January SOTM Blog Hop!

Happy New Year! And welcome to the January 2010 edition of our Stamp of the Month Blog Hop!

We will be featuring January's SOTM, which is True Friends, a set of 11 stamps. If you've come from Laurie's Blog, you're on the right path. We have over 50 Close To My Heart Consultants sharing their creations using this month's SOTM and other great CTMH products on their blogs. This is simple to do - just click on the link at the end of the post on each blog to move to the next one! Here we go!

For this month's hop, I chose to do a simple card showcasing the new Topstitch papers!   I stamped one of the label stamps in Vineyard Berry ink on Vanilla Cream Cardstock and cut it out.  The card pattern is from Wishes - one of the workshop cards.  The sentiment is stamped in Chocolate ink and again, just slightly off for a shadow effect, in Heavenly Blue ink.  I added just a touch of Chocolate ribbon.  The label is popped off the card with 3D dots for dimension.

I also thought this set would make and AWESOME border/banner/wrap.  My box didn't turn out as well as I had envisioned, but that's what I get for doing everything last minute.  For the wrap, I cut a piece of Vanilla Cream Cardstock at 3x12.  Then I stamped the label stamp 4 times making sure to line up the edges of the labels to create a continuous border.  Then I cut out the border strip - leaving just a tab at the end so that I would have something to glue to the inside of the wrap.  Carefully score between the stamped images for a box, or just wrap it around for a candle or other round object. 

Now "Hop" on over to Kimberly's Blog to see her work! Be sure to visit all the Consultants at their blogs to get some great crafting ideas and other fun ideas! The complete list of participants is here. Remember, the January SOTM is only available until January 31st! Contact your CTMH Consultant (or click here) to see how you can get this stamp set at a discount or even free!


Until next time...

Going, Going, Gone!

Have you gotten everything you want from the 2009 Retired List?  There are only a few more days left before products are retired!  After December 31, 2009, everything on the Retired List will no longer be available.

Don't forget to check the Unavailable List as well - just in case something has already sold out (and quite a bit has!).

All retiring stamp sets can be seen here.  All CTMH products can be found on my website. Don't miss out on your last chance to get what you need before it's gone for good.

Until next time...

Merry Christmas!

Wishing everyone a very Merry Christmas!  I hope you have a wonderful day filled with family and friends and peace, hope, and love.  Special hugs and prayers and Christmas Wishes for our service men and women serving our country and sacrificing time with their families.  May God watch over you and bless you all!

Merry Christmas!

Until next time...

Christmas Card - Final Cut

I finally had the chance to finish up the Christmas cards for my hubby.  I told you that I had an alternative for the ribbon that he didn't like. I used Jingle Borders stamp set and embossed the barbed wire looking one in Cranberry EP.

For this one, I also opted to add some sparkle.  I had a mixture of Silver Pearl EP and Prisma Glitter, so I overstamped the stars trail in VersaMark then embossed. Unfortunately, it doesn't show up very well in the pic.  I also highlighted the windshield with Crystal Blue Marker and a Blending Pen. I opted to use Cocoa for Santa's boots to keep some of the black detail lines.

Thankfully, this one made the cut (like I had the time to do it over).  They are now signed, addressed and in the mail.

Pattern: Wishes - Sun Dial

Papers: Jingle Level 2

Stamps: Jingle Borders, December Word Puzzle, Ms. Holiday Cheer, Harley Davidson Alphabet(EK Success), Cruisin' Christmas (Stampin' Up!),

Inks: Tulip, Juniper, Olive, Staz-on Black, VersaMark

Markers: Cranberry, Juniper, New England Ivy, Sunny Yellow, Cocoa, Star Spangled Blue, Crystal Blue, Black

Accessories: Flower Soft - Polar White, Distress Stickles - Fired Brick, Cranberry Embossing Powder, Silver Pearl EP, and Prisma Glitter

Until next time...

December Newsletter

Want to view the "pretty" version? Click here

December 2009

In This Issue
Holiday Heyday Online Clearance Sale!
National Papercrafting Month Special!
Stamp of the Month
Classes, Workshops, & Events
Holiday Shopping & Shipping

Dear Blog Guest,

Happy Holidays! I hope this newsletter finds you doing well and enjoying the season. It's starting to look a lot like Christmas at our house again this year. The boys spent yesterday cleaning and organizing so we could get the tree and decorations up. They also spent some time working on the outside lights and hope to finish them up today.

