“I love scrapbooks. They are one of the finest ways of dejunking life and abode... A good scrapbook is interesting and inspiring even to the stranger...Well put together scrapbooks and photo albums have warmed more hearts than any bound book... Without a good scrapbook, much that's memorable in life is forgotten or damaged or lost...."

~ Don Aslett

Friday, August 27, 2010

More fun with Magic!

I told you I was having a blast with my new book Magic!  Just wait until you see what this next layout does....Interactive is the name of the game!  What about page protectors you ask?  Well, this book even helps you with that!  You can either cut the page protectors to reveal certain interactive features or you can simply attach them on top of the page protector.  Enough about that, let's check out this layout!


See that blue tab, let's pull it and see what happens...


Peek-a-boo!  Another picture hides underneath - or you can always hide some journaling if you want.


I attached mine right on top of the page protector.
Start making your Fall wish list now, with Magic at the top!

Tuesday, August 24, 2010

Fun with Magic

Close to my Heart has a great new How-To book coming on September 1.  I was able to grab my copy a bit sooner and I have been playing with all the great new layout designs!  I'm having so much fun in fact, that I feel the need to give you a sneak peak at what's to come - seriously, you are gonna wanna get your hands on this book ASAP!  It's that awesome!

Check out the pics to see what I did:


And now look again.....


My pages have Flip Flaps on them to make them interactive and make it so that you can add just a few more pictures to the page and not have to do a whole other layout.  Right now CTMH has them in the 4 x 6 size as shown here, but just wait until you see what's new on Sept 1st!

Happy Scrappin'!

Thursday, August 19, 2010

H2H Challenge - Back to school

Back to school is something that is inevitably creeping up on most of us if it hasn't happened already.  As a teacher I both dread and crave this time of year.  Dread the thought of giving up my free summer days but crave being back on a schedule and doing what I love to do, teach.  Well, in my preparations for the fall I decided that since I once again have a classroom that I can call my own, that I should make some things to put on my desk!  I had no idea that H2H was going to have this challenge but I think it works quite well.
Below you will see a little desk calendar/ photo holder that I made with some new products that CTMH is releasing on Sept 1.  I didn't really want to give away any sneak peeks, but you get one today!


Materials:
Hooligans Level 2 Paper Pack
Mix and Mingle Album
Sunset Mini Medley
Black, Gypsy,  & Pear Inks
Moments in Time stamp set
Troublemaker Stamp set

Now head on over to the Heart 2 Heart Challenges blog and see what everyone else has created and get crafty!

Tuesday, August 17, 2010

3 times the fun with CTMH's Triple Play!



In honor of National Stamping Month (September) Close to my Heart is offering this adorable mini album kit.  It makes 3 little albums in 3 great colors combos including one of our new colors coming out this fall! The kit comes with everything you need to make these mini albums and they make it so easy for you by providing sheets of punch out shapes to stamp all the images on - no cutting necessary!!


There are several ways you can get your own Triple Play kit:
1. Buy the Triple Play kit for $29.95.
2. Purchase $25 in My Acrylix® stamps and get the Triple Play kit for just $15.
3. Spend $40 on My Acrylix stamps and get Triple Play for only $5!
4. Host a Gathering with sales of $300 or more and get Triple Play FREE!
5. Join Close To My Heart as a Consultant and get the kit FREE!

Here's what the kit comes with:
1 – My Acrylix® Love This Stamp Set
4 – Exclusive Inks® Mini Stamp Pads (Desert Sand, Hollyhock, Indian Corn Blue, and Sunset)
9 – 4" x 12" Panels (3 each of 3 color schemes)
3 – 6" x 12" Die-Cut Sheets
1 – 72" Length Colonial White Grosgrain Ribbon
3 – Hook and Loop Fasteners
1 –Brochure
Colors: Bamboo, Blush, Desert Sand, Garden Green, Hollyhock, Indian Corn Blue, Outdoor Denim, and Sunset

 Here's a picture of my completed books, now stop on by my website and get your hands on these adorable albums!

Friday, August 13, 2010

Heart 2 Heart Challenge 19 - getting sketchy!

