Joyful Stars December Blog Hop...

Welcome to the Joyful Stars December Blog Hop, glad you could hop on by and view the Creative Inspirations from several of our talented Close To My Heart Independent Consultants.  If you  arrived here from Lori Meadows blog then you're right on track.

Here's a page I've been working on for a bit and finally got the finishing touches added.  The idea for this layout came from the Team Retreat I attended this past fall.  It was demo'd by my upline Denise Sanner and the design was created by the very talented Michelle Snyder.  I just love the Warm and Welcome Feeling it gives.  Just insert a favorite family photo in the mat and you've surely got a treasured keepsake for years to come!

Here is a list of Close My Heart Products I used for this project...

My Reflections White Pines Paper Packet X7200B

Gold Glitter Paper X3076

Art Philosophy Cricut Collection Z3171

Artiste Cricut Collection Z3170

Artbooking Cricut Collection Z3169

Red Enamel Gems Z3090

Dot Embossing Folder Z1924 

My Exclusive Inks Chocolate Z2111

Liquid Glass Z679

Hope you enjoyed this beautiful layout :0)   This project fits perfectly in CTMH's Designed Decor Shadow Boxes.   If you are interested in any of  these products, please visit my website where you can shop and view our current Idea Books.

Next on the Joyful Stars Blog Hop is Betty Locco, don't forget to leave a comment...I'd love to hear from you!

Happy Creating!

Donna

Everything ABC's Bog Hop Letter Y...

Welcome to the Everything ABC's Blog Hop!

For this Hop we will be featuring the letter "Y"  This may be the name of a paper, stamp set or an embellishment.  Whatever the crafter has chosen as their "Y" element will be featured in their post.

If you came here from  Daryls Recker at Crafty Happy then you're right on track!


My Inspiration for the Letter "Y" is Yuletide.  Originating in the 15th Century it is a German word for Christmas, Christmastide, Christmastime...very fitting for this season!  CTMH's Reason For The Season reminds us exactly why we celebrate this Joyous Season of Advent & Christmas,

For unto us a Child is born, unto us a Son is given; and the government will be upon His shoulder.  And His name will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.  Isaiah 9:6

For this project I used the following Close To My Heart products...

My Acrylic Stamp Set Reason For The Season D1614
Exclusive Cardstock Colonial White 1388
Exclusive Cardstock Black 1386
My Exclusive Inks Black Z2105
My Exclusive Inks Cranberry Z2116
My Exclusive Inks Honey Z2162
Red Shimmer Trim Z1848

If you would like to purchase these products or view the Close To My Heart Annual Inspirations Idea Book, visit my website.

Thank you for visiting!  Your next stop on our Everything ABC's Blog Hog is Linda Norman at Scrappy Therapy!

May Peace and Love be with you throughout the season my friends.

Happy Creating!
Donna

Cyberweek Sale...

DON'T MISS OUT!

Now - 12/4/15

or while supplies last

Get ready to make those Handmade Christmas Gifts and Cards.  Plenty of time To Get Your CRAFT On!  Picture My Life, Base & Bling, My Creations, Designed Decor and the Artfully Sent Cricut Collection...Why not pick up a thing or two for the Papercrafter in your life and treat yourself :)  Complete list of sale items can be found on my website.

Happy Shopping & Happy Creating!

Donna

Everything ABC's Blog Hop Letter X...

Welcome to the Everything ABC's Blog Hop!

For this Hop we will be featuring the letter "X"  This may be the name of a paper, stamp set or an embellishment.  Whatever the crafter has chosen as their "X" element will be featured in their post.

If you came here from Catherine Nowak's Cat Scrapbooking then you're right on track!


My Inspiration for this Close To My Heart Hop was a quilt pattern.  I knew the Letter "X" would be a bit tricky and I wanted to try something a little different.  So I spotted this Pinwheel Quilt Pattern and decided to turn it into a card.

I love the vibrant colors used in this quilt so I decided to use our My Reflections Sangria paperpack to capture the bold contrast.  So what do you think?  Not exactly a quilt block but I love the "X" design of the pinwheels and I'm quite happy with how it turned out :)

Inspiration is all around us we just have to take time to look around.  This applies to not only crafting but in all affairs of our lives.  Wether you are looking for dinner, home decor or everything in between we sometimes just have to SLOW DOWN and look for those "Hints Of Happiness" that are all around us.





For this project I used...

My Reflections Sangria Paper Packet X7199B
Colonial White Cardstock 1388
My Exclusive Inks Pomegranate Z2653
My Acrylics Thankful Heart B1463
My Acrylics Jennifer's Hand B1484
Sequins Gold Assortment Z2012
1 inch Square Paper Punch

If you would like to purchase these products or view the Close To My Heart Annual Inspirations Idea Book, visit my website.

