Wednesday, December 4, 2013

Artbooking Made Easy: Festive Mini Albums (S01E09)

Artbooking Made Easy: Festive Mini Albums (S01E09)
 
With the Cricut® Artbooking cartridge from Close To My Heart, your photos will find a cozy home on the pages of a dazzling holiday mini album. Watch the video to gather your own ideas on how to use its themed keys to create merry and bright holiday projects that last.
 
 

Monday, December 2, 2013

Artbooking Made Easy: Christmas Layouts (S01E12)

Artbooking Made Easy: Christmas Layouts (S01E12)
 
Try out Close To My Heart's Cricut® Artbooking cartridge for some holiday hullabaloo on your Christmas layouts! Its themed borders, overlays, photo mats, and more hold plenty of cheery possibilities to brighten your albums. Trim your trims, ornament your ornaments, and have a holly jolly time making Christmas layouts that last—all with just two keys!
 
 

Saturday, November 30, 2013

Artbooking Made Easy: Cross-Cartridge Collaboration (S01E11)

Artbooking Made Easy: Cross-Cartridge Collaboration (S01E11)
 
While each Cricut® collection from Close To My Heart is a treasure trove all its own, together they offer an unmatchable selection of borders, overlays, photo mats, and much, much more! The thousands of both classic and trendy die-cuts found within this terrific trio will ensure that the projects you make are always uniquely your own. Mix 'em, match 'em, and love 'em!
 
 

Friday, November 29, 2013

Artbooking Made Easy (S01E04): Spooky Halloween Layouts

Artbooking Made Easy (S01E04): Spooky Halloween Layouts
 
It's easy to add some creative spook to your projects with the Cricut® Artbooking collection from Close To My Heart. View a few creepy creations and learn how to make your own in this video.
 
 

Wednesday, November 27, 2013

Artbooking Made Easy (S01E03): Summer Mini-Albums

Artbooking Made Easy (S01E03): Summer Mini-Albums
 
From grilling to swimming, camping, and road-tripping, Close To My Heart makes it easy for you to capture your summer memories in fun, unique mini-albums. See how they're made with the new Cricut® Artbooking collection.
 
 

Monday, November 25, 2013

Artboooking Made Easy (S01E02): A+ School Layouts

Artboooking Made Easy (S01E02): A+ School Layouts
 
Close To My Heart's new Cricut® Artbooking collection will give you what you need to score an A+ on back-to-school projects! See how to make your own in this video.
 
 

Saturday, November 23, 2013

Artbooking Made Easy (S01E01): Getting Started with Cricut Artbooking

Artbooking Made Easy (S01E01): Getting Started with Cricut Artbooking

Close To My Heart's revolutionary Cricut® Artbooking collection will take your papercrafting to a new level! Learn how to use the new collection to turn your themed layouts and mini scrapbooks into beautiful works of art. Join us each week for the Artbooking Made Easy series from September 2013 through April 2014. Be sure to subscribe to our YouTube channel, bookmark Jeanette Lynton's blog, and follow us on Facebook to stay in-the-know!


Friday, November 22, 2013

Holidays from the Heart

Holidays from the Heart

FREE Holidays Gift Guide product of your choice when you place an order of $100 or more!

September 2013: National Stamping Month

Choose one “star” item from the Holidays from the Heart Gift Guide FREE for every $100 of retail-priced products in your order from the Holidays from the Heart Gift Guide and/or the Autumn/Winter 2013 Idea Book.
Visit HERE to start earning your own "star" items!

Monday, September 9, 2013

Project Inspiration: Pocket Album

Looking for a new way to store your favorite cards and other small keepsakes? Try the new My Creations® kraft pocket album from Close To My Heart! The album is brimming with space for your memories! Watch the video to learn a few techniques on how to give it personality with stamps, paper, and accessories.

 


Enjoy these short how-to videos spotlighting artwork projects featured in Close To My Heart’s Idea Books. You’ll learn exciting techniques for added sparkle and pizzazz to all of your projects. Click on a video and be inspired!