This weeks challenge over at Heart 2 Heart is to follow a sketch (or to interpret it in your own way...).  When I saw this sketch, it spoke to me.  It said, cherries, create me with Cherry-O!  Since it's not too often that that happens, I decided to go with it.  It came together pretty easily and I like it.  I used liquid glass on the large cherry to make it shiny, you can't really tell in the picture but that is why the color seems a little off.  Here is my rendition of the sketch done using Cherry-O paper and the stamp set exclusive to the Workshop on the Go kit, both of which are only available for just a short time more.



So now, go get your sketch on and see what you can come up with!!  Then don't forget to post it and show all of us on the Heart 2 Heart Challenges Blog.

Materials:
Cherry-O WOTG kit
Blush Cardstock
Chocolate Brads
Corner Rounder
Liquid Glass
Chocolate, Tulip, Sweet Leaf Inks

Friday, August 6, 2010

ScrapThat clear cards tomorrow!!

Hi all!  I am enjoying the summer and hope that you are too.  I am especially enjoying the time I spend creating and teaching make and take classes at ScrapThat in the Burlington Center Mall.  The next project that I have for everyone is a little bit different than what I normally do.  Close to my Heart has these great clear cards that force you to think outside the box and get a little creative with the see through aspect.  I thought it would be fun to make some of these cards with the lovely ladies that crop on Saturdays! 

Below you will see pictures of 4 clear cards, 2 squares and 2 scallop circles.  For the low class fee of just $5 you'll get to make one of each shape, in the color scheme of your choice from the ones shown.  They make great gifts!!


















You can post here if you will be attending the crop on August 7th and want to secure your set before that day, otherwise you can just find me that day.  Quantities are limited so be sure to secure your spot ahead of time! 


If you don't attend ScrapThat but are interested in making these awesome cards, leave me a comment with your email and we can talk about how to make it happen!


See you tomorrow!!

Wednesday, August 4, 2010

It's sale time!!!

The time has finally arrived!   Round up all of your crafty friends and head to my website and go bargain shopping!!  Stock up on all your favorite Close to my Heart papers and coordinating Stickease for just a fraction of the price.  Savings of more than 50% to be had!  Who doesn't love a good sale?!?


These are just some samples of what you can make with the papers that are on sale now!
Happy Shopping!!!

Sunday, August 1, 2010

$2, $4, $6 for 8...It’s YOU We Appreciate! August Sale from CTMH

Big News here!!  I now officially have a Close to my Heart website!!!  You may have noticed all the new goodies in my side bar that will take you to my newest internet hotspot.  But more importantly, now that I have a website, you can take full advantage of this GREAT upcoming website only sale!   Just $2 for My Stickease, $4 for Level 1 paper Packs, $6 for Level 2 paper Packs for just 8 days beginning at 11am (EST) on August 4th and continuing until August 11 (or while supplies last).  These prices are more that 50% off retail!  In addition to that, you will be able to combine sale items with regular price items in one order AND sale items will count towards earning the Stamp of the Month at a discount or even FREE!
(Tax is assessed on the actual amount the customer pays for the item. Regular shipping and handling applies. All MyCTMH shipping prices are based on the weight of items ordered, not the price.)

Here is the list of items that will be on sale....read it over and be ready on the 4th!!  Some of my favorites like Boom-Di-Ada, Aspen, and Bella are on my list to stock up on, how about you?  Many items are retired, so now’s your chance to get them and at a discount!   A little piece of info for you...all of these items will be retired on December 31, 2010.


If you want to get a sneak peak, then you can head over to my website and type in the names of the paper packs you want to see in the search bar.  It will show you the Stickease, level 1 and 2 paper packs (if available).

