Wednesday, December 31, 2008

I Love You Tree Card

I saw this adorable card on Lauren Meader's blog and fell in love. (If you haven't visited Lauren's blog recently, be sure to check it out. She is amazingly talented and I am always inspired by her great artwork!!) Anyway, back to the card. I loved the cute tree that she created using a heart stamp so I tried to do the same with one of Close to my Heart's new sets called You're Adored. I rolled the heart in Sweet Leaf ink, stamped it off once and then rolled the edges in the ink again to get the two toned look. (I think that is how Lauren did hers too.) I used the branch from CTMH's Whooo Loves You set and stamped it in Chocolate ink. Then I used the tiny little heart in CTMH's new Cupcake Sprinkles set, which I know you will love when you see it tomorrow, and stamped them all over with Cranberry ink. I used the grass from the March Word Puzzle set and then topped them off with more hearts. Then I sponged a bit of Heavenly Blue ink around the background to make it look like sky. I finally used my Martha Stewart picket fence punch that I just had to have and never used. LOL! I scored it and folded it over twice and then added a thin strip of 3-D Foam Squares to give it some dimension. The "i love you" is from CTMH's Because I Love You set. I may give this card to my hubby for his b-day/Valentine's Day on February 14th.
Cardstock: White Daisy, Cranberry
Stamps:
You're Adored, Cupcake Sprinkles (tiny hearts), March Word Puzzle, Because I Love You, Whooo Loves You (tree trunk)
Inks:, Sweet Leaf, Chocolate, Cranberry, Heavenly Blue
Other: Fence Punch (Martha Stewart), 3-D Foam Squares, Foam Tool

Close to my Heart Sister Bloggers

Thanks to Sparkle (a former CTMH Sister Consultant) I now have a list of many of my Sister Close to my Heart Consultants with blogs. Be sure to check them out. They are all fabulous! You are sure to get some great creative ideas...