Monday, September 2, 2013

Project Inspiration: Ombre` Technique

Enhance your lettering and other embellishments by using the new ombré technique. See how it's done with some fun Close To My Heart products and a lot of creativity.

 


Enjoy these short how-to videos spotlighting artwork projects featured in Close To My Heart’s Idea Books. You’ll learn exciting techniques for added sparkle and pizzazz to all of your projects. Click on a video and 
be inspired!

Monday, August 26, 2013

Project Inspiration: Background Stamps

Use background stamps from Close To My Heart to transform cardstock into authentic-looking washi tape, textured paper, and other embellishments. Learn these techniques by watching the video.

 

 Enjoy these short how-to videos spotlighting artwork projects featured in Close To My Heart’s Idea Books. You’ll learn exciting techniques for added sparkle and pizzazz to all of your projects. Click on a video and be inspired!

Thursday, August 22, 2013

My Craft Channel: Rock `n' Roll

Use Rock ‘n’ Roll stamping for two-color shading! Learn how to create a stamped image with depth and dimension that will bring your artwork to life.

"Rock & Roll" features a stamping technique for creating beautiful stamped images with shaded edges in a complementary color.

 

Monday, August 19, 2013

Project Inspiration: Mixed Papers

Learn how to make your own unique layouts by mixing and matching Close To My Heart papers from various My Reflections® paper packets.

Enjoy these short how-to videos spotlighting artwork projects featured in Close To My Heart’s Idea Books. You’ll learn exciting techniques for added sparkle and pizzazz to all of your projects. Click on a video and be inspired!


Thursday, August 15, 2013

My Craft Channel: Cluster Luster

Embellish a page or card with a cluster. You can create a clustered look with multiple stamp images for a cute and coordinated design!  "Cluster Luster" features a stamping technique for clustering multiple images in a cute and coordinated design.






These video segments were produced by My Craft Channel in partnership with Close To My Heart and are used by permission. View the complete Clearly the Best stamping series and other quality craft shows at My Craft Channel or on our Close To My Heart YouTube channel.

Wednesday, August 14, 2013

Autumn/Winter 2013 Workshops on the Go!

Workshops on the Go®


With Workshops on the Go®, you create a beautiful project — either a two-page scrapbook layout or a set of cards — using the materials in just one Workshops on the Go kit, which includes papers, coordinating embellishments, an exclusive My Acrylix® D-size stamp set, and an instructional guide. (You’ll also need a few basic tools you may already have.)

A new selection of Workshops on the Go kits is released twice each year in conjunction with new Idea Book debuts, and each kit is available at a discounted price! Many of the kits also include an additional layout you can create using your remaining supplies plus a couple of other items.

Below you’ll find a sampling of projects you can make with our workshop kits. If you would like to make these projects on your own or attend a workshop in your area, contact me today.

Did you know? You can view these complete recipes, full-color photos, and helpful hints for the additional projects through August 2014.


Tuesday, August 13, 2013

A Break From Crafting!

My friend invited us on a white water rafting trip, which I had never done before, so my husband & I went.  What a BLAST!  We went with my friend Candi, her husband Tim, Tim's brother Terry, my cousin Andrea and her husband Harry.  Our guide is a co-worker of Candi's, Earle Varney, he did a terrific job and I would definitely go again!














Monday, August 12, 2013

Project Inspirations: Cricut Tags

Learn how to make cute tags to liven up any gift! In this video, we show you how to combine Close To My Heart Cricut® cut shapes and My Acrylix® stamp sets to make the perfect sentiments for your goodies.

 

 Enjoy these short how-to videos spotlighting artwork projects featured in Close To My Heart’s Idea Books. You’ll learn exciting techniques for added sparkle and pizzazz to all of your projects. Click on a video and be inspired!

Friday, August 9, 2013

Cricut® Artbooking collection is HERE!

