Creative Bliss

Happy New Year!

2012-01-04T07:51:00.000-08:00

January Stamp of the Month - Little Reminder
Available January 1–31, 2012 only.
With a minimum qualifying purchase, get your D-size Stamp of the Month set for just $5.00! Add the stamp set to your cart on this page at full retail price or, with your qualifying order, add it at checkout for the promotional price.

Spend:	$50.00	No purchase req.
You pay only:	$5.00 (72% Off!)	$17.95 (full retail)

Set of 25
Recommended My Acrylix® Blocks:1" × 3 1/2" (Y1002), 3" × 3" (Y1006), 2" × 3 1/2" (Y1009), 2" × 6 1/2" (Y1010)

2012-01-04T07:48:00.001-08:00

Score a perfect 10 in January! If you’re a Studio J member, you can take advantage of this great opportunity to fill up your scrapbook—get your holiday photos in albums right away! For every 9 custom-printed Studio J layouts you buy, you’ll receive the 10th layout free. To receive the discount, just add 10 or more layouts to your cart. You’ll see a discount reflected in your order total. And you can totally take advantage of this promotion by ordering in multiples of 10. Buy 9, get 1 free. Buy 18, get 2 free. Buy 27, get 3 free. And so on! If you’re not a member yet, now’s a great time to join! Contact me today for more information.

2011-12-09T06:59:00.001-08:00

Join the craze! When you place a minimum order of $25 from the Autumn/Winter 2011 Idea Book, you can get two new products for just $15: the My Creations® Collage Cubes (a Spring/Summer 2012 sneak-peek product!) and the exclusive My Acrylix® Rock the Block E-size stamp set. That’s a retail savings of almost $30! You're going to love the Collage Cubes and the Rock the Block stamp set, which work together for interactive, 3-D fun. Offer valid December 19, 2011–January 31, 2012. Tax and shipping/handling apply. Only items available in the Autumn/Winter 2011 Idea Book count toward your qualifying purchase total.

2011-12-06T07:40:00.001-08:00

December 2011 Stamp of the Month - Mad About You - Just $17.95 or get it for only $5.00 with a $50.00 order from the Autumn/Winter Idea Book. Order here today!

November Stamp of the Month - Cherish the Day

2011-11-04T12:00:00.000-07:00

November 2011 Stamp of the Month - Cherish the Day

Get yours today for $17.95 or spend $50.00 in the Idea Book and get it for just $5.00! Available November 1-30, 2011 only!

November CTMH Special!

2011-11-04T08:02:00.000-07:00

When you place a minimum order of $25 in My Acrylix® stamp sets* between November 1–30, you can add a new D-size Holiday Wishes stamp set for only $5! That’s a significant savings of $12.95. You may buy one Holiday Wishes stamp set for every $25 in qualifying stamp sets you purchase. As a creative bonus, many of the images in the set coordinate with our Cricut® Art Philosophy cartridge for added cutting and stamping fun!

*Stamp of the Month, K-size customized name stamps, Cricut® Art Philosophy collection, and Workshops on the GoTM kits do not count toward a qualifying purchase. Offer valid November 1–30, 2011. Tax and shipping apply.

Visit my website or contact me today to place a qualifying order!

Pumpkin Card - Base and Shade

2011-09-16T14:23:00.000-07:00

This video shows one of my favorite stamping techniques which can be used very simply in order to get fabulous results - base and shade stamping.

Studio J - Love Your Layout - Beautiful!

2011-09-15T14:20:00.000-07:00

I do love this beautiful Studio J layout - check out this new video to see how fast and easy it is to make. Then, go to my website to play around on Studio J and make your very own version! https://allisong.myctmh.com/Retail/StudioJLanding.aspx?PageId=185

September Stamp of the Month

2011-09-14T14:26:00.000-07:00

September 2011 Stamp of the Month, Limited Edition - get yours through September 30, 2011 for just $17.95 or for only $5.00 with a minimum $50.00 CTMH order!

Studio J - Love Your Layout - Summer Photos!

2011-09-13T14:07:00.000-07:00

This video gives some great ideas for using Studio J layouts to quickly and beautifully archive all of those summer photos you have. Check it out!

New Autumn/Winter 2011 Idea Book Kit 8 - Wonderland

2011-08-23T08:43:00.000-07:00

New Kit Wonderland - Colors are Chocolate, Crystal Blue, Grey Flannel and Twilight.

New Autumn/Winter 2011 Idea Book Kit 7 - Believe

2011-08-22T08:42:00.000-07:00

New Kit Believe - Colors are Holiday Red, Topiary, Sky and Sweet Leaf.

New Autumn/Winter 2011 Idea Book Kit 6 - Mischief

2011-08-21T08:40:00.000-07:00

New Kit Mischief - Colors are Barn Red, Black, Desert Sand and Sunset.

New Autumn/Winter 2011 Idea Book Kit 5 - Sonoma

2011-08-20T08:39:00.000-07:00

New Kit Sonoma - Colors are Bamboo, Smokey Plum, Cocoa and Olive.

New Autumn/Winter 2011 Idea Book Kit 4 - Dreamin'

2011-08-19T08:38:00.000-07:00

New Kit Dreamin' - Colors are Bamboo, Goldrush, Chocolate and Pacifica.

New Autumn/Winter 2011 Idea Book Kit 3 - Elemental

2011-08-18T08:37:00.000-07:00

New Kit Elemental - Colors are Desert Sand, Olive, Pacifica and Sorbet.

New Autumn/Winter 2011 Idea Book Kit 2 - Roxie

2011-08-17T08:36:00.000-07:00

Roxie Kit - Colors are Black, Smoothie, Desert Sand and Tulip.

New Autumn/Winter 2011 Idea Book Kit 1 - Typeset

2011-08-16T08:34:00.000-07:00

Typeset Kit - Colors are Black, Desert Sand, Juniper and Creme Brulee

Club Cat - Check It Out!

2011-08-15T17:31:00.000-07:00

Club Cat

What is Club Cat?

Club Cat is a great way to purchase product on a monthly basis and be rewarded for your consistent purchases with FREE product from the Idea Book! It works the same with Idea Book purchases, Studio J online scrapbooking purchases, or pre-made layout purchases.

How does it work? It’s simple – you have two options:

1. $25 per month option:

Purchase at least $25 per month (can be from the Idea Book, Studio J, or pre-made layouts).
Every six months, you get to choose an additional $25.00 in FREE product from the idea book.

2. $15 per month option:

Purchase at least $15 per month (can be from the Idea Book, Studio J or pre-made layouts).
Every 10 months, you get to choose an additional $25.00 in FREE product from the idea book.

Frequently Asked Questions about Club Cat:

When can I start? - You may join at anytime, and your orders will continue on a rolling basis. You can stay in the club as long as you’d like – once you begin a new term of membership (either 6 or ten months depending on your choice) you must order throughout the entire term to receive your hostess rewards.
When do you need my order? – Orders are due on the 10^th of each month.
Can I have multiple memberships? – YES! You may have a double membership and receive double benefits – for example, if you have two $15 per month Club Cat memberships, you would order $30 each month and receive $25.00 in FREE product from the Idea Book twice within your 10 month club period.
When do I receive my rewards? – I have a spreadsheet I use to track your club orders – the hostess rewards are given out in the order that you sign up for the club. When it is your month, you are responsible for placing your normal order, and I will notify you that you are the hostess and then you choose your $25.00 in FREE product from the Idea Book and let me know what you’ve chosen!
How do I place my orders and make payment? – Call, e-mail or Facebook me with your order by the 10^th of the month. Then, mail me a check, have me run your debit/credit card or send paypal for payment. If you are ordering Studio J products online, just notify me that you would like to use that option and I can track your purchases online.

Sign up now! Call me at (503) 312-5454 or e-mail at allisong@myctmh.com

Allison Grice

Independent Consultant, Close To My Heart

http://ctmh.com/allisong

We show you how to celebrate relationships through discovering your creativity, to preserve and share the moments that matter most.

Amazing August Specials!