Aaron http://www.aaronsbooth32.blogspot.com/
Alanna http://damoses.blogspot.com/
Amanda http://www.amandajenks.blogspot.com/
Amanda http://littlebitofscrapbookheaven.blogspot.com/
Amanda http://inkhappens.blogspot.com/
Amy http://www.efridgedoor.blogspot.com/
Anita http://everydayisanadventure-anitao.blogspot.com/
Ava http://www.wholyscrap.blogspot.com/
Bella http://bellas-petit-gateau.blogspot.com/
Beth http://inkyfingersrule.blogspot.com/
CC http://www.dirttrackwidow.blogspot.com/
Ceal http://simplybeautifulcreations.blogspot.com/
Christine http://createwithchristine.blogspot.com/
Erica http://ericathescrapper.blogspot.com/
Erin http://www.tazzygirl2000.blogspot.com/
Geriann http://www.scrapandstampcreations.blogspot.com/
Heather http://www.stamp4smiles.blogspot.com/
Helen http://www.hookedonstamping.com/
Jami http://jamiscrazedthoughts.blogspot.com/
Jamia http://papermadnessinc.blogspot.com/
Jeanette http://www.jeanettelynton.com/
Jeani http://www.myscrappinplace.blogspot.com/
Jena http://www.livelovelaughscrapbook.blogspot.com/
Jen http://www.roxybonds-scrappin.blogspot.com/
Jenn http://stampsandallthatjazz.blogspot.com/
Jenn http://ilovethisscrap.blogspot.com/
Jenn http://jennmcmillan.blogspot.com/
Jenny http://inkyandscrappy.blogspot.com/
Jessica http://happy2bscrappin.blogspot.com/
Jessica http://www.jessicaspaperpetals.blogspot.com/
Judy http://scruffydreams.blogspot.com/
Juli http://thestampteacher.blogspot.com/
Julie http://juliebrownsblog.blogspot.com
Julia http://scraptasticjh.blogspot.com/
Julie http://thescrapzone.blogspot.com/
Juel http://colorfulmoments.blogspot.com/
Kari http://www.kariberry97.blogspot.com/
Kathi http://kathiscreativecorner.blogspot.com/
Kelly http://whatchastamping.blogspot.com/
Kelly http://www.kjsstamppad.blogspot.com/
Kim http://www.kimsherrodstudio.blogspot.com/
Kim http://www.kimscreativespot.blogspot.com/
Kisha http://sunflowergal74.blogspot.com/
Kristy http://www.anibellasmomma.blogspot.com/
Laurel http://www.want2scrap.blogspot.com/
Liane http://coastalscraps.blogspot.com/
Me *Ü* http://www.lisascreativecorner.blogspot.com/
Lori http://scrapinglori.blogspot.com/
Lori http://sentimentalmomentsintime.blogspot.com/
Lynn http://www.lynnskie3.blogspot.com/
Lynn http://www.creationsbylynn.blogspot.com/
Marjorie http://mommyscraps.blogspot.com/
Mary http://mcrosby57.blogspot.com/
Mary http://mbryt1.blogspot.com/
Melanie http://www.scrappinwithmel.blogspot.com/
Melissa http://stampinwithmj.blogspot.com/
Michelle http://www.megbeedesigns.blogspot.com/
Miranda http://www.scrampinwithmiranda.blogspot.com/
Mindy http://www.creativevalleycreations.blogspot.com/
Naomi http://www.naomis-space.typepad.com/
Nicole http://scrappernic.blogspot.com/
Nicole http://www.backatheranch.blogspot.com/
Nona http://nonapearl.blogspot.com/
Pat http://scraphappystamper.blogspot.com/
Rachel http://stamp4hobby.blogspot.com/
Sandra http://sandrascafe.blogspot.com/
Shannon http://cherishedkeepsakes.blogspot.com/
Shannon http://www.rockinstamps.blogspot.com/
Stacey http://www.iamsimplyaddicted.blogspot.com/
Stephanie http://smokymtnscrappers.blogspot.com/
Takesha http://kdavissharingsomething.blogspot.com/
Tammy http://www.createwithtammy.blogspot.com/
Tansy http://daveandtansy.blogspot.com/
Tomie http://scraphappeningsbytomie.blogspot.com/
Traci http://createwithtraci.blogspot.com/
Tracy http://www.creativewhimsyartists.blogspot.com/
Tracy www.wowprincess.com/blog
Tresa http://fabulouslyartsy.blogspot.com/
Vicki http://giffysk8s.blogspot.com/
Vicki http://wizardshangout.blogspot.com/
Vicki http://www.sullyscrapandstamp.blogspot.com/

Happy New Year!

Oh my, has it really been 11 days since I last posted? Yikes. Sorry about that. My entire family has been sick and we are just now starting to feel a bit better.

Here are a few fun things that I have been working on...

Below is a thank you card that I made using the CTMH National Papercrafting month promotion kit called Key to my Heart. You can buy this paper pack along with a huge matching stamp set or earn it at a discount or for free! You can also enter one of your creations using this kit to win soe free CTMH goodies! Click here for the details.
I also used CTMH's new Fancy Cut Botanicals (die cuts) for the leaves and flowers. They match the paper in the kit perfectly and they are an amazing deal! You get (3) 12x12 double sided sheets of die cuts for only $3.95! This is just one of the new products in the new 2009 Spring Idea Book. Speaking of the Idea Book, don't forget to check my blog tomorrow as the Idea Book goes live tomorrow and I will post more about it then! (You will love it!)

Paper Packet: Key to my Heart (January Promotion)
Stamps: Gracious Greetings
Inks: Juniper
Other: Sorbet Ribbon Rounds, Fancy Cuts Botanicals, Circle Window Charms, 3-D Foam Squares, Corner Rounder

Saturday, December 20, 2008

Little Birdie Card Kit - Another Sneak Peak

Are these the most adorable little cards you have ever seen or what? They are from the new CTMH My Originals Hello Birdie Card Kit. The cards are 3"x4-3/4" and come with (12) preprinted cards, (3) 6"x12" sticker sheets, and 12 Envelope Flats. You get enough to make 12 cards and envelopes for only $12.95. These are two of my favorites...These kits will be available starting January 1st. Stay tuned for more...