Cricut® Artbooking collection (Z1906)  

1 – Cartridge (700 images: themed projects, cards, font, shapes, 3-D items)
3 – My Acrylix® D-size Stamp Sets*
3 – 12" × 9" Dimensional Elements in coordinating shapes 

Take your scrapbooking to never-before-seen levels with the new Cricut® Artbooking collection! With oodles of images in each of 15 layout themes, you can create several coordinating pages for each theme using just two keys and one dial size. Images include accents, borders, titles, overlays, photo mats—in standard photo sizes!—and more.

The Cricut® keys are optimized for creating 12" × 12" pages in a jiffy. You’ll love creating 10 themed mini books, also optimized for several different sizes using just two keys and one dial size. Celebrate birthdays, new baby, vacations, friends, sports, Halloween, Christmas, and more. When you’re finished cutting, use the coordinating stamp sets and Dimensional Elements shapes to add even more pizzazz!






















Thursday, August 8, 2013

My Craft Channel: Behind the Scenes

Learn about generational stamping, coloring in stamped images, and creating your own stamped pattern by going back to the basics for results you'll love!

"Behind the Scenes" features the core basic stamping techniques to enhance your projects.

 

Enjoy the Video!

Wednesday, August 7, 2013

Sweetening The Deal

Free August Stamp of the Month set when you place an order of $50 or more

August 2013 Constant Campaign: Sweetening the Deal

August is an especially sweet time to shop — when you place an order of $50 or more during August, you’ll receive the August Stamp of the Month set, A Chocolate Affair, FREE! This D-size stamp set with a retail value of $17.95 includes 16 images and sentiments that will have your friends salivating over your chocolaty layouts and cards. Make every project a treat with this must-have set.

Shop online or contact me today to see this yummy stamp set!

Friday, June 14, 2013

Let’s Get Patriotic!

Let’s Get Patriotic!

Support the military—stamp style



Show your support of troops and country with new patriotic stamp sets — available only from June 1 to July 31, 2013! As a show of our support, Close To My Heart will donate $3 from each B-size My Acrylix® Courage stamp set and $5 from each D-size My Acrylix® Home of the Brave stamp set to the USO, the leading, most recognized military-support and services organization in the United States, or $3 from each B-size My Acrylix® Courage stamp set and $5 from each D-size My Acrylix® Strong and Free stamp set to the Canadian Hero Fund, which supports spouses and children of fallen Canadian military troops by providing post-secondary education in Canada. Show your support today—stamp style!

Visit my Online Business Address to learn more about Close To My Heart patriotic stamps sets.
*Offer valid June 1–July 31, 2013. No qualifying purchase needed. No limit per order.

Wednesday, June 12, 2013

Project Inspiration: Mini Album

Enjoy this short how-to video spotlighting artwork projects featured in Close To My Heart’s Idea Book. You’ll learn exciting techniques for added sparkle and pizzazz to all of your projects. Click on a video and be inspired!

Learn how to create an 8" × 5" mini album from start to finish using an eclectic array of papers, stamped images, and Cricut® shapes from Close To My Heart.

 

Monday, June 10, 2013

It’s a Banner Day!

It’s a Banner Day!


Get a FREE My Creations® Mini Banner!


It’s going to be a “banner” day! When you place a $25 order that includes a stamp set, you’ll receive a My Creations® mini banner for free! The mini banner includes 10 chipboard pennants in 4 different shapes with 9 jump rings for hanging. Use the mini banner as a decoration for your parties and get-together's this summer. Make it a “banner” day in June!

Visit my Online Business Address to place a qualifying order and receive the free My Creations® mini banner today!
*Offer valid June 1–30, 2013. Only orders that include a qualifying stamp set and reach $25 receive a free mini banner.

