering with a sales total of $400 or more (excluding tax, shipping/handling, and Operation Smile^® donations) between April 17 and May 31 and receive a Dotty for You paper packet FREE.
• Join Close To My Heart as a new Consultant between April 1 and May 31 and receive a Dotty for You paper packet FREE.

Sweet Cricut Baby Card Using Lucy Paper

A friend of mine recently had a little baby girl and putting a card together was LONG overdue!  Their new little sweetie is named Jane, and I especially love to personalize baby cards.  It was amazing how quickly this baby card came together.  I reached for one of my favorite cartridges for "fun" images - Create a Critter, as well as my tried and true CTMH Art Philosophy cartridge.  The fawn is cut from Create a Critter cartridge, and the border and sentiment shape is cut from the CTMH Art Philosophy cartridge.  Supply details can be found below.

Supplies (all are CTMH unless otherwise noted)

Paper:  Creme Brulee, Sweet Leaf, Lucy (X7149B)
Embellishments:  Bitty Opaques (Z1707),
Flutter Paper Shapes (Z1709), Scrapper's Floss (Karen Foster)
Stamps: Trinity Alphabet (E1021)
Ink:  Creme Brulee, Blush, Sweet Leaf
Cartridges:  Cricut Create-a-Critter, CTMH Art Philosophy

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

April Stamp of the Month

This month features the stamp set You Are . .  (set of 15).  It's retail value if $17.95, but with a $50 purchase, you are able to purchase it for only $5!  This is a fantastic stamp set that works well for both card making and scapbooking!

This month also marks the beginning of our Dotty for You Promotion!

Dotty for You!

Snatch a Dotty for You paper packet at an incredible discount or even FREE!

Celebrate National Scrapbooking Month in May by mixing and matching to your heart’s content with our new Dotty for You paper packet! The trendy patterns on the front of the papers coordinate perfectly with the dots on the reverse side, giving you lots of options for crafting colorful layouts, cards, and other projects. Dotty for You includes 24 specially designed, coordinating B&T Duos^® sheets (2 each of 12 patterns) and an artwork idea insert to get your creative juices flowing.
There are three ways to get this exclusive Dotty for You paper packet, valued at $19.95:

• Place an order of $35 or more in products from the Spring/Summer 2012 Idea Book between April 17 and May 31, and add the Dotty for You paper packet for just $5*.
• Host a Gathering with a sales total of $400 or more (excluding tax, shipping/handling, and Operation Smile^® donations) between April 17 and May 31 and receive a Dotty for You paper packet FREE.
• Join Close To My Heart as a new Consultant between April 1 and May 31 and receive a Dotty for You paper packet FREE.

Resticking Your Cricut Mat Video!

After posting the steps to "re-stick" your old Cricut mats, I was determined to put it into video format so you could see how easy the process was.  All I needed was a free weekend to figure how to create and post a video!  It's my first video attempt, so ignore the shadows :)  I'll do my best to get better at the whole "video" thing!

All the basic instructions are included -- I went a little longer than expected, but I wanted to share everything I have learned about this process.  Below it, I will post the link to my previous blog post of text and photo instructions. 

Blog post with text and photo instructions can be found at:

http://mystudiowithaview.blogspot.ca/2012/03/resticking-your-cricut-mats.html

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

April Stamp of the Month

This month features the stamp set You Are . .  (set of 15).  It's retail value if $17.95, but with a $50 purchase, you are able to purchase it for only $5!  This is a fantastic stamp set that works well for both card making and scapbooking!

This month also marks the beginning of our Dotty for You Promotion!

Dotty for You!

Snatch a Dotty for You paper packet at an incredible discount or even FREE!

Celebrate National Scrapbooking Month in May by mixing and matching to your heart’s content with our new Dotty for You paper packet! The trendy patterns on the front of the papers coordinate perfectly with the dots on the reverse side, giving you lots of options for crafting colorful layouts, cards, and other projects. Dotty for You includes 24 specially designed, coordinating B&T Duos^® sheets (2 each of 12 patterns) and an artwork idea insert to get your creative juices flowing.
There are three ways to get this exclusive Dotty for You paper packet, valued at $19.95:

• Place an order of $35 or more in products from the Spring/Summer 2012 Idea Book between April 17 and May 31, and add the Dotty for You paper packet for just $5*.
• Host a Gathering with a sales total of $400 or more (excluding tax, shipping/handling, and Operation Smile^® donations) between April 17 and May 31 and receive a Dotty for You paper packet FREE.
• Join Close To My Heart as a new Consultant between April 1 and May 31 and receive a Dotty for You paper packet FREE.