That's Amore Layout - Sneak Peak

Wanna sneak peak of one of the new CTMH paper packs and a few other new goodies? Here is a layout that I made using the new That's Amore paper pack. It is perfect for Valentine's Day cards and layouts, but versatile enough to use for just about anything!The title uses Dimensional Elements (Simple Alphabet lowercase) that are stamped in Baby Pink with a new set called You’re Adored. After I stamped the letters, I used a Foam Tool to cover the chipboard with Vanilla Cream pigment ink. I added a few tiny Sparkles and some Chocolate Ribbon. The ampersand is stamped using the Solo Punctuation set in Chocolate ink directly onto the patterned paper. I used our fabulous new Foundry Bookplates to frame the date. I stamped the word “LOVE” on our new Love Always Journaling Spots. (These are amazing! You get 24 adorable cardstock journaling cards in various sizes for only $2.95!)

I also used the journaling spots for the “Remember” card and the two “Journaling” cards which slip into the fun little pocket. Below is a closeup of some of my journaling. I was glad to complete a spread about my relationahip with my hubby since most of my layouts are of my kids.
Here are some closeups of the two Journaling spots in and out of the pocket. I still need to fill them out. It will be nice to have some hand written notes on this layout...
I added some zigzag stitching with brown thread to tie it all together. (Don’t look too closely though. I am still learning how to sew a straight line, turn corners, and start and stop without making a mess. LOL!)

All of these products will be available on January 1st, 2009. They are in the new Spring 2009 Idea Book/Catalog. I will post more about that soon...

CTMH Retired List

Close to my Heart’s has a lot of retiring items in order to make room for all of the fabulous new products coming our way! We only have until December 31st to order any items on the retired list. If there is something that you have had your eye on, you may want to check to see if it is retiring. You may always place an order on my website here or contact me to place an order for any CTMH products including those that are retiring. Click here to download Close to my Heart's 2009 Retired List.

Monday, December 15, 2008

Celebrate National Papercrafting Month

January is National Paper Crafting Month and to celebrate, Close To My Heart is offering an amazing kit called Key to my Heart from December 16 - January 31. The kit includes an exclusive paper packet with our new colors and a new E size stamp set. You can earn it at a discount or even for free...

Spend $130 - Get the kit for FREE!
Host a $400 show - Get the kit for FREE!
Become a consultant - Get the kit for FREE!
Spend $75 - Get the kit for just $20.
Or buy the kit outright for $47.90.

Here is a little purse gift bag that I made using the paper pack and stamp set...

Contact me at lisa@myctmh.com or visit my website for more information.

Friday, December 5, 2008

Win new CTMH products before they are even available to customers!

I have a new Close to my Heart Spring 2009 catalog in my hot little hands and let me just tell you...I LOVE IT!! The new papers and stamp sets are to die for, not to mention the fun new embellishments and other great goodies.

How would you like to win
a FREE Level 2 paper packet plus a coordinating Level 2 My Stickease sheet from the new catalog before customers can even order from it?

Jeanette Lynton, Close to my Heart's founder and CEO, is having a free drawing on her blog. Be sure to check it out and maybe you will be one of 5 lucky winners!!
See her blog for more details. She will continue to have drawings, contests, and challenges, so be sure to check her blog often at JeanetteLynton.com.

Good luck!

Another fun gift idea...