Saturday, June 8, 2013

Relief for Oklahoma

Relief for Oklahoma



Close To My Heart is making a new Autumn/Winter 2013 stamp set, A True Thank You, available immediately and will donate 100% of the profits from sales of the set from May 23 through June 30 to the American Red Cross to aid the Oklahoma victims. Help us provide relief to those affected by the devastating Oklahoma tornado by purchasing A True Thank You stamp set for $2.95 (M1029) today!

Visit my Online Business Address to learn more about the Close To My Heart Relief for Oklahoma campaign and stamp set.
*Offer valid May 23 – June 30, 2013. No limit per order.

Friday, June 7, 2013

Packed with Punch

Learn how to use circle punches to pack some punch into your projects. Stamp with coordinating images, use as embellishments, and layer to create 3-D projects!




 You can also use the cricut to cut your circles if you don't have a circle punch!

Wednesday, June 5, 2013

Project Inspirations: Fabulous Fabric

Enjoy this short how-to video spotlighting artwork projects featured in Close To My Heart’s Idea Book. You’ll learn exciting techniques for added sparkle and pizzazz to all of your projects. Click on a video and be inspired!

Learn how to dress up a scrapbook layout with fabrics from the Chantilly and For Always textile collections from Close To My Heart. These fabulous fabrics are sure to punch up the pizzazz in your papercrafting!

 


Tuesday, June 4, 2013

June Stamp of the Month - A Flowering Bunch

Stamp of the Month

June 2013 A Flowering Bunch

(See this Idea Book)

Spring/Summer 2013 Idea Book

fpo
 
A Flowering Bunch, set of 10
Recommended Blocks:
1" × 1" (Y1000)
1" × 3 1/2" (Y1002)
2" × 2" (Y1003)
3" × 3" (Y1006)
2" × 6 1/2" (Y1010)



Beautiful Stamps, Amazing Discounts

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

June 2013: A Flowering Bunch (S1306A)

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

Incredibly Cool Crafts
In love with the artwork we created with this stamp set? Get ready to make it yourself! Purchase the materials listed here along with your deeply discounted Stamp of the Month set to get started!
Materials Needed
  1. My Acrylix® A Flowering Bunch
  2. Buzz and Bumble Paper Packet
  3. Enchantment Exclusive Inks® Mini Pigment Pads Set
  4. Whimsy Exclusive Inks® Mini Pigment Pads Set
  5. Durables Artisan Studs
  6. Keyboard Kraft Alphabet
  7. Cricut® Artiste Collection

Required Tools
  1. Colonial White Cardstock
  2. Juniper Cardstock
  3. Kraft Cardstock
  4. Champagne Exclusive Inks® Pad
  5. Cocoa Exclusive Inks® Pad
  6. Autumn Terracotta Exclusive Inks® Marker Set
  7. Crème Brulee Exclusive Inks® Marker Set
  8. Olive Exclusive Inks® Marker Set
  9. Smokey Plum Exclusive Inks® Marker Set
  10. Embroidery Floss Neutral Assortment
  11. Buttons Basic Assortment
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

6" × 6" Believe Canvas Display


Helpful Hints

To create this artwork, follow the helpful hints outlined below.
  • Cut the following Cricut® Artiste shapes using paper of choice, if desired:
    • 2" Accent 3 <2> (cut 2, p. 32)
    • 3/4" Accent 4 <f> (cut 2, p. 54)
  • If you choose to create the display as shown, follow this order for best results: stamp stems on canvas; attach honeycomb B&T papers; create frame inside B&T papers with embroidery floss; attach flowers and leaves; finish with “Believe” banner and embellishments.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

4 1/4" × 5 1/2" Thanks a Bunch Card


Helpful Hints

To create the techniques featured in this artwork, follow the helpful hints outlined below. Then use the Wishes: It's a Wrap™ (altered) pattern found on page 12 of our how-to publication for inspiration.
  • When cutting piece A, change the measurement to 4 1/4" × 4 1/4" instead of 9 1/2" × 4 1/4".
  • To add visual interest, tear a small strip of contrasting cardstock and attach using 3-D foam tape.
  • Embellish with paper accents and accessories, adding dimension with 3-D foam tape as desired.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