2011-08-15T08:31:00.000-07:00

Starting Aug. 15th, when you place a $75 order, CTMH will send you the "Pair-a-Phrase" double stamp set (two D-size stamp sets, packaged in one envelope) FREE to celebrate National Stamping Month. The retail value on this double-set alone is $35.90 - HUGE savings!

Plus, with the NEW Stamp of the Month program ($50 order = $5.00 SOTM set), you will automatically qualify to get the August SOTM Wicked for just $5.00. AND, to celebrate the new changes to the Stamp of the Month program, the August Constant Campaign gives the "A Typeface" stamp set FREE to anyone who purchased the SOTM. So let's look at what you get and what you pay in a nutshell:

A $75 order from Aug. 15th - Aug. 31st gives you:

-Two D-size stamp sets in the "Pair-a-Phrase" campaign - FREE (retail $35.90)

-August SOTM 'Wicked' - $5.00 (retail $17.95)

-Bonus stamp set "A Typeface" with $5.00 SOM purchase - FREE (retail $6.95)

That's FOUR stamp sets for just $5.00 (plus shipping) instead of $60.80 retail. INCREDIBLE!

Contact me today to take advantage of these great specials!

Amazing new CTMH Cricut Art Philosophy Collection

2011-07-20T15:30:00.000-07:00

The Close To My Heart national convention took place last week in Anaheim, California. Many fabulous new products and announcements were unveiled and I'll have updates ongoing here on my blog as well as my facebook page.

The first one is an exclusive CTMH Cricut cartridge - Art Philosophy. It comes packaged with 3 D-sized stamp sets and 3 packs of Dimensional Elements which all coordinate with each other.

Check out this youtube video for a sneak peek - this is definitely on the top of my wish list!!

July Scrap Club Layouts

2011-07-07T21:23:00.000-07:00

Layout #1 - Fanfare papers - Colors are Sky, Pacifica, Black, Sunny Yellow and Cranberry. Stamp sets are My Game, Token Alphabet and Paper Lantern. Accessories are white brads. Stamping technique is masking

Layout #2 - Fanfare papers - Colors are Sky, Pacifica, Black and Cranberry. Stamp sets are Paper Lantern and Fanfare. Accessories are Black grosgrain ribbon and red sparkles. Stamping technique is first/second generation stamping.

July CTMH Promo and Product Retirement Info

2011-07-01T08:27:00.000-07:00

It’s simple. Spend $50, then choose a bonus item for $1 (five products to choose from). Because everyone loves more bang for the buck!

Eligible $1 Bonus Items:
• Creative Basics® Mistletoe Collection (original retail: $8.95)
• Creative Basics® Animal Cookies Collection (original retail: $8.95)
• My Originals® Bits & Pieces Card Kit (original retail: $12.95)
• My Originals® It’s Your Day Card Kit (original retail: $12.95)
• My Originals® Around the Holidays Card Kit (original retail: $14.95)

Head over to my website here and get your shopping done - when you add the bonus items to your cart, you can click on the photo to enlarge it and check out which bonus product you'd like for just $1!

*Offer available July 1–31, 2011. Tax and shipping/handling charges apply. Close To My Heart reserves the right to substitute a comparable promotional item while supplies last. Limit one promotional item per qualifying order.

**The brand new Autumn/Winter CTMH Idea Book is available to customers on August 1st!!**

That means that we only have one more month that ALL of the current products in the Spring/Summer book are all still available. With the change to TWO annual CTMH idea books, we have changed the way we retire products from each book. There is no longer a retired list of products. Here's how it works for each product category:

My Reflections Products - With each new idea book, there will only be FOUR My Reflections paper/stickease kits that will be carried forward into the new idea book. With this catalog, those four are Sophia, Mayberry, Lucky, and Fanfare. That means that the other four will be retired as of July 31st - those are Bliss, Wings, Sweetheart and Miracle. If you want to purchase those, NOW is the time before they're gone!! Don't worry, you'll have lots of AMAZING new kits to choose from - the new idea book will have EIGHT new kits in it, along with the four mentioned above that are carried over for a total of 12!!
Stamp Sets - CTMH knows their customers love to have a wide variety of My Acrylix^® stamps to choose from, so they’re making them available longer. You can purchase stamp sets from the current Idea Book and the one immediately preceding, making our stamp sets available for a minimum of one year!
Accessories - these are only available in the current idea book. Many accessories will be retired each Idea Book cycle to make way for new products, but a large number of popular and versatile accessories and tools will be carried from Idea Book to Idea Book.

So, with the special promotion this month, NOW is the time to stock up on your favorite products from the current Spring/Summer idea book and get your bonus product for just $1.00!

Allison :)

July Kit of the Month - Fanfare

2011-06-30T10:52:00.000-07:00

Fanfare Kit - Pacifica, Cranberry, Sky and Sunny Yellow - Get your kit which includes a level 2 paper packet, exclusive stamp set, full accessory packet and full color instructional brochure for the scrapbook pages and 6 cards, all for $29.95 plus shipping/handling - plus you'll have product leftover!

Mayberry Kit of the Month Technique Video

2011-06-09T07:51:00.000-07:00

Here's a super fun video featuring this month's Kit of the Month/Workshop on the Go - Mayberry! Check it out:

Studio J - Perfect Placement

2011-06-08T14:03:00.000-07:00

This video does a fabulous job explaining and showing examples on how to group, align and best utilize your layers and embellishments on your Studio J layouts - I know you'll find it to be super helpful like I did!

Graduation Slider Card

2011-06-08T10:16:00.000-07:00

4.25x5.5 graduation slider card. Colors are Pacifica, Grey Wool, White Daisy and Black. I used the stamps and dimensional elements from the You and Me kit, a Licorice Pearl Opaque for the center of the flower and the flower is from an old die cut promotion from a few years ago.

Studio J - Personalize Your Layouts

2011-06-07T13:48:00.000-07:00

This video helps you go into more detail in the Personalize section of the Studio J website - it will help you to make your layouts truly unique. You'll be surprised at how many options you have!

Another June CTMH Promo - A Chance To Help Those In Need!

2011-06-07T09:56:00.000-07:00

Severe flooding, tornadoes, and storms have affected the lives of thousands across the United States, but together we can make a difference.

During the month of June, purchase the You & Me scrapbooking kit for only $15 (a retail value of $34.95), and a portion of the proceeds will be donated to the American Red Cross Spring 2011 Floods and Tornadoes relief operations. With the You & Me kit, you’ll create two fully embellished two-page layouts using the included instructions, papers, D-size stamp set, and accessories. At only $15, this kit is more than 50% off the retail price.

You’ll win by getting the kit at a phenomenal price, and those in the weather-devastated regions will benefit from your charitable contribution. Together we can make a difference; together we are stronger!

You & Me Scrapbooking Kit Includes:
1 – My Acrylix® You & Me Stamp Set (D-size) 1 – 12" × 12" Colonial White Cardstock 6 – 12" × 12" B&T Duos® Papers (New! Cardstock-weight) 1 – 6" × 9" You & Me IrresistiblesTM Chipboard Die-Cut Sheet 1 Yard – Chocolate Stripe Ribbon 1 Package – Opaques Mocha Adhesive Gems 1 – Instruction Guide
Featured Colors: Chocolate, Crème Brulee, Olive, Smoothie
* Offer valid June 2–30, 2011, or while supplies last. No qualifying purchase required. Tax and shipping/handling charges apply. The placement of the donations is prioritized by the American Red Cross, with all money earmarked for disaster relief from the tornadoes and flooding in the midwestern and southeastern United States.

Studio J - Photo Editing Tool

2011-06-06T13:49:00.000-07:00

Don't be intimidated by photo editing! In Studio J, there are many tools in the photo editing menu that are easy to use and can enhance your photos, making your layout that much better! Check out this video for a short tutorial on the photo editing tool in Studio J.

Studio J - Focus on the Photos

2011-06-05T13:59:00.000-07:00

This video gives so many great tips and tricks on how to best feature your photos in Studio J. My favorite part is at the end when they explain how to use two adjacent photo wells to stretch one amazing photo and heighten it's impact on the layout - the results are amazing!