I know that December gets really hectic for a lot of us - with Christmas cards, shopping, family gatherings, work function, school functions, and more! I hope you find a few minutes during this busy season to relax and enjoy the season, and reflect on the true meaning of Christmas. One of the things I'm doing this year, is taking Shimelle's Journal Your Christmas class (again). I've done this for the last few years, but this year, I hope to actually complete the class (although I am already behind). (No, I don't get anything for promoting or mentioning the class, just thought I'd share.)

Close To My Heart has some fabulous things in store for us this month! We started the month off with their awesome Holiday Heydey Online Clearance Sale! Lots of great, quality products for up to 80% off! Coming up December 15th, CTMH kicks off their National Papercrafting Month with our gorgeous Felicity collection! Of course, there is also a new Stamp of the Month - Notice the Details available only during December. And don't forget, December is the last month to purchase products from the Retired List. After December 31st, they are gone! You can find the Retired List on my calendar. Each Monday throughout December, I will update the Unavailable List on my calendar.

Just a reminder, the cut off date for orders to be shipped by December 18th is Tuesday, December 15th. This does not guarantee Christmas delivery, however.I wish you and your family a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!

Holiday Heyday Sale!
If you haven't had a chance to visit the Holiday Heyday Clearance Sale, you might want to consider taking a few minutes to do so. You'll find lots of wonderful, top quality, Close To My Heart products at up to 80% off! Stamp sets as low as $2.00, Ribbon Rounds as low as $4.00, Sassy Strands for $1, Level 2 Kits for $6.50, and much more!

There's still a great selection of products. If you were frustrated the first day because of the server issues and slow going, stop by now and check it out. It's lots faster and not as "crowded". You'll be able to get some great Christmas gifts and maybe even a little something for yourself.
Shop the Clearance Sale from now until December 17th or while supplies last.

Remember, you are limited to 5 of each product, and you cannot order regular items with your clearance items.

For a full FAQ, visit my calendar.

Please feel free to contact me with any questions or issues.

National Papercrafting Month Special
CELEBRATE PAPERCRAFTING WITH THE STUNNING FELICITY COLLECTION!
The collection features decorative die-cut paper, three gorgeous color schemes, and a D-size stamp set that include flowers, flourishes, argyle patterns, birds, and an entire alphabet! Your papercrafting possibilities are endless!

Celebrate with the Felicity Collection today!

Campaign Dates:
Customers and Hostesses: December 15, 2009-January 31, 2010
New Consultants: January 1-31, 2010

For more details and complete FAQ, please visit my calendar.

December Stamp of the Month
D1378 Notice the Details, Set of 41
A great set of stamps for added journaling, fantastic projects, and adorable cards.

Available December 1-31, 2009 only.

Recommended blocks2" × 2" (Y1003), 2" × 3 1/2" (Y1009), 4 1/2" × 6 1/2" (Y1011)

If you need some inspiration, or just want to see what can be done with this set, be sure to visit our monthly Consultant Stamp of the Month Blog Hop. We have over 60 Consultants on this month's hop, so you're sure to find something you like.Don't forget, you can get this stamp set at a discount or even FREE! Ask me how!

Classes, Workshops, & Events
As you may know, I do not generally schedule classes and workshops during December as it gets so hectic for many of us, and allows us more time for our families. This year is no exception. However, I am working on new classes and workshops for January using products from the NEW Spring Idea Book. Be sure to visit my calendar later in the month for more details.

Card Workshop
Date: Sunday, January 3rd or Sunday, January 17th
Caboodle Level 2 Papers
Fee: $10
RSVP by December 30th

Workshop on the Go
Date: Sunday, January 31st
Caboodle Level 2 Papers
Paper Only Workshop: $17
Basic Workshop: $35
Best Workshop: $48
RSVP with payment by January 15th

Upcoming Events
Crop for the Cure 2010, February 27th and/or March 13th - Registration will be opening soon.