Here are some cards I made to swap at convention that use some of these paper packs:

Item Number Name  Price 
X7045A My Reflections Vintage Travel Level 1  $       4.00
X7045C  VintageTravel My Stickease  $       2.00
X7056A My Reflections Discovery Level 1  $       4.00
X7060A My Reflections Heirloom Level 1  $       4.00
X7060B My Reflections Heirloom Level 2 Paper Packet  $       6.00
X7061A My Reflections Floral Impressions Level 1  $       4.00
X7061B My Reflections Floral Impressions Level 2 Paper Packet  $       6.00
X7061C Floral Impressions My Stickease  $       2.00
X7062A My Reflections Laid Back Level 1  $       4.00
X7069A My Reflections Just Chillin Level 1  $       4.00
X7069C Just Chillin My Stickease  $       2.00
X7070A My Reflections Simple Pleasure Level 1  $       4.00
X7070B My Reflections Simple Pleasure Level 2 Paper Packet  $       6.00
X7070C Simple Pleasure My Stickease  $       2.00
X7071A My Reflections Best Friends Forever Level 1  $       4.00
X7072A My Reflections School Zone Level 1  $       4.00
X7072C School Zone My Stickease  $       2.00
X7073A My Reflections Abundance Level 1  $       4.00
X7073B My Reflections Abundance Level 2 Paper Packet  $       6.00
X7073C Abundance My Stickease  $       2.00
X7075A My Reflections More To Adore Level 1  $       4.00
X7075B My Reflections More To Adore Level 2 Paper Packet  $       6.00
X7075C More To Adore My Stickease  $       2.00
X7076A My Reflections Sonata Level 1  $       4.00
X7076C Sonata My Stickease  $       2.00
X7077C Sweet Harmony My Stickease  $       2.00
X7078A My Reflections Cutie Pie Level 1  $       4.00
X7078C Cutie Pie My Stickease  $       2.00
X7079B My Reflections Rough n Tumble Level 2 Paper Packet  $       6.00
X7079C Rough n Tumble My Stickease  $       2.00
X7080A My Reflections Route 66 Level 1   $       4.00
X7080C Route 66 My Stickease  $       2.00
X7081A My Reflections Majestic Blue Level 1  $       4.00
X7081B My Reflections Majestic Blue Level 2 Paper Packet  $       6.00
X7081C Majestic Blue My Stickease  $       2.00
X7082A My Reflections Expedition Level 1  $       4.00
X7082C Expedition My Stickease  $       2.00
X7083A My Reflections Let's Get Together Level 1  $       4.00
X7084A My Reflections Floral Tapestry Level 1   $       4.00
X7085A My Reflections Everlasting Level 1  $       4.00
X7085B My Reflections Everlasting Paper Packet   $       6.00
X7085C Everlasting My Stickease  $       2.00
X7086A My Reflections Caprice Level 1  $       4.00
X7086B My Reflections Caprice Level 2 Paper Packet  $       6.00
X7086C Caprice My Stickease  $       2.00
X7087A My Reflections Enchanted Level 1  $       4.00
X7087B My Reflections Enchanted Level 2 Paper Packet  $       6.00
X7087C Enchanted My Stickease  $       2.00
X7088A My Reflections Free Spirit Level 1  $       4.00
X7088B My Reflections Free Spirit Level 2 Paper Packet  $       6.00
X7088C Free Spirit My Stickease  $       2.00
X7089A My Reflections Lifes Delights Level 1  $       4.00
X7089C Life Delights My Stickease  $       2.00
X7090A My Reflections Silhouette Level 1  $       4.00
X7090B My Reflections Silhouette Level 2 Paper Packet  $       6.00
X7090C Silhouette My Stickease  $       2.00
X7091A My Reflections it’s a Guy Thing Level 1  $       4.00
X7091B My Reflections it’s a Guy Thing Level 2 Paper Packet  $       6.00
X7091C it’s a Guy Thing My Stickease  $       2.00
X7092A My Reflections Good Times Level 1  $       4.00
X7092B My Reflections Good Times Level 2 Paper Packet  $       6.00
X7092C Good Times My Stickease  $       2.00
X7093A My Reflections Sweet Pea Level 1  $       4.00
X7093C Sweet Pea My Stickease   $       2.00
X7094A My Reflections Paper Garden Level 1  $       4.00
X7094C Paper Garden My Stickease  $       2.00