June Scrap Club Layouts

2011-06-05T10:52:00.000-07:00

June 2011 Scrap Club Layout #1 - Mayberry Paper Pack. Colors: Smoothie, Olive, Cocoa, Honey and Colonial White. Stamp Sets: You and Me and Happy Moments. Accessories: Green Buttons and Colonial White Ric Rac. Stamping Technique: heat embossing with sponged ink.

June 2011 Scrap Club Layout #2 - Mayberry Paper Pack. Colors: Smoothie, Olive, Cocoa, Honey and Colonial White. Stamp Sets: You and Me, Cocktail E-size Alphabet, Tiny Typewriter Alphabet and Mayberry WOTG stamp set. Accessories: Colonial White Ric Rac, Cocoa Bigger Brads, Mocha Opaques, You and Me Dimensional Elements and retired Dimensional Element bracket. Flowers are made using scalloped circle punch and folded in 1/4's.

Studio J - Love Your Layout

2011-06-04T13:34:00.000-07:00

This video features some great tips and techniques to make your Studio J layouts modern and fresh and they're so easy - check it out:

Studio J - Step By Step Basics

2011-06-03T13:45:00.000-07:00

I'll be posting a new Studio J video each day for a few days - this is a great video going over the basics of getting started creating in Studio J.

Get your first Studio J layout FREE in June

2011-06-02T12:10:00.000-07:00

During our Studio J^® Free-for-All in June, we're giving everyone a FREE Studio J^® JPG file—no purchase required! Simply log on to Studio J, create a layout, then order one JPG file of your layout during the checkout process. It's as easy as that! We're offering one free JPG file per customer account during June, so customers who already have a Studio J or a MyCTMH^® account are ready to log on and start creating. If you doesn't have an account, no worries—you can log on and create an account and then order their free JPG file with no strings attached. Make June the month you begin using the power of Studio J with our FREE JPG promotion. You'll love it! To get started, head to my website here to login.

Dreams Come True Stamping Video

2011-06-02T07:44:00.000-07:00

Gorgeous artwork - easy ideas! Check this video out:

Newsprint Rub Ons Video

2011-06-01T07:37:00.000-07:00

Check out this great video featuring our fabulous Newsprint Rub Ons product:

June Kit of the Month - Mayberry

2011-05-31T10:50:00.000-07:00

Mayberry Kit - Cocoa, Honey, Olive, Smoothie - Get your kit which includes a level 2 paper packet, exclusive stamp set, full accessory packet and full color instructional brochure for the scrapbook pages and 6 cards, all for $29.95 plus shipping/handling - plus you'll have product leftover!

Fanfare Cards

2011-05-14T10:58:00.000-07:00

5x7 card using Fanfare papers. Colors are Pacifica, Sky, Sunny Yellow, Cranberry, Black and White Daisy. Stamps are Fanfare WOTG. Accessories are red sparkles, star dimensional elements, white and black embossing powder.

4.25x5.5 card using Fanfare papers. Colors are Cranberry, Pacifica, Sky, Sunny Yellow and White Daisy. Stamps are Paper Lantern. Accessories are bitty sparkles, white waxy flax and cranberry ribbon.

Lucky Cards

2011-05-12T10:56:00.000-07:00

5x7 card using Lucky papers. Colors are Outdoor Denim, Sunset, Olive, Desert Sand, Bamboo and Colonial White. Stamps are Card Chatter - Birthday and Lucky WOTG. Accessories are Outdoor Denim twill ribbon, blue buttons, white waxy flax and Antiqued Copper brads.

4.25x5.5 card using Lucky papers. Colors are Outdoor Denim, Sunset, Olive, Desert Sand and Colonial White. Stamps are Card Chatter - Birthday and Lucky WOTG. Accessories are Outdoor Denim twill ribbon, and Antiqued Copper brads. Stamp technique is "rock and roll".

May Scrapbooking Club Layouts

2011-05-10T10:56:00.000-07:00

May 2011 scrapbook club layouts using Sophia papers. Colors are Pear, Hollyhock, Blush, Goldrush and White Daisy. Stamps are Sophia WOTG, Pennant E-sized Alphabet, Bohemian E-sized Alphabet and Aspire. White Waxy Flax, Green buttons and White Daisy brads along with Hollyhock stitched ribbon.

May is National Scrapbooking Month!!

2011-05-02T07:21:00.000-07:00

During our May celebration, you can get the exclusive You & Me scrapbooking kit at a fabulous discount or even FREE*!

When you place a minimum order OF $50 in Close To My Heart products* in May, you can get the exclusive You & Me scrapbooking kit for the discount price of just $15—that’s more than half off the retail value! You’ll create two fully embellished two-page layouts using the new cardstock-weight B&T Duos® papers, D-size stamp set, accessories, and instructions. You can also purchase the kit at full retail for $34.95 with no minimum purchase required. Become a Close To My Heart Consultant during May and we’ll include a You & Me kit for free* as part of your New Consultant Kit. Also, get the new consultant kit at 50% off this month!

You & Me Scrapbooking Kit Includes:

1 – My Acrylix® You & Me Stamp Set (D-size)
1 – 12" × 12" Colonial White Cardstock
6 – 12" × 12" B&T Duos® Papers (New! Cardstock-weight)
1 – 6" × 9" You & Me Irresistibles Chipboard Die-Cut Sheet
1 Yard – Chocolate Stripe Ribbon
1 Package – Opaques Mocha Adhesive Gems
1 – Instruction Guide
Featured Colors: Chocolate, Crème Brulee, Olive, Smoothie

* Shipping/handling and tax apply to purchased kits but not free kits. Offer valid May 1–31, 2011 only. Products or memberships purchased on a Studio J® website, even if Studio J is entered via a MyCTMH® site, do not count toward a qualifying order. While supplies last.

Contact me today to get the celebration started or if you have any questions!

May Kit of the Month - Sophia

2011-04-30T10:49:00.000-07:00

Sophia Kit - Pear, Hollyhock, Goldrush and Blush - Get your kit which includes a level 2 paper packet, exclusive stamp set, full accessory packet and full color instructional brochure for the scrapbook pages and 6 cards, all for $29.95 plus shipping/handling - plus you'll have product leftover!

April Scrap Club Layouts

2011-04-16T20:39:00.000-07:00

April scrapbook club layouts using Miracle papers. Colors are Sweet Leaf, Crystal Blue, Colonial White, Desert Sand, Heavenly Blue and Bamboo. Stamps are Miracle WOTG set, Fill in the Blank and Moments in Time. Accessories are Colonial White brads and bigger brads and Kraft color-ready borders.

Hot Specials Available Now!

2011-04-07T09:35:00.000-07:00

Check out the amazing specials available now on my website. You'll have to hurry, they're only available while supplies last!! Take a look at what's available here on my website. Happy shopping!

April CTMH Special #2

2011-04-04T11:18:00.000-07:00

Add delightful details to your beautiful Studio J® layouts. Self-adhesive clear Sparkles and Opaques Pearl adhesive gems make it easy to get your shine on, and now you can get these adorable accessories FREE! Throughout April, Studio J members get one free package each of clear Sparkles and Opaques Pearl gems, a retail value of $5.90, for every 10 custom-printed layouts purchased in a single order. It's another way we make scrapbooking faster, simpler, easier—and more sparkly! Go to MyCTMH® website here today and start creating!

Members save more, do more, get more!
• Exclusive patterns
• 50% off layouts
• Free JPG files
• Free monthly shipment
• Members-only promotions like this one!

Ask me today for details on becoming a Studio J member!

April CTMH Special #1

2011-04-04T07:17:00.000-07:00

My Reflections® Level 1 scrapbooking kits are great for beginners to seasoned pros. The preprinted pages make preserving your fondest memories a breeze. Get a FREE* Level 1 kit of your choice when you order $100 or more on my MyCTMH® website April 1–30, 2011 (limit of one free kit per qualifying order). Now’s the time to let everyone know you’re Lovin’ Level 1!

Select your FREE kit from the following kits, while supplies last: Splendor, Zippidee, Perfect Day, Sweet Home, Passages, Topstitch, and Veranda.