Spring Idea Book Open House & Catalog Preview, TBA

If you'd like to host a class or workshop, contact me today to schedule your event! Dates will be limited.

Holiday Shopping and Shipping
Are you getting all you want for Christmas? Are there Close To My Heart products on your wish list? Fill out the wish list on my calendar and give it to your friends and family. They can place an order online, by email, or by phone. I also offer gift certificates in any amount!

I recommend all orders be placed by December 12th in order to arrive before Christmas. For only a few dollars more, you can upgrade to 2 or 3 day shipping.

As always, I am here to help you preserve your memories and celebrate your relationships. If you have any questions, need some inspiration, want to schedule a workshop, class or gathering, or would like more information on becoming a consultant, please feel free to contact me.

Happy Holidays ~



Independent Consultant
Memories of the Heart Team

Christmas Card Prototype 1

My hubby asked if I could make him a few Christmas cards to send to his motorcycle riding friends. I spent a few minutes last night coming up with one design (more like an hour, but who's counting).

Here's his first prototype. He's not real thrilled with the ribbon (must be a guy thing). But I was prepared - I had another option to show him - just not put together. He liked the second option better, so will do that one today.

Pattern: Wishes - Sun Dial

Papers: Jingle Level 2

Stamps: Jingle Borders, December Word Puzzle, Ms. Holiday Cheer, Harley Davidson Alphabet(EK Success), Cruisin' Christmas (Stampin' Up!),

Inks: Tulip, Juniper, Olive, Staz-on Black

Markers: Cranberry, Juniper, New England Ivy, Sunny Yellow, Black

Accessories: Flower Soft - Polar White, Distress Stickles - Fired Brick, Cranberry Grosgrain Ribbon

Here's a close up of the stamped image. I stamped the Santa in Staz-On and colored select areas with markers. His hat and coat trim are decorated with Flower Soft Polar White. I added a couple drops of the Distressed Stickles to the holly leaves.

Until next time...

A Christmas Wish Came True

A friend and fellow Consultant, Rebekah, asked for help in completing 100 pages for Hurley Hospital's Neonatal Unit. I could only promise her a few pages (and thankfully, they could all be alike).

Rebekah's only requirements were using Close To My Heart paper, and 2 photo mats for 4x6 photos, and of course a Christmas theme.

I finally finished mine up today. I thought I'd share what I came up with.

Papers: Jingle

Stamps: Checklist

Inks: Juniper

Accessories: Twinkle Brads, Cranberry Organdy (retired), Creme Brulee Ribbon, Cranberry Grosgrain, Holiday Red (at least that's what the lid said) Eyelets (retired), Sparkles

Title was cut on my Cricut (Christmas and Storybook carts). I ran "Christmas" through my Cuttlebug with D'vine Swirl folder. I used a modified Treasure Pocket from Reflections. I thought I'd include a few tags for journaling and/or extra photos.

The tags were also cut on my Cricut (Boxes, Bags, & Tags). I stamped the "identification" stamp from Checklist in Juniper ink. That stamp will allow parents to journal the important details from their child's birthday.

Until next time...

CTMH Clearance Sale!

Close To My Heart announced yesterday that they will be having a "Holiday Heyday" Online Clearance Sale beginning December 2nd! Below is a list of clearance items that will be available during the Decemeber "Holiday Heyday" sale. Log in on December 2nd after 11:00 a.m. EST to purchase from a special clearance section. Sale has quantities restricted to FIVE per item to provide a smooth shopping experience for all customers. Serious shipping savings apply with minimum orders. Clearance items may not be combined with regular-priced items in a single shopping cart, and clearance purchases are not eligible for Stamp of the Month. There will be a direct link under my Shop Online link for the Clearance Section. This is a great way to get all the scrapbookers and cardmakers on your holiday gift list wonderful presents they’ll love at super prices. If you have any questions or problems ordering, please give me a call at 812-259-0431. There is a complete FAQ (and the list) posted on my calendar. Happy Shopping!!!


CC1007 Grab Bag $30.00 (at least $100 retail in products!)