12" × 12" Uniquely You Page


Helpful Hints

To create the techniques featured in this artwork, follow the helpful hints outlined below. Then use the Reflections: Front & Center—Split Focus™ (altered) pattern from our how-to publication for inspiration.
  • Cut the following Cricut® Artiste shapes using papers of choice, if desired:
    • 2" Accent 3 <2> (p. 32)
    • 3/4" Accent 4 <f> (cut 3, p. 54)
    • 4" Shift+3D Object <K> (cut 2, p. 58)
    • 2 3/4" Accent 2 <MtherDay> (p. 74)
  • Do not cut pieces C, D, or F.
  • To create the leaf border along the top portion of the page, stamp the leaf 9 times on scrap Colonial White paper, making sure to join the leaves end-to-end; trim along top curve of leaves, creating a scallop.
  • Add visual interest by cutting the ends of two strips of paper in multiple chevron designs then attach to page, making sure there is an even space between each cut design.
  • Embellish with stamped accents, paper accents, and accessories, adding dimension with 3-D foam tape as desired.

Friday, May 31, 2013

Stamp Scrubber

Discover how the My Acrylix® stamp scrubber can keep your stamps in tip-top shape! By following these simple tips for using and caring for the stamp scrubber, your stamps will be clean in no time!

 

Featured items in this video:  My Acrylix Stamp Scrubber (Z1782) and My Acrylix Spritz Cleaner (1778).  To purchase these products Click Here

Wednesday, May 29, 2013

Project Inspiration: A Different Spin

Enjoy this short how-to video spotlighting artwork projects featured in Close To My Heart’s Idea Book. You’ll learn exciting techniques for added sparkle and pizzazz to all of your projects. Click on a video and be inspired!

Close To My Heart's chipboard spinner is ideal for incorporating in scrapbook layouts for an interactive element. Stamp, cover with paper, or attach as is for a different spin!






Tuesday, May 28, 2013

Pajama Party! CTMH and Big Picture Classes




Close To My Heart is teaming up with Big Picture Classes to bring you a live webcast with step-by-step instructions for making this Happy Thoughts kraft container. The FREE webcast will air Thursday, May 30 from 7:00 pm to 8:00 pm (MDT). During the presentation, you’ll learn to make several projects from a variety of sponsors, including Close To My Heart’s Happy Thoughts kraft container, as the presenter walks you through the steps. Watch the Pajama Party by yourself, with other Consultants, or with your customers for a fun crafting pajama party. Anyone with an Internet connection can watch, so be sure to tell your customers to order their project supplies in advance and then tune in!

The Pajama Party class will be available for FREE at BigPictureClasses.com on May 30. If you would like to interact on the message board, participate in live chat, post to the gallery, download handouts, or enter any contests, you will need to log in to the Pajama Party “classroom” by creating a free account on the Big Picture Classes website.

To make our Happy Thoughts kraft container, you will want to have the following items—or similar products—on hand:
  • My Acrylix® Frame Flair Stamp Set (D1546)
  • My Acrylix® Happy Thoughts Stamp Set (C1536)
  • Chantilly Paper Packet (need 1 sheet of B&T, X7163B)
  • Crème Brulee Cardstock (need 1 sheet, X5754)
  • Lagoon Cardstock (need 1 sheet, X5762)
  • White Daisy Cardstock (need 1 sheet, 1385)
  • Whisper Cardstock (need 1 sheet, X5929)
  • Whisper Exclusive Inks® Pad (Z2172)
  • Lagoon Exclusive Inks® Pad (Z2195)
  • My Creations® Kraft Container (Z1833)
  • Baker’s Twine Neutral Assortment (need 3 yards, Z1701)
  • Color-Ready Trinkets Wooden Shapes (Z1844)
  • Sparkles Black & Grey Assortment (Z1754)
  • 3-D Foam Tape (Z1151)
  • Micro-Tip Scissors (Z534)
  • Corner Rounder (Z578)
  • Paper Trimmer (Z1783)
  • My Acrylix® Spritz Cleaner (1778)
  • My Acrylix® Stamp Scrubber (Z1782)
  • 2" × 3½" My Acrylix® Block (Y1009)
  • 4" × 5" My Acrylix® Block (Y1012)
  • Cricut® Art Philosophy Collection (Z1686)
To purchase these items Click here