Go here to my website to place your order and get your FREE Level 1 kit today!

April Kit of the Month - Miracle

2011-03-31T10:47:00.000-07:00

Miracle Kit - Sweet Leaf, Heavenly Blue, Crystal Blue and Bamboo - Get your kit which includes a level 2 paper packet, exclusive stamp set, full accessory packet and full color instructional brochure for the scrapbook pages and 6 cards, all for $29.95 plus shipping/handling - plus you'll have product leftover!

Another Mayberry Card

2011-03-29T11:41:00.000-07:00

Here's a 6x6 sized card using papers from the Mayberry kit. Colors are Smoothie, Honey, Cocoa, Colonial White and Olive. Stamps are from the Mayberry Workshop kit and Thank You stamp sets. I used the masking technique to stamp the flowers and added a drop of Liquid Glass into the center of each flower for some added dimension and sparkle. Other accessories include Cocoa brads, Cocoa bigger brads and Colonial White ric rac ribbon.

Mayberry Card

2011-03-28T11:38:00.000-07:00

This 5x7 card uses the papers from the new Mayberry kit. Colors are Olive, Smoothie, Honey, Cocoa and Colonial White. Stamps are from the Mayberry Worksop kit and I used the masking stamping technique on the sentiment to make the word "apple" a different ink color than the rest of the sentiment words. I also used the rock and roll stamping technique to give dimension to the apple image. I added some Cocoa ribbon and Mocha Opaques for embellishment.

Another Miracle Card

2011-03-27T11:35:00.000-07:00

This circle card was made using background and texture papers from the Miracle kit with the beautiful and calming colors of Sweet Leaf, Heavenly Blue, Crystal Blue, Bamboo and Colonial White. The stamps are from the Miracle Workshop kit. I inked an Irresistible Dimensional Element flower and two leaves, and added some of the Mocha Opaques for a simple accent.

New Miracle Card

2011-03-26T11:30:00.000-07:00

This 4.25x5.5 card was made using the new Miracle papers. The colors are Heavenly Blue, Sweet Leaf, Bamboo and Colonial White. I random stamped using the Miracle Workshop stamp set and the sentiment was using the Card Chatter - Happy Birthday stamp set with Desert Sand ink and Clear Detail embossing powder. Accessories are blue Sparkles and Kraft Color-Ready borders. These borders are one of my very favorite new CTMH products - they are self adhesive and come in a pack of multiple versatile 12x12 designs that you can cut down to the perfect size. More new cards to come - check back often!

Help Provide Relief in Japan

2011-03-25T11:30:00.000-07:00

Our hearts go out to the victims of the earthquake and tsunami in Japan, and like so many of you, we’re eager to help. And helping has never been easier!

Starting now through April, purchase the exclusive “Hope for Japan” A-size stamp set for the special price of only $5 (retail value $7.95) and Close To My Heart will donate 100% of the profits to the American Red Cross efforts in Japan. This beautifully designed stamp set reminds us of how our hearts are hopeful for those who are in need.

Contact me today to get involved in this heart-worthy cause, or you can order it directly from my website here.

March Scrap Club Layouts - Lucky

2011-03-08T11:33:00.000-08:00

Here are the layouts for my March Scrap Club. I used the Lucky kit which features Outdoor Denim, Olive, Sunset, Desert Sand and Colonial White. Both titles were cut using the Cricut machine. I used the Lucky WOTG, Felicity, Simple Stitches and Card Chatter-Birthday stamp sets. I used the brand new wooden buttons, Colonial White waxy flax and Antiqued Copper bigger brads for embellishments.

March CTMH Special - Free Blocks!

2011-03-03T11:46:00.000-08:00

At Close To My Heart, we know we've got the best clear stamps and blocks—and we’ll prove it! Throughout March, when you buy your favorite My Acrylix® stamps, we’ll give you a free My Acrylix block. Not only will you have the best stamps on the block, you’ll have the best block, too! Just purchase $25 in stamps and you can choose from two of our most versatile block sizes: 3" × 3" (Y1006) or 2" × 61⁄2" (Y1010). Ask your me for an Idea Book so you can start shopping now!

*Offer valid March 1–31, 2011. Limit one free My Acrylix® block per order per customer. Qualifying stamp purchases include A-, B-, C-, D-, and E-size stamp sets, including Stamp of the Month sets purchased at full price or at a discount. K-size stamp sets, Stamp of the Month sets earned for free, and Workshops on the Go kits are excluded. Close To My Heart reserves the right to substitute a block of a similar size or price.

Retreat was awesome!

2011-03-03T09:47:00.000-08:00

I'm back from my third annual Creative Escape Retreat at Silver Falls - it was an amazing time of relaxation, crafting, friendship, yummy food and productivity. I loved it! I've posted new details for next year's retreat. Check them out here. I'd love to have you with me there! I have a very limited number of spots for next year, so get your deposit in now!

March Kit of the Month - Lucky

2011-02-28T10:46:00.000-08:00

Lucky Kit - Desert Sand, Olive, Outdoor Denim and Sunset - Get your kit which includes a level 2 paper packet, exclusive stamp set, full accessory packet and full color instructional brochure for the scrapbook pages and 6 cards, all for $29.95 plus shipping/handling - plus you'll have product leftover!

Notecard Sets

2011-02-25T15:01:00.000-08:00

I made these little note card and box sets for my retreat guests. As this post appears, we are busy at retreat with lots of crafting, scrapbooking, chatting, eating and relaxing! Sound nice? IT IS! Check out my retreat blog here for more info and you can always join us next year!

So, these card sets may look a bit familiar to those I've posted earlier this month. Previously, I made them with some B&T papers from some retired kits. When I got the February Stamp of the Month, Friendship, I knew I wanted to use it on a project to make some dynamic random stamping patterns. When I thought about it, this was the perfect project! I needed to make multiple gifts that were very similar but slightly different. I used White Daisy cardstock as my card box base and random stamped using Black, Grey Wool and one of the new colors from the revised Summer CTMH color palettes (Pear, Sky, Smoothie, Sunset, Gypsy, Pacifica, Cotton Candy and Lagoon). Using the card box template found here, I scored and made the folds to make a super-sturdy, double-walled card box (which worked much better with the cardstock weight vs. my previous project which used background & texture paper which is much thinner). I made five - 4 1/4x5 1/2 note cards with Black, White Daisy, Grey Wool and one of the new summer colors of cardstock, inserted those and five envelopes inside, tied a little black ribbon on the front of the box for embellishment, and voila, totally cute and practical gift project!!! I am so happy with how these turned out. I used the Friendship, Felicity and Wings WOTG stamp sets for this project. I also used the new CTMH scalloped circle punch on the note cards.

Studio J - Part Two

2011-02-24T14:56:00.000-08:00

Here's the second half of my album from yesterday's post that I made for my grandfather:

Studio J - I'm a believer now!

2011-02-23T14:55:00.000-08:00

I've been a busy bee this past week getting ready for my third annual Creative Escape Retreat! I am so excited for some long and uninterrupted crafting time soon, but in the meantime, I finished a project I've been working on for awhile in Studio J. I did a lifetime scrapbook for my grandmother a few years back the traditional way (paper and adhesive), and I knew I wanted to do one for my grandfather as well, but once Studio J online design scrapbooking came out from Close To My Heart, I knew that was the way to go. It was an easy way to get all of the photos and memorabilia I had of my grandfather organized in a beautiful way and, I knew that I could create duplicate copies easily for my grandfather, my mother, my uncles, etc.

I finally finished my project this past weekend, and I must say - I am SO extremely pleased with the results. The layouts turned out great! As a Studio J member, I not only get my hands-on printed layouts at a great price, I get free shipping, free memory protectors and free high-resolution and low-resolution jpeg files of all of my layouts. Plus, for February only, there is a great special - anytime you place a Studio J order of nine layouts, the tenth layout is free! Click here to go to my website and learn more about Studio J and try it out completely FREE.

Here's how my layouts for my grandfather's book turned out - today I have the first half and tomorrow will be the second half. Click on any of the layouts to see them in larger detail.