Z9990 Key to My Heart Paper Pack $5.00
Z9991 Just Because Card Base $2.00
Z9992 Life Delights Pack $4.00
Z9993 Promise of Spring Pack $5.00
Z9994 Magic Moments Pack $10.00

Z464 Sassy Strands® Summer Carnival Collection $1.00
Z400 Sassy Strands® White Daisy Collection $1.00
Z467 Sassy Strands® Spring Blossom Collection $1.00
Z401 Sassy Strands® Autumn Harvest Collection $1.00
Z402 Sassy Strands® Winter Classic Collection $1.00
Z463 Sassy Strands® Spring Harmony Collection $1.00
Z466 Sassy Strands® Autumn Garden Collection $1.00
Z465 Sassy Strands® Winter Cozy Collection $1.00
Z468 Sassy Strands® Summer Celebration Collection $1.00

Z1108 Chocolate Brads $3.00
1759 Silver Brads $3.00
Z1105 White Daisy Brads $3.00
Z1107 Black Brads $3.00
Z1111 Brads Summer Carnival Assortment $3.00
Z1137 Brads Spring Harmony Assortment $3.00
Z297 Bigger Brads Autumn Harvest Assortment $7.00
Z298 Bigger Brads Winter Classic Assortment $7.00
Z1051 Bitty Brads $3.00

Z288 My Accents® Topiary Accessories $6.00
Z285 My Accents® Garden Green Accessories $6.00
Z286 My Accents® Outdoor Denim Accessories $6.00
Z284 My Accents® Cranberry Accessories $6.00
Z290 My Accents® Autumn Terracotta Accessories $6.00
Z196 My Accents® Baby Pink Accessories $6.00

Z1015 Clear Inspirations Believe Ribbon Slides $1.00
Z1013 Clear Inspirations Precious Ribbon Slides $1.00

Z1133 3/8" White Daisy Ricrac Ribbon (bulk) $4.00
Z803 Organdy Ribbon Rounds™ Spring Blossom Collection $4.00
Z807 Organdy Ribbon Rounds™ Autumn Garden Collection $4.00
Z802 Organdy Ribbon Rounds™ Spring Harmony Collection $4.00
Z808 Organdy Ribbon Rounds™ Winter Classic Collection $4.00
Z804 Organdy Ribbon Rounds™ Summer Carnival Collection $4.00
Z805 Organdy Ribbon Rounds™ Summer Celebration Coll. $4.00
Z1301 Designer Ribbon Rounds™ Chocolate Collection $4.00
Z823 Designer Ribbon Rounds™ Autumn Terracotta Coll. $4.00
Z1306 Designer Ribbon Rounds™ Heartfelt Collection $4.00
Z1305 Designer Ribbon Rounds™ Holiday Collection $4.00
Z816 Ribbon Rounds™ White Daisy Collection $4.00
Z814 Designer Ribbon Rounds™ Cocoa Collection $4.00
Z812 Designer Ribbon Rounds™ Hollyhock Collection $4.00
Z1303 Designer Ribbon Rounds™ Outdoor Denim Collection $4.00
Z815 Designer Ribbon Rounds™ Twilight Collection $4.00

Z331 Eyelet Mat $2.00
Z169 Black Eyelets $2.00
Z159 Buttercup Eyelets $2.00
Z136 Heavenly Blue Eyelets $2.00
Z171 Pewter Eyelets $2.00
Z149 Garden Green Eyelets $2.00
Z165 New England Ivy Eyelets $2.00
Z153 Indian Corn Blue Eyelets $2.00
Z150 Autumn Terracotta Eyelets $2.00
Z179 Chocolate Eyelets $2.00

Z1012 Braggin’ Tags™ Mini Album $3.00
Z1017 My Creations™ Circle Album $3.00

1776 1/8" Long Reach Punch $7.00
1762 Write ‘n’ Rub™ Pen $6.00
X1401 StickStock® Linen $6.00
X1400 StickStock® Twill $6.00
Z820 Window Charms™ Squares $5.00
Z922 Pastel Coloring Pencils $4.00
Z920 Earth Coloring Pencils $4.00
X8701 Floral Impressions Embossed Photo Mats $4.00
Z1044 Dimensional Elements Basic Shapes $3.00
Z4128 Foundry® Frames $3.00
Z1134 Holiday Fabric Tags $3.00
Z309 Sculpting™ Foam $2.00
Z657 Vineyard Berry Embossing Powder $2.00
Z1010 Colored Staples $2.00
X277 5" x 5 1/2" Clear Cello Envelopes $2.00
4109 6" x 6" Matte Memory Protectors® (15) $2.00
X143 Door Hangers with Pouch (10) $1.00