This is what my neighbors will be getting from me this year. (I am sure they will all be surprised to get something actually baked, as everyone knows I am kind of a menace in the kitchen. LOL!) I got the idea for the mini brownies from Becky here. Super easy! I found these cute tins in the dollar section at Target. Unfortunately they only had 10 and need about 15. I will be checking out another Target to see if I can find more.
I used Close to my Heart's Christmas Melodies stamp set for the tag. This is one set that I have used a lot this year! I stamped the image on white cardstock and then folded it in half before I cut it. This way I had the inside to write my message. I added a tiny bit of Prisma Glitter to the ornament. It is hard to see in the photo, but looks kind of cute in real life.
I hope everyone enjoys the baked goodies and isn't afraid to eat them since they came from my kitchen. (I could figure out a way to burn salad. That's how much I know about cooking.) LOL!

Thursday, December 4, 2008

Fun and easy Christmas gift ideas

Our church is having our annual Women's Ministries Christmas Celebration on Saturday. As in the past, there will be a speaker, lunch, and some great fellowship. However, this year they are adding two breakout sessions. One session will focus on hospitality and the other will focus on giving. I was asked to lead the "giving" session and to have a small, quick, and easy project for everyone to make using items that most of us already have around the house. Since we won't have much time, I decided to show everyone how to make a bag-a-lope (a mini gift bag made out of an envelope.) You can find a great tutorial here.

I will also have a bunch of other gift and packaging samples out for everyone to see including some of the following projects. I thought posting these might help give you some ideas for gift giving this year. (Sorry if many of you have seen some of these projects in the past.)

The first project is a Hershey's Nugget tin. I made these for my neighbors last year and they loved them. First buy a bag of Hershey’s Nuggets (Costco has them in bulk.) Of course, you need to make sure you don’t eat them all while you are making your gifts. LOL! Decorate some standard sized Avery address labels with stamps, markers, computer type or images, etc. I used Papertrey's Holiday Treats stamp set. After you decorate your labels, peel them off and wrap them around the candy nuggets. They will fit perfectly. Then put them in a bag, box or tin as shown in my photo. (These tins can be purchased from Specialty Bottle. (Option: instead of using Avery labels, use patterned paper to wrap nuggets.)

Below are links to Nugget Tins I have made in the past. (Can you tell I love making these things?) They also make great baby shower favors!!
Valentine's Nugget Tins
Easter Nugget Tins
Christmas Nugget Tins
The next project is the ole' snowman soup idea. I filled a jar (bought in a pack of 12 at Walmart for a great price!) with hot chocolate powder, some marshmellows, and some small peppermint candies. Then I wrapped the jar with some Close to my Heart Evensong patterned paper. I used the labels that Nichole Heady created last year and changed the color to match my theme. I stamped some snowflakes from Close to my Heart's Snowflake Kisses stamp set in Garden Green ink. I added some ribbon and a candy cane to finish it off. (One lucky gal in my class will win this on Saturday!)

The next project is a decorated pop-top can and matching card. These are fun and easy to make. Start with any pop-top can. (I found that Bush's Baked Beans cans are great because they don't have any writing on the top of the can.) Open the can from the bottom using a safety can opener. (Pampered chef makes a great one.) Then empty the contents, or eat them, and wash and dry the inside of the can. Refill the can with whatever you like. I used Hershey's Kisses. Apply a little Liquid Glass (or other strong adhesive) all the way around the outer rim of the cut out bottom. Then decorate as desired. My sample uses Close to my Heart's Everlasting Creative Basics Paper and Magical Seasons stamp set. This next one is another oldie but goodie. I used some cardboard coasters as my base. (Many restaurants will let you take new ones some for free if you ask. Chili's, Islands, and Claim Jumper have been my best bet lately.) Cover your coasters with patterned paper. (Mine uses CTMH's Abundance paper pack and Autumn Splendor stamp set.) Punch two holes on one side of each coaster making sure that the holes line up to each other when coasters are next to each other. Thread ribbon through holes to connect coasters together. Decorate as desired. (Option: Use hinges instead of the ribbon to attach coasters as shown in photo. I used some Close to my Heart hinges and brads.)
Stay tuned for more gift and packaging ideas. I will post more tomorrow...