Saturday, May 25, 2013

Love Your Layout: Surf's Up Kit: Black & White Photos, Borders, and Layered My Stickease®

Learn creative techniques on how to layer My Stickease® images, use black and white photos, and add borders for a summery layout in the Surf’s Up kit.

Use Studio J®, Close To My Heart's online scrapbooking software, to create a beautiful layout in just minutes by watching this month's Love Your Layout(sm) video. You'll learn creative techniques on how to layer My Stickease® images, use black and white photos, and add borders for a summery layout in the Surf's Up kit. Log in to Studio J to create it yourself while you watch!

 

Wednesday, May 22, 2013

Project Inspiration: A Day for Dad

Enjoy this short how-to video spotlighting artwork projects featured in Close To My Heart’s Idea Book. You’ll learn exciting techniques for added sparkle and pizzazz to all of your projects. Click on a video and be inspired!

Learn how to use the My Acrylix® Perfect Fit—Dad stamp set from Close To My Heart to create personalized cards, gifts, and party decorations for father's day!

 

Friday, May 17, 2013

Monday, May 13, 2013

Playing Around Cricut Style!

Here are a few items I made using the Artiste Cricut cartridge just playing around and making random things.  




This idea came from a popcorn treat cup I saw in the catalog, when I made it I realized it doesn't have a bottom to it.  My husband actually saw a shape on the cartridge that would fit in the bottom and the design around the edge could be folded to glue to the inside of the cup. Pretty clever I must say!


I thought this was very cute and had to try it.  This is a 4 piece cut out all layered on top of each other, pretty neat!


I saw this on the CTMH consultant website and couldn't pass it up.  I made it a little differently but I still think it's adorable.

Saturday, May 11, 2013

Studio J: For Always Kit: Stitching on My Stickease®, Accenting,and Borders

Check out this Studio J video to learn how to stitch on My Stickease; accent with B&T tape and create slanted borders.


Friday, May 10, 2013

Cricut Workshop!


Here is one of the projects we made during my Cricut Workshop using the May Stamp of the Month "Pinwheel".  I love the fun pinwheels on this stamp set and the great ideas they have for layering them.  I used the Claire paper packet for the front, layered in Lagoon cardstock, then Pear cardstock then Cocoa cardstock and White Daisy cardstock for the final layer of this project.  The sentiment is stamped in Cocoa ink and the embellishments are the Green & Blue Epoxy Bubbles.  This was a very fun card to make!

Thursday, May 9, 2013

Such a Treat!


Give someone the treat of a homemade gift from the heart, personalized down to the very container itself. Watch the video to learn how to use some of our new gift giving products for your special treats.



Wednesday, May 8, 2013

Creatively Cricut®

Discover tips and tricks for using your Cricut® machine to get the most out of your die-cutting. Stamp on Cricut®-cut pieces, change the size using special features, and more!

Tuesday, May 7, 2013

Birthday Wishes!

This card was made for my Step-Father, wanted to keep it simple and caring but not to girly.  I hope I kept it manly enough but still showed my love! 



Monday, May 6, 2013

I'm on a Roll with Birthday Cards!

The Dotty For You paper packet came in very handy for this card, I mixed the stripes and dots from four different colors and put them together to create these fun Happy Birthday cards.  I used the Artiste Cricut cartridge to make the fun Banner and Balloon.



The pattern comes from the Card Confidence Program "Originals" from the layout "Log Cabin".