X8519 My Child's Reflections™ All About My Family $4.00

X5802 Creative Basics® Everlasting Collection $5.00
X5803 Creative Basics® Silhouette Collection $5.00
X5804 Creative Basics® Boom-Di-Ada Collection $5.00

X7045A My Reflections® Vintage Travel Level 1 Kit $5.00
X7045C My Reflections® Vintage Travel My Stickease® $4.00
X7056A My Reflections® Discovery Level 1 Kit $5.00
X7060A My Reflections® Heirloom Level 1 Kit $5.00
X7060B My Reflections® Heirloom Level 2 Paper Packet $6.50
X7061A My Reflections® Floral Impressions Level 1 Kit $5.00
X7061B My Reflections® Floral Impressions Lev.2 Paper Packet $6.50
X7061C My Reflections® Floral Impressions My Stickease® $4.00
X7062A My Reflections® Laid Back Level 1 Kit $5.00
X7069A My Reflections® Just Chillin' Level 1 Kit $5.00
X7069C My Reflections® Just Chillin' My Stickease® $4.00
X7071A My Reflections® Best Friends Forever Level 1 Kit $5.00
X7072A My Reflections® School Zone Level 1 Kit $5.00
X7072B My Reflections® School Zone Level 2 Paper Packet $6.50
X7072C My Reflections® School Zone Level 2 My Stickease® $4.00
X7073A My Reflections® Abundance Level 1 Kit $5.00
X7073B My Reflections® Abundance Level 2 Paper Packet $6.50
X7073C My Reflections® Abundance Level 2 My Stickease® $4.00
X7076A My Reflections® Sonata Level 1 Kit $5.00
X7076C My Reflections® Sonata Level 2 My Stickease® $4.00
X7077C My Reflections® Sweet Harmony My Stickease® $4.00
X7078A My Reflections® Cutie Pie Level 1 Kit $5.00
X7078C My Reflections® Cutie Pie Level 2 My Stickease® $4.00
X7079A My Reflections® Rough n Tumble Level 1 Kit $5.00
X7079B My Reflections® Rough 'N Tumble Lev. 2 Paper Packet $6.50
X7079C My Reflections® Rough 'N Tumble My Stickease® $4.00
X7080A My Reflections® Route 66 Level 1 Kit $5.00
X7080C My Reflections® Route 66 Level 2 My Stickease® $4.00
X7082A My Reflections® Expedition Level 1 Kit $5.00
X7082C My Reflections® Expedition Level 2 My Stickease® $4.00
X7083A My Reflections® Let's Get Together Level 1 Kit $5.00
X7084A My Reflections® Floral Tapestry Level 1 Kit $5.00
X7085A My Reflections® Everlasting Level 1 Kit $5.00
X7085B My Reflections® Everlasting Level 2 Paper Packet $6.50
X7085C My Reflections® Everlasting Level 2 My Stickease® $4.00
X7086A My Reflections® Caprice Level 1 Kit $5.00
X7086B My Reflections® Caprice Level 2 Paper Packet $6.50
X7086C My Reflections® Caprice Level 2 My Stickease® $4.00
X7087A My Reflections® Enchanted Level 1 Kit $5.00
X7087B My Reflections® Enchanted Level 2 Paper Packet $6.50
X7087C My Reflections® Enchanted Level 2 My Stickease® $4.00
X7088A My Reflections® Free Spirit Level 1 Kit $5.00
X7088B My Reflections® Free Spirit Level 2 Paper Packet $6.50
X7088C My Reflections® Free Spirit Level 2 My Stickease® $4.00
X7089A My Reflections® Life Delights Level 1 Kit $5.00
X7089C My Reflections® Life Delights Level 2 My Stickease® $4.00
X7093A My Reflections® Sweet Pea Level 1 Kit $5.00
X7093B My Reflections® Sweet Pea Level 2 Paper Packet $6.50
X7093C My Reflections® Sweet Pea Level 2 My Stickease® $4.00
X7094A My Reflections® Paper Garden Level 1 Kit $5.00
X7094C My Reflections® Paper Garden Level 2 My Stickease® $4.00
X7099A My Reflections® Whoops-A-Daisy Level 1 Kit $5.00