Sophia Cards

2011-02-15T08:25:00.000-08:00

Here are some cards I made with the beautiful new Sophia kit for a consultant swap. I love these girly colors, they make me happy! Colors for this new paper pack are Pear, Hollyhock, Blush and Goldrush.

The first card is a 4 1/4 x 5 1/2 size. I used the Party Pennants stamp set, brand new pink buttons with Colonial White Waxy Flax threaded through them, and the paper mats were cut using my Cricut.

The second card is a 6x6 size. I used the Sophia WOTG stamp set for this, along with some pink sparkles and my file tab punch.

Valentine's Teacher Gifts

2011-02-14T08:28:00.000-08:00

I had so much fun making teacher gifts for my kids' teachers this year for Valentine's Day. I got this idea from a fellow CTMH consultant's blog who has amazing artwork here and she found the template from another stamper's blog here.

These are fun note card boxes which are made from a 12x12 sheet of two-sided background & texture papers using a scoring blade in a paper trimmer and the guide on the blog linked above. Then, I made six 4 1/4 x 5 1/2 note cards and included envelopes as well.

The top box is made from the retired Cherry-O papers. Colors are Sweet Leaf, Tulip, Chocolate and Colonial White. I used the Felicity and Bohemian Alphabet stamp sets and the new scalloped circle punch from CTMH.

The second box is made from the retired Topstitch papers. Colors are Crystal Blue, Blush, Chocolate and Colonial White. I used the Felicity and Bohemian Alphabet stamp set and the new scalloped circle punch from CTMH.

Happy Valentine's Day everyone!

Valentine's Day Class Cards

2011-02-13T20:18:00.000-08:00

Here are the cards I made for my son and daughter to give out to their classmates tomorrow:

I was inspired by a project I found online. They are little folders that hold a candy pouch on the inside. I made the half-circle tabs to hold the candy by using my smallest circle on my circle coluzzle, just one half of it on each side.

The girls version uses the retired Cherry-O papers. Colors are Tulip, Crystal Blue, White Daisy and Grey Wool. Stamps are from Sweetheart WOTG and Simple Stitches. The boys version uses the retired You Rock papers. Colors are Outdoor Denim and Goldrush. Stamps are from Everyday Celebration, My Game and Simple Stitches.

Valentine Circle Card

2011-02-13T08:22:00.000-08:00

I'm loving these circle cards right now - so trendy and different. The Wishes card pattern book has a bunch of circle cards to choose from - this one was so easy to put together. I used the new Sweetheart papers - I love these patterns, especially the floral. It's colors are Baby Pink, Cotton Candy, Tulip, Black and White Daisy. The stamps are from Card Chatter - Love, one of my new favorite stamp sets from the new catalog - I love all of the sayings, but this is my favorite :) The Love heart is heat embossed with black embossing powder. I rounded the corners of the papers, and finished it off with some Licorice Opaques. Happy Valentine's Day!

New Retreat Options

2011-02-08T10:22:00.000-08:00

I've added some new day crop and single night options to my Creative Escape Retreat in Silver Falls at the end of this month - check it out. Contact me if you're interested!

http://creative-escape-allison.blogspot.com/

February 2011 Scrap Club Layouts

2011-02-07T14:53:00.000-08:00

I've finished my layouts for February Scrap Club. I loved working with this beautiful new kit. Sweetheart features Tulip, Cotton Candy, Baby Pink, Black and White Daisy for it's colors. Both layouts are from the new Magic layout book - I'm loving choosing new layouts from this gorgeous book. On the first layout, I used the Sweetheart WOTG stamp set, along with Card Chatter - Love, one of my new favorites. I stamped the title with the Felicity Alphabet. I also used Pink Sparkles, the new Pink Buttons, Black ribbon, White Daisy Ric Rac, Watermelon Waxy Flax (retired), Dimensional Elements Hearts covered in Sweetheart papers and the corner rounder punch for the scalloped border.

For the second layout, I stamped using the Bohemian Alphabet stamp set - another of my new favorites. For the flowers, I got this idea from a GORGEOUS card I received in a swap from the talented CTMH consultant Wendy Coffman. Check out her blog here. I used the brand new, super cool CTMH Scalloped Circle Punch to make the layers for the flowers, scrunched them up and pinned them together using a Black Bigger Brad in the center. I love the texture and interest they add to the layout, especially with the tiny flower background & texture paper from this kit.

Not one, but TWO CTMH specials this month!!

2011-02-02T07:31:00.000-08:00

So, CTMH decided to be extra generous this month and give us TWO specials for the sweet month of February.

First is an awesome promotion for Studio J, CTMH's online scrapbooking program members:
Score a perfect 10 in February! If you're a Studio J member, you can take advantage of this great opportunity to fill up your scrapbook. For every 9 custom-printed Studio J layouts you buy, you’ll receive the 10th layout free. To receive the discount, just add 10 or more layouts to your cart. You’ll see a discount reflected in your order total. And you can totally take advantage of this promotion by ordering in multiples of 10. Buy 9, get 1 free. Buy 18, get 2 free. Buy 27, get 3 free. And so on! If you’re not a member yet, now’s a great time to join! Contact your me for more information about Studio J if you're not a member yet and interested in this speedy new way to get your layouts done!

Second, is an amazing new consultant promotion:
When you become a new Close To My Heart consultant in the month of February and achieve Straight To The Top, you will receive a rebate of $129 on your New Consultant Kit, plus $100 in select product credit rewards. That’s a total retail value of up to $491 in products and business supplies for FREE! Your kit’s free, your select products are free—how fabulous!
Reach Straight To The Top by: • Submitting sales of $300 or more in your first
month and • Submitting total sales of $1,200 or more during your first three months.
Then redeem your $100 in select product credit for My Acrylix® stamps, blocks, Exclusive Inks,® cardstock, My Reflections® paper packets, and more!
Ask me for more info on how you can join my Team in February and earn the Free, Free, & Fabulous rewards.

Valentine's Day is coming soon!

2011-02-01T13:36:00.000-08:00

Valentine's Day is right around the corner - this 8x3.5 sized card made with the new Sweetheart papers is perfect for the occasion. I used the Sweetheart Workshop stamp set, along with Card Chatter - Love. I also used a Dimensional Elements Heart, pink Sparkles, Licorice Opaques and Tulip Just Blooms flowers. Colors are Tulip, Cotton Candy, Black, White Daisy and Baby Pink.

February Kit of the Month - Sweetheart

2011-01-31T10:44:00.000-08:00

Sweetheart Kit - Baby Pink, Black, Cotton Candy and Tulip - Get your kit which includes a level 2 paper packet, exclusive stamp set, full accessory packet and full color instructional brochure for the scrapbook pages and 6 cards, all for $29.95 plus shipping/handling - plus you'll have product leftover!

New Spring/Summer 2011 Idea Book Artwork - Day 7

2011-01-21T14:33:00.000-08:00

In the winter doldrums of January, it is so much fun to think of the highlights of summer - baseball, picnics, playing outside and swimming - all activities that will be perfectly highlighted by this fun and festive kit - Fanfare! It's color combo is Cranberry, Pacifica, Sky and Sunny Yellow. Now, I'm off to create some fun pages and projects with all of this fabulous new product. I'll be posting that very soon!

New Spring/Summer 2011 Idea Book Artwork - Day 6

2011-01-20T14:31:00.000-08:00

This kit just screams summer fun to me! With the delicious color combo of Cocoa, Honey, Olive and Smoothie, I'm excited to whip up some fun and festive artwork with Mayberry. Only one more day of my preview - come back and see what kind of fun I'll have here tomorrow.

New Spring/Summer 2011 Idea Book Artwork - Day 5

2011-01-19T14:28:00.000-08:00

I'm in love with Sophia. This girly kit featured on the cover of the new idea book is blooming with energetic colors of Blush, Goldrush, Hollyhock and Pear. This kit has me excited for the promise of spring and warmer weather! Come back tomorrow for another heat wave of creativity.

