Make it a "Banner Day"!

Promotion for the Month of June

 

When you place a $25 order in June that includes one stamp set, you will receive a My Creations® Mini Banner for FREE!  The Mini Banner includes 10 chipboard pennants in 4 different shapes with 9 jump rings for hanging.  The Mini Banners are versatile and a great addition to your parties & get-togethers.

Not the greatest quality picture, but here is a project I made for my daughter using the My Creations Mini Banner!  I even had a couple pieces left over to use as chipboard elements for cards or scrapbook pages. For the blog posting featuring this project, click here.

The Art Philosophy cartridge has cuts that co-ordinate with the shapes of this banner, so if you have the cartridge, it is super easy to cut your paper for these pieces.  Take a look at this video for more fun ideas on using the My Creations Mini Banner!

My Creations Mini Banner Video

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June Stamp of the Month

June 2013: A Flowering Bunch (S1306A)

Spend $50 and get this Stamp of the Month set for just $5.

Further details on these three projects can be found here.

Quick and Easy with Studio J

I like to get right into paper and embellishments -- that is why I scrapbook!  There is something to be said for taking pieces here and there, and putting them together to make a page that captures memories.

However, I have been feeling a little overwhelmed lately and decided to I wanted to recharge my batteries by putting together a few digital pages.  Once again, I was AMAZED at how quickly they come together.  Close to my Heart has put forth a great deal of effort and resources to make digital scrapbooking with Studio J very EASY and USER-FRIENDLY.  They have brought out a feature called Express Collections.  You simply choose a paper pack, and there are a bunch of pre-designed layouts where you literally DRAG and DROP your photos in, add a little journalling and VOILA! It doesn't get much easier than that!  All you simply need to do is upload your photos and the rest is very easy. Of course, for those of us that want the freedom to be creative -- all the great full features of Studio J continue to be at your disposal.

Here are a couple of samples using the Express Collections feature in Studio J.  After I uploaded my pictures, these layouts literally took me about 15 minutes to complete!  Seriously?!?  It's that simple.

Here are a couple more sample using the full features of Studio J.  These took me a little longer to put together, but I had more creative options and layout flexibility.

I have used a number of different digital scrapbooking companies and programs.  What is great about Studio J is that you DO NOT commit to a membership, minimum, etc.  You have full access to the online software for FREE!!  Yes, no charge to try it out for a test drive!  The only time to have to pay for anything is when you want to order.  You have the option to purchase JPG files to print out yourself, or have them printed by us.  The quality is IMPRESSIVE!!  You WILL NOT be disappointed!

If you have ever been interested in giving digital scrapbooking a try, follow this link and give it a try!  You can also go to my CTMH Website here and click on Studio J at the top of the page.  If you have any questions or would like to be walked through the process, I am happy to help -- just give me a call or get in touch with me via e-mail!

Spring/Summer Catalogue Released!

  

The New Spring/Summer Catalogue has been released!!  To check out the online version (which can now be seen on your iPad - YAY!), go here. It is full of new paper packs, amazing stamp sets, new bling elements (like glitter paper -YAY), a new large organizer,  some new small items for decorating up thoughtful little gifts, decor items and embellishments!!  I guarantee you will fall in LOVE with something!!  The cover (pictured above) features one of our new paper packs "Chantilly". 

Send me an e-mail if you would like a copy!  I will be posting some new projects as they are completed.  In the meantime, one of my favorite new products is our fabulous divided display tray!!  Watch for a class with this for sure!!

BEAUTIFUL STAMPS, AMAZING DISCOUNTS

Each month you can enjoy a new D-size stamp set, available for one month only, for just $5—that’s over 70% off retail! When you place an order of $50 or more in Close To My Heart products, you qualify for this special Stamp of the Month pricing.

February 2013: Home Sweet Home (S1302A)

Spend $50 and get this Stamp of the Month set for just $5.

Avonlea Sympathy Card

Here is a quick card I put together using the Avonlea Paper Pack.  I love using this layout because you just need to pick a paper pack and away you go!  A favorite embellishment of mine is the Flutter Paper Shapes.  I love, love, love these little butterflies because you can use them "as is" or use an ink pad and a sponge to color them up as I did here!  This is a really quick card -- especially if you have the dimension (which I'm going to give you)!

And of course, I always like to make a coordinating envelope and decorate inside the card.  Here is what I did with this one.