X8524 Simply Snapshots® Rough 'N Tumble Album Pages $4.00
X8525 Simply Snapshots® Lets Get Together Album Pages $4.00
X8526 Simply Snapshots® Floral Tapestry Album Pages $4.00
X8528 Simply Snapshots® Everlasting Album Pages $4.00
X8529 Simply Snapshots® Silhouette Album Pages $4.00
X8530 Simply Snapshots® Sweet Pea Album Pages $4.00
X8531 Simply Snapshots® Boom-Di-Ada Album Pages $4.00
X8532 Simply Snapshots® Perfect Day Album Pages $4.00

X8608 My Originals® Groovy Blossoms Card Kit $6.50
X8611 My Originals® Pretty Purses Card Kit $6.50
X8613 My Originals® Peaceful Season Card Kit $6.50
X8614 My Originals® Holiday Photo Greetings Card Kit $6.50
X8615 My Originals® From The Heart Card Kit $6.50
X8617 My Originals® Holiday Wishes Card Kit $6.50
X8620 My Originals® Merry & Bright Card Kit $6.50

Stamp Sets
A1084 My Acrylix® Sweet Flowers (Set Of 6) $2.00
A1092 My Acrylix® Simple Invites (Set Of 16) $2.00
A1093 My Acrylix® Genuine Fun (Set Of 4) $2.00
B1071 My Acrylix® Playful Numbers (Set Of 20) $4.00
B1167 My Acrylix® Thinking Of You (Set Of 6) $4.00
B1182 My Acrylix® Let It Snow (Set Of 6) $4.00
B1215 My Acrylix® Life Is (Set Of 16) $4.00
B1258 My Acrylix® Merry Little Christmas (Set Of 7) $4.00
B1260 My Acrylix® Let Us Adore Him (Set Of 5) $4.00
B1262 My Acrylix® Celebration Labels (Set Of 34) $4.00
B1277 My Acrylix® Hello Friend (Set Of 13) $4.00
C1079 My Acrylix® Playful Lowercase (Set Of 52) $6.00
C1198 My Acrylix® Let's Play Ball (Set Of 8) $6.00
C1209 My Acrylix® Christmas Scripts (Set Of 13) $6.00
C1221 My Acrylix® Choo Choo Train (Set Of 8) $6.00
C1222 My Acrylix® Seasonal Thoughts (Set Of 39) $6.00
C1226 My Acrylix® Floral Charms (Set Of 12) $6.00
C1227 My Acrylix® Our Wedding Day (Set Of 13) $6.00
C1244 My Acrylix® Glistening Snow (Set Of 11) $6.00
C1245 My Acrylix® O Christmas Tree (Set Of 26) $6.00
C1252 My Acrylix® Abundance Borders (Set Of 4) $6.00
D1013 My Acrylix® Playful Caps (Set Of 57) $8.00
D1111 My Acrylix® Card Sentiments (Set Of 10) $8.00
D1115 My Acrylix® Princess (Set Of 17) $8.00
D1211 My Acrylix® First Class (Set Of 10) $8.00
D1126 My Acrylix® Precious Alphabet (Set Of 52) $8.00
D1140 My Acrylix® Miracle (Set Of 9) $8.00
D1146 My Acrylix® Back To Nature (Set Of 7) $8.00
D1152 My Acrylix® Follow Your Dreams (Set Of 15) $8.00
D1153 My Acrylix® Because Of You (Set Of 16) $8.00
D1165 My Acrylix® Bundled Up (Set Of 10) $8.00
D1175 My Acrylix® Steep And Deep (Set Of 12) $8.00
D1176 My Acrylix® Youthful Heart (Set Of 13) $8.00
D1179 My Acrylix® Festive Thoughts (Set Of 14) $8.00
D1086 My Acrylix® Birthday Bash (Set Of 16) $8.00
D1197 My Acrylix® My One & Only (Set Of 11) $8.00

Until next time...