New Spring/Summer 2011 Idea Book Artwork - Day 4

2011-01-18T14:25:00.000-08:00

This kit's name is so fitting since it is perfect to capture those moments of wedded bliss! With the beautiful neutral palette of Bamboo, Chocolate, Grey Flannel and Vanilla Cream, the Bliss kit is ready for you to add the perfect accent color to incorporate that special touch and commemorate the bride and groom's special day.

New Spring/Summer 2011 Idea Book Artwork - Day 3

2011-01-17T14:21:00.000-08:00

Does this kit look a tad bit familiar? If so, that's because it is! Remember the National Scrapbooking Month promo from last May? CTMH expanded on the beautiful papers from that Miracle kit to give us a full, My Reflections Paper Packet in Miracle. I am so happy because I loved this one. More papers in Bamboo, Heavenly Blue, Crystal Blue and Sweet Leaf - such a versatile color combo that easily accommodates an additional accent color like Outdoor Denim, Sorbet or Smoky Plum, or is just a great combo on it's own for Spring and Summer pics. Come back tomorrow for another preview!

New Spring/Summer 2011 Idea Book Artwork - Day 2

2011-01-16T14:18:00.000-08:00

Here's another new kit - Lucky. Colors are Outdoor Denim, Desert Sand, Olive and Sunset. In my opinion, it is such a perfect masculine paper kit! Can't wait to use it on photos of my son.

New Spring/Summer 2011 Idea Book Artwork - Day 1

2011-01-15T14:08:00.000-08:00

Today kicks off my usual preview for the brand new paper kits in Close To My Heart's all new Spring/Summer 2011 idea book!! The book will be available February 1st and is LOADED with new product. CTMH packed it full of gorgeous new products, headlined of course with the paper packets. You've already seen the first kit - Wings - in the January promotional brochure. Here's the next kit - Sweetheart. It's colors are Baby Pink, Black, Cotton Candy and Tulip. Isn't it fun? Stay tuned tomorrow for the next preview!

New Spring/Summer 2011 Idea Book - Coming Soon!

2011-01-14T14:14:00.000-08:00

Here it is!! I am so excited to share this with you. Starting February 1st, you can get your copy too. It's bursting with fun ideas, beautiful colors and gorgeous artwork.

January Scrap Club Layouts - Wings

2011-01-11T10:59:00.000-08:00

Here are my club layouts for January - I used the Wings paper packet (LOVE THIS) and the January SOTM (Find Your Style), Bohemian Alphabet and Dreams Come True stamp set. I used the rock and roll stamping technique on the butterflies and heat embossing on the title on the second layout. Embellishments include black button brads, juniper brads, colonial white grosgrain ribbon and black brads. Click here to get more info on my scrap clubs - they are a great way to get your scrapbooking done, have fun with friends and get lots of free product! Keizer clubs are on the third Tuesday and Thursday evening of the month and Rainier club is on the fourth Sunday of the month. Call or e-mail me with questions!

January Kit of the Month - Wings

2011-01-10T10:41:00.000-08:00

Wings Kit - Sweet Leaf, Vineyard Berry, Black and Juniper - Get your kit which includes a level 2 paper packet, exclusive stamp set, full accessory packet and full color instructional brochure for the scrapbook pages and 6 cards, all for $29.95 plus shipping/handling - plus you'll have product leftover!

Another Wings Card

2011-01-08T10:34:00.000-08:00

This 5x7 sized card is from the Wishes book as well. It is my "go to" resource for making cards these days. Just pick a size and a pattern and I'm off to the fun and creative part! I used the new Wings paper packet for this card and the new Dreams Come True stamp set. Both are available NOW in the Inspirations brochure. I love that flourish in the bottom right hand corner. I finished that off with some Bitty Sparkles and Licorice Opaques. I trimmed the black cardstock with decorative scallop scissors and added some Juniper grosgrain ribbon as an accent. To finish off the focal point flower, I colored it in with one of my favorite tools, the blending pen. Colors for this kit are Sweet Leaf, Vineyard Berry, Black and Juniper.

Wings Circle Card

2011-01-07T10:29:00.000-08:00

One of my favorite new products is the Circle Card Pack. It comes with 12 cards and 12 envelopes in either White Daisy or Colonial White. The circles are 4.5 inches and super cute! The Wishes card pattern book has many easy and adorable patterns that work perfectly with these card bases. For this card, I used the January Stamp of the Month - Find Your Style. This is one of my most favorite SOTM's in a long time. I love how the butterfly and other images have words inside them. I also love all of the great words that come as a part of the set. For this card, I trimmed around the wings of the butterfly to make it look as if it was flying off the page. I used the Rock and Roll stamping technique with Juniper, Vineyard Berry and Black inks. I added some Licorice Opaques to finish it off and Voila, done!

Calendar Time!

2011-01-06T10:22:00.000-08:00

I completed these custom 12x12 sized calendars for a client back in December, I'm just now getting around to posting them! These are so great for keeping memories all year long. CTMH has a blank, white 12 month calendar available and the top half is completely an open canvas. I like to put a scrapbook page on the top, and accent the bottom with stamped months and days in the coordinating colors. This client does one annually for each of her two girls. She said she wanted something pink and green for one and purple and yellow for the other - what a fun time I had choosing these color combos with CTMH's new summer color palette! For the top calendar, I chose Creme Brulee, Amethyst and Gypsy. For the bottom one, I used Pear, Smoothie and Baby Pink. I chose layouts from the Reflections book and random stamped the pattern paper using the chosen color. I used the Tickled Pink stamp set for the purple calendar and the Felicity stamp set for the pink one. Then, I used the brand new Bohemian Alphabet stamp E-sized alphabet stamp set (my new absolute fave) for the months.

Bridal Shower Invites

2011-01-05T10:15:00.000-08:00

These custom designed bridal shower invites were so fun to make, especially for something different to work on during Christmastime. The bride's theme is very simple and elegant and her colors are black, ivory and platinum. The black base is 4.25x5.5 with a Grey Wool slider that I stamped using the Felicity stamp set. I added Pewter Bitty Brads and Pearl Opaques to accent the flourishes. I stamped the words using the Party Pennants stamp and the border around the words with the Wings Workshop on the Go stamp set. Some of the words have been fuzzed out to protect the client's privacy.

A Peaceful Winter Scene

2011-01-04T14:39:00.000-08:00

I made these fun trees to use as centerpieces for the tables at my moms church group. We're having an event centered around peace and I thought these colors from the retired Aspen kit were perfect for a peaceful winter feeling (Twilight, Outdoor Denim, Creme Brulee and Colonial White). I was inspired by CTMH CEO Jeanette Lynton's blog post here and her trees to make my version. With the help of my Cricut, I cut 140 1.25 inch sized circles per tree and hot-glued them onto a cone shaped cardstock base for each tree. My awesome friend Heather helped me assemble all of them, thanks Heather!!

Inspriations will Inspire You!

2011-01-03T14:07:00.000-08:00

There's a brand new CTMH brochure to shop from to ring in the new year! Click here to go to my website, and check out the Inspirations brochure by clicking on the lower right-hand corner. It's packed full of beautiful products and great deals only available in January. You can get the beautiful new Wings kit and with it comes super savings on some amazing new stamp sets. Check it out and be inspired!

Sneak Peek!

2010-12-14T13:14:00.000-08:00

CTMH has some great deals, gorgeous new products and fabulous projects in store for January. Here's a sneak peak at the new Wings kit of the month (KOTM) layout. More photos and previews coming soon!

Plenty for Twenty!

2010-12-01T11:15:00.000-08:00

Place an order of $20 or more* on my website from December 1–31, 2010, and CTMH will reward you with a popular, retired D-size stamp set for FREE! Talk about getting more for your money—the free stamp set is valued at $22.95 US/$26.95 CAN! We’re sure you’ll be thrilled with the set we pick out for you. We’re also giving you FREE shipping/ handling and tax on your free stamp set. That’s a lot of plenty for your twenty!

Grab Plenty for Twenty in December by visiting my website here and making a qualifying purchase today!

*Excluding tax and shipping/handling. Qualifying purchases must include shippable products (Studio J® layout purchases excluded, Studio J memberships and 5-packs will count toward a qualifying order only if shippable items are also ordered).