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Dimensions:

Teal piece - 2-3/4" x 4" 

Avonlea Patterned pieces - 2-1/2" x 2" (two pieces)

Garden Green in center - 3-3/4" x 2-3/4"

Colonial White in center (to stamp on) - 3-1/2" x 2-1/2"

Supplies (all are CTMH unless otherwise noted)

Paper:  Avonlea Paper Packet, Colonial White Card and Envelope
Embellishments: Just Blooms Flutter Paper Shapes (Z1463), Bitty Opaques Pearl Gems (Z1707).
Stamps:  Love Life (D1482), Eclectic Edges (C1450), Casual Expressions (D1525), For my Friend (D1510),
Ink: Pacifica, Garden Green

Don't Miss Out on the January Promos!

I know it has been a while, but after the hectic holiday season followed by a fantastic, spontaneous family getaway, I am eager to get back into a routine!  With the February launch of the new catalogue, I am SUPER excited!  You are going to LOVE the new products!!

I just thought I would put out a reminder not to miss out on the January Stamp of the Month and the super-cute Whoo's Your Valentine Promo.  There are only a few days left to take advantage of both offers (ending January 31).  They are both very different in style.

The January Stamp of the Month, Happy Valentine's is full of love and can be used in a number of different projects, and as always is only $5 with any $50 order.
 

Project Ideas

January Stamp of the Month Set

The Whoo's Your Valentine Promo is SO cute!  The treat tubes are so versatile and are a little peak at the new product coming out in the new catalogue.  I know I will be using the stamp set in this promo for a number of projects -- I love the little owl!  And for just $10, it is an incredible steal!  It includes twelve die-cut boxes (in four colors), three sheets of colored cardstock, one sheet of silver glitter paper, twelve treat tubes with lids and the Whoo's Your Valentine Stamp Set. 

Project Idea for the Kit

Stamp Set Included in the Kit

Each of these promos is available with any $50 order.  You can even take both!!

Whoooo's Your Valentine Promotion!

Celebrate National Papercrafting Month with an incredible deal—our Whooo’s Your Valentine kit (CC1022) for only $10! Combine your love of papercrafting with the contents of this kit to create personalized valentines—perfect for classrooms and other group settings. This darling kit, which retails for $40, can be yours for only $10 when you spend $35 or more in Close To My Heart product from the Autumn/ Winter 2012 Idea Book. You’ll receive 12 die-cut boxes, 3 cardstock sheets, 1 sheet of silver glitter paper, 12 treat tubes, and an exclusive D-size stamp set created specifically for the kit. This kit offers you a sneak peek at two new Spring/Summer 2013 products: the treat tubes and the silver glitter paper! Decorate the die-cut boxes with the stamp images, cardstock, and glitter paper. Then attach the clear tube and fill with treats for valentines in a cinch!

Kit includes:
• 12 — Die-Cut Boxes (3 each of 4 colors: Blush, Hollyhock, Ruby, White Daisy)
• 3 — 12" x 12" Cardstock Sheets (Blush, Hollyhock, White Daisy)
• 1 — Sheet Silver Glitter Paper—new product for Spring/Summer 2013!
• 12 — Treat Tubes with Lids—new product for Spring/Summer 2013!
• 1 —My Acrylix® Whooo’s Your Valentine Stamp Set (D-size)

Also note that this stamp set co-ordinates with cuts on the Artiste cartridge!

This is in addition to the December Stamp of the Month, see below.  So, with a $50 purchase, you would quality for both promotions!!  The Whooo's Your Valentine promo is while supplies last -- so don't miss out on this one!  Here is a video highlighting this promotion:

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December's Stamp of the Month - Year Round Cheer, available only in the month of December and for just $5 with a $50 order.

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.

Sale, Sale, Sale!! Starts December 1!!

This is the time of year when we all especially LOVE a good sale!  Close To My Heart has announced that on December 1, they will be adding a number of selections to the "While Supplies Last" section of my shopping website.  They will be adding a wide variety of paper and co-ordinating accessories, all with a substantial markdown.  You will also find that most of the items that are currently available will also see a further markdown at that time.  Yay!!  These deals are only while supplies last, so if you see something you want, snag it quick!  Click here to go my website, and be sure to go down to the "While Supplies Last" section on the left hand side.  You can purchase any items out of the catalogue at the same time, but remember the new sale items won't be posted until midnight on December 1!

To sweeten the deal even more, 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's Stamp of the Month "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.

As you know, our new catalogue is released in the new year, and sadly, some items are discontinued.  For those of you that have your eye on a specific stamp set or item from the current or previous catalogue, I am going to post the discontinued list. This is helpful if there is something you want to pick up before it is gone.  

Upcoming Classes and Workshops

Note:  You must pre-register by Sunday, November 25.

I apologize for the delay - another result of our computer misfortune.  As you can see, we have rectified the issue - so things will be getting back to normal.  Yay!!  Here is the listing of my upcoming classes and workshops.  Christmas is sneaking up on us and so is the deadline to register for these classes!