X7095A My Reflections Boom-Di-Ada Level 1   $       4.00
X7095B My Reflections Boom-Di-Ada Level 2 Paper Packet  $       6.00
X7095C Boom-Di-Ada My Stickease  $       2.00
X7096A My Reflections Blue Ribbon Level 1   $       4.00
X7096B My Reflections Blue Ribbon Level 2 Paper Packet  $       6.00
X7096C Blue Ribbon My Stickease  $       2.00
X7097A My Reflections Game On Level 1 Kit  $       4.00
X7097B My Reflections Game On Level 2 Paper Packet  $       6.00
X7097C Game On My Stickease  $       2.00
X7098A My Reflections Sarsaparilla Level 1 Kit  $       4.00
X7098B My Reflections Sarsaparilla Level 2 Paper Packet  $       6.00
X7098C Sarsaparilla My Stickease  $       2.00
X7100A My Reflections Perfect Day Level 1  $       4.00
X7100B My Reflections Perfect Day Level 2 Paper Packet  $       6.00
X7100C Perfect Day My Stickease  $       2.00
X7101A My Reflections Magic Moments Level 1  $       4.00
X7101B My Reflections Magic Moments Level 2 Paper Packet  $       6.00
X7101C Magic Moments My Stickease  $       2.00
X7102A My Reflections Notebook Level 1  $       4.00
X7102B My Reflections Notebook Paper Packet  $       6.00
X7102C Notebook My Stickease  $       2.00
X7103A My Reflections Aspen Level 1  $       4.00
X7103B My Reflections Aspen Level 2 Paper Packet  $       6.00
X7103C Aspen My Stickease  $       2.00
X7104A My Reflections Evensong Level 1  $       4.00
X7104B My Reflections Evensong Level 2 Paper Packet  $       6.00
X7104C Evensong My Stickease  $       2.00
X7105A My Reflection sEmporium Level 1  $       4.00
X7105B My Reflections Emporium Level 2 Paper Packet  $       6.00
X7105C Emporium My Stickease  $       2.00
X7106A My Reflections Unforgettable Level 1  $       4.00
X7106B My Reflections Unforgettable Level 2 Paper Packet  $       6.00
X7106C Unforgettable My Stickease  $       2.00
X7107A My Reflections That’s Amore Level 1  $       4.00
X7107B My Reflections That’s Amore Level 2 Paper Packet  $       6.00
X7107C That’s Amore My Stickease  $       2.00
X7108A My Reflections Daydream Level 1  $       4.00
X7108B My Reflections Daydream Level 2 Paper Packet  $       6.00
X7108C Daydream My Stickease  $       2.00
X7109A My Reflections Stardust Level 1  $       4.00
X7109B My Reflections Stardust Level 2 Paper Packet  $       6.00
X7109C Stardust My Stickease  $       2.00
X7110A My Reflections Back Country Level 1  $       4.00
X7110B My Reflections Back Country Level 2 Paper Packet  $       6.00
X7110C Back Country My Stickease  $       2.00
X7111A My Reflections Moon Doggie Level 1  $       4.00
X7111B My Reflections Moon Doggie Level 2 Paper Packet  $       6.00
X7111C Moon Doggie My Stickease  $       2.00
X7112A My Reflections Animal Cookies Level 1  $       4.00
X7112B My Reflections Animal Cookies Level 2 Paper Packet  $       6.00
X7112C Animal Cookies My Stickease  $       2.00
X7113A My Reflections Tinkerin Level 1  $       4.00
X7113B My Reflections Tinkerin Level 2 Paper Packet  $       6.00
X7113C Tinkerin My Stickease  $       2.00
X7114A My Reflections Bella Level 1  $       4.00
X7114B My Reflections Bella Level 2 Paper Packet  $       6.00
X7114C Bella My Stickease  $       2.00
X7115A My Reflections Jingle Level 1  $       4.00
X7115B My Reflections Jingle Level 2 Paper Packet  $       6.00
X7115C Jingle My Stickease  $       2.00
X7116A My Reflections Sweet Home Level 1  $       4.00
X7116B My Reflections Sweet Home Level 2 Paper Packet  $       6.00
X7116C Sweet Home My Stickease  $       2.00
X7117A My Reflections Grace Level 1  $       4.00
X7117B My Reflections Grace Level 2 Paper Packet  $       6.00
X7117C Grace My Stickease  $       2.00
X7118A My Reflections Twitterpated Level 1  $       4.00
X7118B My Reflections Twitterpated Level 2 Paper Packet  $       6.00
X7118C Twitterpated My Stickease  $       2.00