Crop Night!

2010-12-01T11:00:00.000-08:00

When: Friday, December 3rd from 6pm-midnight
Where: Allison's House

Come and enjoy a night of fun and creativity! Your RSVP gets you a spot to catch up on your scrapbooking, work on your Christmas cards or get some holiday gifts made, along with access to exclusive sales, specials and giveaways. Bring your own supplies and work on whatever you'd like! Enjoy an evening out with the girls and share some creative inspiration with others. Cost is $5.00 and space is limited. Please bring a snack to share. RSVP to me today!

December Scrap Club Layouts

2010-11-30T14:25:00.000-08:00

These are my scrap club layouts for December. Using the festive Mistletoe kit was so much fun! On the Merry and Bright layout, I was inspired by a tree layout in my Scrapbooks Etc. magazine for the right page, and finished it off with a Reflections layout for the left side. The second layout is from the Magic book. Both layouts use papers from the Mistletoe Level 2 paper and Creative Basics which features Garden Green, New England Ivy, Cranberry and Colonial White. I used the Snow Days, Serendipity, A Timber and Card Chatter - Christmas stamp sets. To add that finishing touch, I used Gold satin ribbon, Cranberry grosgrain ribbon, Green sparkles. Colonial White brads, Cranberry brads and Holiday buttons. Click here to learn more about my scrapbooking clubs!

December Kit of the Month Club Cards

2010-11-21T16:00:00.000-08:00

December KOTM Club Cards - Mistletoe.

Kit of the Month Club
This new club provides a fabulous way for you to get beautiful scrapbook pages and/or handmade card sets completed quickly, have products leftover, get a fabulous discount on the product kit, get your hands on an exclusive stamp set, get FREE products from the idea book, have fun and be creative!
What: Each month, we’ll complete a project from the selected kit. Each kit includes a Level 2 Paper Packet, a full accessory pack, an exclusive B-size stamp set (not available anywhere else) and a full-color instructional brochure. At our club meeting, we’ll go through the cutting guide for the featured project together – you can choose either a 2-page 12x12 scrapbooking layout or a set of 6 cards from that month’s featured kit.
Cost: $29.95 per month (products in kit retail at $35.00) plus shipping/handling cost.
Commitment: Six-months of participation in the club. This club makes it very easy to do your packet “to go” for any of the months you cannot make it to the club meeting since it includes the full-color instructional brochure right in your packet. You’ll receive the cutting guide, blueprint, instructions and everything you need. If there is a month you don’t like the kit we’re doing, you can just order $29.95 in your choice of products from the idea book.
Benefits: - Hostess one of the six months ($25 in free product from the idea book).
- Simplicity of ordering (all you are required to order for the month is pre-ordering your kit for the following month for $29.95 plus s/h).
- You’ll receive instruction on making a beautiful 2-page 12x12 scrapbook layout or 6 versatile cards (2 each of 3 designs).
- Provides flexibility of making either cards or scrapbook pages in the same club from month to month.
- Instructional brochure has info on both scrapbook and card project, as well as bonus layout and card projects so you can complete more at home with your leftover products!
Sign up now! Call me at (503) 393-9146 or e-mail at allisong@myctmh.com

December Kit of the Month Club Layout

2010-11-20T15:58:00.000-08:00

December KOTM Club Layout - Mistletoe.

Kit of the Month Club
This new club provides a fabulous way for you to get beautiful scrapbook pages and/or handmade card sets completed quickly, have products leftover, get a fabulous discount on the product kit, get your hands on an exclusive stamp set, get FREE products from the idea book, have fun and be creative!
What: Each month, we’ll complete a project from the selected kit. Each kit includes a Level 2 Paper Packet, a full accessory pack, an exclusive B-size stamp set (not available anywhere else) and a full-color instructional brochure. At our club meeting, we’ll go through the cutting guide for the featured project together – you can choose either a 2-page 12x12 scrapbooking layout or a set of 6 cards from that month’s featured kit.
Cost: $29.95 per month (products in kit retail at $35.00) plus shipping/handling cost.
Commitment: Six-months of participation in the club. This club makes it very easy to do your packet “to go” for any of the months you cannot make it to the club meeting since it includes the full-color instructional brochure right in your packet. You’ll receive the cutting guide, blueprint, instructions and everything you need. If there is a month you don’t like the kit we’re doing, you can just order $29.95 in your choice of products from the idea book.
Benefits: - Hostess one of the six months ($25 in free product from the idea book).
- Simplicity of ordering (all you are required to order for the month is pre-ordering your kit for the following month for $29.95 plus s/h).
- You’ll receive instruction on making a beautiful 2-page 12x12 scrapbook layout or 6 versatile cards (2 each of 3 designs).
- Provides flexibility of making either cards or scrapbook pages in the same club from month to month.
- Instructional brochure has info on both scrapbook and card project, as well as bonus layout and card projects so you can complete more at home with your leftover products!
Sign up now! Call me at (503) 393-9146 or e-mail at allisong@myctmh.com

November Scrap Club Layouts

2010-11-15T14:14:00.000-08:00

Here are my November Scrap Club layouts. For these, I used the beautiful fall/botanical kit Olivia. Colors are Sunset, Barn Red, Bamboo, Cocoa and Colonial White. I used The Present and Serendipity stamp sets, along with Mocha opaques, Cocoa grosgrain ribbon, Bamboo brads and some natural hemp for accents. These layouts come straight from the brand new how-to book, Magic - love it!!

Here's more info about my monthly scrapbooking club - I'd love to have you join us!

- Would you like to have a designated time, once a month for you to get caught up on your scrapbooking?

- Have you ever wanted to start scrapbooking but feel a bit overwhelmed?

- Do you feel like you are just too far behind to even get started?

- Do you currently love to scrapbook and want to expand your knowledge in techniques & layout design?

- Do you like to scrapbook but never seem to find the time and have pictures piling up?

If you answered yes to any of these questions, then THIS is the class for you. Come and learn how fun, creative and quick scrapbooking can be. I will teach you several different techniques and tips and you will go home each month with 2-4 ready to go TWO-PAGE scrapbook layouts!

When: 3^rd Tuesday evening of the month at my house in Keizer – 6:30-8:30pm

- OR-

4^th Sunday afternoon of the month in Rainier – 2:00-5:00pm

What: Come and experience HANDS-ON how easy scrapbooking really is. You’ll receive a packet of pre-cut paper and embellishments you need to complete your layouts, and have access to my stamps and ink pads. All you have to do is bring your adhesive and your photos if you’d like. You will have your choice to do the featured layout that I’ve made, or your choice of themes and colors to be sure that you are making pages you can use with your pictures. I will have those choices available to you the month before the class.

Cost: The class is actually free! The commitment however is to a $25 purchase of Close To My Heart products each month (before S&H). The fun part is that you are guaranteed to be the “hostess” one of the months that we meet. On that month, you will receive $25 in FREE product of YOUR CHOICE. If you’d like to complete an additional 2-page layout above the one included, you can add one additional 2-page layout for only $2.00.

Commitment: The commitment is for a full 6-months. You can join the class during any month! If, for some reason, you are unable to attend one of the classes, all you need to do is give me a call with your class order. I will save your packet and you can do it the following month or attend one of my make up classes.

Call me at (503) 312-5454 or e-mail me at allisong@myctmh.com to join!

Allison Grice

www.allisong.myctmh.com

We're saying THANKS with 2 free stamp sets!

2010-10-31T21:37:00.000-07:00

During November Close To My Heart is expressing our gratitude to you by helping you earn two fabulous My Acrylix® stamp sets for FREE! When you place a minimum order of $100, you will not only receive the November Stamp of the Month set, A Little Thanks, for FREE, you will also receive one stamp set of your choosing from the 2010 Autumn/Winter Idea Book for FREE*! This means you can increase the value of your purchase by up to $45.90—that’s almost 50 percent more
in value! It’s just our way of imparting A Little MORE Thanks to you for being a great customer.