Christmas Cards - Wed, Dec. 5, 7pm

-You will make 5 different cards (2 of each).  The cost is $20.  Please bring adhesive and paper trimmer.

Cricut Christmas - Sun, Dec. 9, 2pm

-This class will lead you through using the Cricut in your festive planning. You will create four unique pieces: a gable box, a gift card holder, a Santa gift bag and a set of tags.  Please bring your adhesive and trimmer.  Your Cricut machine is not necessary, but you may bring it to use it.  Cost is $25.

Display Tray - Sun, Dec. 9, 7pm

-Using the Avonlea paper pack, you will decorate your display tray and have it ready for family photos in no time.  Cost is $35. Please bring your adhesive and paper trimmer.

Gift Card Holders/Gift Tags - Wed, Dec. 12, 7 pm

With so many gift cards changing hands this coming season, you will be prepared!  You will make five gift card holders and a set of tags.  Please bring your adhesive and trimmer.  Cost is $20.

**Photo will be added soon.**

**Registration deadline is Sunday, November 25 so supplies can be ordered.  Pre-payment is necessary.  I accept cash, cheque, PayPal and e-mail transfer.  You will receive a registration confirmation which will include location details and a reminder of the supplies you need to bring.  

If you have any questions, feel free to e-mail or call.

Michelle 
780-875-8780
michelleolson.ctmh.com

Computer Woes - Yet Still Crafting!

  Computer Woes

It has been a very interesting month!  After having "lost" a couple major appliances in our house, we then experienced our first EVER computer loss.  Our Mac's have been very good to us over the years, but after way too many power outages, our family computer bit the dust.  I won't even start with the data loss (all my blog images/photos included - insert GASP here), but we have quickly come to realize how central our computer was to the functioning of  our family.  From hockey schedules to school newsletters to blogging to homework to photography to e-mails to bookkeeping for not-for-profits I volunteer for -- we have really been thrown a wrench. 

My apologies for not blogging and for the lack of quality which may follow.  I thought that blogging something was better than blogging nothing.  The pictures I post may be poor quality for the next little while as we figure out how to proceed, but I promise it will get better once things are ironed out.  I have so much to share (some of it is lost, though), but I'll try different methods to get things posted.  

Sorry to be a downer, but I thought some explanation was needed.  I'll try to get some projects up over the next little while.

We've tried to stay positive around here, see cartoon below.  

Here is a card inspired my a fellow CTMH consultant, Vicki Wizniuk.  

So simple, yet I just LOVE it.  I used my Cricut to cut out the numbers  (font is from the CTMH Art Philosophy cartridge).  I painted some white paper with some Pearl Paint  (also CTMH) and then sprinkled with glitter before punching out with a snowflake punch (Martha Stewart).  I used the November Stamp of the Month - Capture the Date (yours for only $5 with any $50 purchase) to stamp 'December'.  I then added a little bling with the CTMH clear sparkles.  Voila!

Again, I apologize for the substandard photo quality - I do not take it lightly.   I promise it is temporary :)

Also, don't miss out on our current promo for the month of November, with you purchase $50 or more, you qualify for the Stamp of the Month AND you can then purchase any stamp set in the catalogue for 50% off.  Now is the perfect time to pick up your favorite!

Check out the details here!

CTMH Alcohol Markers

One of the hottest new products in our latest catalogue is our new Alcohol Markers.  For those of you who like to color in stamped images -- these are an affordable and versatile tool to add to your collection.  In addition to coloring in stamped images, our alcohol markers can be used to add color directly on to your stamps as well as color in embellishments such as paper flowers or sparkles/gems.  The following video shows some great ideas using the new CTMH Alcohol Markers.  For $5.95, you get two, double-tipped markers -- so, two colors, four tips for under $6!

National Stamping Month Promo

-Only until September 30, 2012-

Just a quick note -- don't miss out on the amazing promo.  There are only a couple of weeks left to snap up this FANTASTIC stamp set - only $5 with any $35 order!  If your order if over $50, you may also take advantage of the current Stamp of the Month - two promos on one order!

To celebrate National Stamping Month in September, we are bringing back our popular double stamp set promotion! You can get the exclusive, new My Acrylix^® It’s Your Day double stamp set for just $5 when you place a minimum order of $35 in full retail products from August 15 through September 30, 2012. You’ll love this double set—two D-size sets in one envelope—which includes nearly 50 trendy images that makes it easy to capture the everyday moments in your life. The double set has a retail value of $35.90, which drastically increases the value of your qualifying purchase! Have twice the fun stamping during National Stamping Month with our new, exclusive It’s Your Day double stamp set!

Have a look at the video below for some fun ideas!  Give me a call at 780-875-8780 if you have any questions or would like to get this stamp set before it's gone!  You can also e-mail me at molson@mcsnet.ca.