*Free stamp sets include A-D size sets. Stamps that are not available as the free set include Workshops on the Go, Stamp of the Month retail, E-size, and customizable K-size. Tax and shipping/handling may apply. Offer good November 1–30, 2010.

Place your order today to receive two My Acrylix® stamp sets for FREE!

November Kit of the Month Club Cards

2010-10-21T15:57:00.000-07:00

November KOTM Cards - Olivia.

Kit of the Month Club
This new club provides a fabulous way for you to get beautiful scrapbook pages and/or handmade card sets completed quickly, have products leftover, get a fabulous discount on the product kit, get your hands on an exclusive stamp set, get FREE products from the idea book, have fun and be creative!
What: Each month, we’ll complete a project from the selected kit. Each kit includes a Level 2 Paper Packet, a full accessory pack, an exclusive B-size stamp set (not available anywhere else) and a full-color instructional brochure. At our club meeting, we’ll go through the cutting guide for the featured project together – you can choose either a 2-page 12x12 scrapbooking layout or a set of 6 cards from that month’s featured kit.
Cost: $29.95 per month (products in kit retail at $35.00) plus shipping/handling cost.
Commitment: Six-months of participation in the club. This club makes it very easy to do your packet “to go” for any of the months you cannot make it to the club meeting since it includes the full-color instructional brochure right in your packet. You’ll receive the cutting guide, blueprint, instructions and everything you need. If there is a month you don’t like the kit we’re doing, you can just order $29.95 in your choice of products from the idea book.
Benefits: - Hostess one of the six months ($25 in free product from the idea book).
- Simplicity of ordering (all you are required to order for the month is pre-ordering your kit for the following month for $29.95 plus s/h).
- You’ll receive instruction on making a beautiful 2-page 12x12 scrapbook layout or 6 versatile cards (2 each of 3 designs).
- Provides flexibility of making either cards or scrapbook pages in the same club from month to month.
- Instructional brochure has info on both scrapbook and card project, as well as bonus layout and card projects so you can complete more at home with your leftover products!
Sign up now! Call me at (503) 393-9146 or e-mail at allisong@myctmh.com

November Kit of the Month Club Layout

2010-10-20T15:56:00.000-07:00

November KOTM Club Layout - Olivia.

Kit of the Month Club
This new club provides a fabulous way for you to get beautiful scrapbook pages and/or handmade card sets completed quickly, have products leftover, get a fabulous discount on the product kit, get your hands on an exclusive stamp set, get FREE products from the idea book, have fun and be creative!
What: Each month, we’ll complete a project from the selected kit. Each kit includes a Level 2 Paper Packet, a full accessory pack, an exclusive B-size stamp set (not available anywhere else) and a full-color instructional brochure. At our club meeting, we’ll go through the cutting guide for the featured project together – you can choose either a 2-page 12x12 scrapbooking layout or a set of 6 cards from that month’s featured kit.
Cost: $29.95 per month (products in kit retail at $35.00) plus shipping/handling cost.
Commitment: Six-months of participation in the club. This club makes it very easy to do your packet “to go” for any of the months you cannot make it to the club meeting since it includes the full-color instructional brochure right in your packet. You’ll receive the cutting guide, blueprint, instructions and everything you need. If there is a month you don’t like the kit we’re doing, you can just order $29.95 in your choice of products from the idea book.
Benefits: - Hostess one of the six months ($25 in free product from the idea book).
- Simplicity of ordering (all you are required to order for the month is pre-ordering your kit for the following month for $29.95 plus s/h).
- You’ll receive instruction on making a beautiful 2-page 12x12 scrapbook layout or 6 versatile cards (2 each of 3 designs).
- Provides flexibility of making either cards or scrapbook pages in the same club from month to month.
- Instructional brochure has info on both scrapbook and card project, as well as bonus layout and card projects so you can complete more at home with your leftover products!
Sign up now! Call me at (503) 393-9146 or e-mail at allisong@myctmh.com

It's not too early.....

2010-10-18T16:20:00.000-07:00

I blinked and October is over halfway over already! I can't believe it - I feel like I was just getting used to school being back in session and now almost two months have gone by. You know what that means - before we know it, the Holiday season will be upon us. It's never too early begin thinking about your Christmas projects, specifically cards - here's a couple of fun ones for you.

My first card is a small but stunning example. My favorite part of it is the stamp set I used - it's one of CTMH's new A-sized stamp sets, which are now only $7.95!!! It's called A Timber and it features the gorgeous tree with the swirls on it, along with the swirl stamp, the sentiment and a few other little accents. I used the Mistletoe paper packet which features New England Ivy, Cranberry, Garden Green, and Colonial White for it's colors. I finished it off with some Cranberry brads and one of my most favorite new embellishments from CTMH - Opaques in Mocha. These little pearls are self adhesive and add a super classy, finished look to any project.

The second card is 8x3.5 size. I also used Mistletoe papers for this card, along with the Mistletoe Creative Basics papers. This is a special bonus pack of two coordinating Background & Texture papers, along with a spool of ribbon (metallic garden green) - perfect for card making projects. I used the A Timber stamp set again, along with the Holiday Trinkets and Card Chatter-Christmas sets. I also used some Colonial White Brads and Bitty Sparkles for that finishing touch.

Festive Fall Card 2

2010-10-17T16:20:00.000-07:00

I apologize if you saw my blank post yesterday - my blog was having some technical difficulties! Anyway, it's back in gear now and here's another fall card using the gorgeous Olivia kit. I used the timeless stamp set again, and the rock and roll technique on the leaf - this technique lends itself so perfectly to leaves and their natural color variations. I also used some Cocoa grosgrain ribbon and Antiqued Copper brads. Super simple yet super stunning!

Festive Fall Card 1

2010-10-15T13:36:00.000-07:00

This card is a fun 6x3 size. I used CTMH's new, gorgeous autumn kit - Olivia. The colors are Barn Red, Sunset, Cocoa, Bamboo and Colonial White. Fall is my favorite season by far! I love the cool, crisp air, the gorgeous colors, crunchy leaves everywhere and all things cozy - sweaters, hot drinks and a warm toasty fire. This kit is the embodiment of autumn. I used the Timeless stamp set, and the rock and roll stamping technique on the leaves. I finished it off with some Cocoa buttons and Colonial White waxy flax. Come back tomorrow for another autumn card from the Olivia kit.

Bling Bling Invite

2010-10-13T08:39:00.000-07:00

Here's the birthday party invite I just finished for my daughter's 4th birthday party. I wanted to keep things simple and with the theme of her party and I think it turned out perfectly. She loves "Bling Bling" Lightning McQueen from the movie Cars, so we chose a turquoise and black/white color scheme which the new Lagoon CTMH color was perfect for. We stamped the birthday cake, flourish and birthday present using the Everyday Celebration stamp set. Then, I added some "bling" with some of the Bitty Sparkles to carry out the theme. I've fuzzed some of the personal information out for privacy.

I'm still here!

2010-10-12T07:42:00.000-07:00

You know how life has distinctive patterns? A time when you have time to work, time to play and time to relax. Another time when you're going 90 mph with your hair on fire just to keep up with your family's schedule and you barely have time to take a breath? That's the time I'm going through right now! So sorry I haven't posted anything lately. Things are leveling out a bit for me this week and I hope to have new artwork to post for you in the next couple of days. In the meantime, here's one of the projects I've been working on this past week.

These were some tissue paper topiaries I made for an event for the mom's group I'm a part of at church. We used them as centerpieces during our first general session last week to reflect a game we were playing. The verse in the middle was part of the favor box we used as a table goodie for each attendee. Between making these, keeping up with football schedules (my son's and my husband's), processing hundreds of tomatoes from our garden into salsa and tomato sauce, and teaching 5+ dance classes each week at the dance studio, my head is spinning. I can't wait to sit down this week and get creating on some scrapbooking and card-making projects. Check back soon for new artwork pics! Hope your autumn season is off to a great start!

Here's a couple of photos of what we've been up to this season so far:

Ava eating her rice krispie treat "world" she made at preschool as a part of her "God created the world" lesson. She loved it!

Alex ready to play at his first flag football game.