Thank you for visiting!  Your next stop on our Everything ABC's Blog Hop is Daryls Recker at Crafty Happy

In case you get lost along the way...visit Linda Norman at Scrappy Therapy for a complete list of participants!

Please remember to Follow My Blog and Comment on My Posts.  I'd love to hear from you.

Happy Creating!
Donna

Big Dream...

Are you dreaming of a Vacation, Remodeling, New Wardrobe?  No matter how big or small your dreams may be, having a plan to attain those goals puts you one step closer to achieving that DREAM!

Last September my Close To My Heart upline Denise Sanner, ask us that very question.  She wanted to know who had plans for attending our 2016 CTMH Convention, who wanted a trip to Disney.  I have to be honest, my kids would love to go to Disney and Convention may just be the time to take them there.  To seal the deal and make a plan we created these cute containers.

For this project I used our My Reflections Zoe paper pack, My Acrylics November Stamp of the Month, the new Pint Sized Container & our Watercolors.  I LOVE how it turned out and I have a little place to sock away some cash for our Disney Dream, whether or not that is this year or next I don't know but I have a plan to reach that DREAM!

Here's a closer look at the Close To My Heart products used.

Zoe Paper Pack X7197B

My Creations Pint Sized Container Z3137

My Acrylics Cheers, 2016 

November Stamp Of The Month

Get this Stamp Set for only $5 with a $50 CTMH order through Nov. 30, 2015.

Pair it up with the Simply Fundamental Scrapbooking Special and receive all for only

$76.80 plus S/H

Great way to prep for Preserving those Holiday Memories!

Watercolor Paints Z3132

Paint Brush Set Z3188

Momento Black Ink Pad Z899

Hope this post has INSPIRED you to DREAM BIG!

Happy Creating!

Donna

Joyful Stars November Blog Hop...

Welcome to the Joyful Stars November Blog Hop, glad you could hop on by and view the Creative Inspirations from several of our talented Close To My Heart Independent Consultants.

For this Hop I created this Inspirational Card, perfect to Encourage someone and let them know you are thinking of them.

For this project I used the following Close To My Heart products...

Artfully Sent Cricut Cartridge (Z3168)

Artiste Cricut Cartridge (Z3170) 

My Reflections Sangria paper pack (X7199B) 

Watercolor Paints (Z3132)

Watercolor Brusheses (Z3188)

My Acrylic Stamp Set, Look To The Light (B1428) 

Here's a closer look at the My Reflections Sangria paper pack, I just love the Beautiful Jewel tones in this paper a perfect fall complement!

Hope you enjoyed this card as much as I enjoyed making it.  I love using paints, creating my own hues and seeing the accents come to life.  If you are interested in any of these products, please visit my website.

Next on the Joyful Stars Blog Hop is Lori Meadows, don't forget to leave a comment...I'd love to hear from you!

Happy Creating!

Donna

Simply Fundamental Workshop...

Last we left off I shared Close To My Heart's November "Simply Fundamental Scrapbooking" Deal.  I mentioned that you can download directions to complete FIVE 2-page Layouts that were designed to accompany this promotion.  So be sure to grab your copy while it's available.  You'll love the look of the designs and you can use them time and time again.

Curious as to what you will be getting?  Take a look...

Don't you just love the Clean Layouts and Pops of Color.  The Enchantment Fundamental Pack includes some of our NEWEST colors; Eggplant, Sapphire, Peacock, Fern, Poppy, Pomegranate, Saffron, New England Ivy, Goldrush and Ruby.  A Super Rich Versatile Color Palette that will add life to any project!

If would like more details on this promotion or any of Close To My Heart's products, I would love to work with you and help you pick out just the right items to complete your next project.  To view our Annual Inspirations Idea Book visit my website.

Happy Creating!

Donna 

Fundamentals...

As a Papercrafter you can never have enough paper...or so we think, LOL!  If one would ask my better half he might tell you I have enough paper to supply a school for a year or two :)

In reality having quality papers not only provides for great backdrops but exciting accents as well.  Close To My Heart's Paper Lines include our fabulous White Core Exclusive Cardstock, My Reflections products and Glitter paper but we also offer a full line of Paper Fundamentals featuring four color groups; Basics, Enchantment, Whimsy and Adventure.  These color groups tie into our My Exclusive Inks easily taking your basic scrapbooking to a new level by adding coordinating embellishments, assortments, compliments and stamping.

November is the perfect time to try one of our Simply Fundamental Bundles, for only $71.80 you will receive the following items...

• Album of your choice (D-ring or Post-bound)
• Fundamental Stickers Enchantment Pack (1 pack)
• Fundamental Assortment Peacock (1 pack)
• White Daisy Cardstock (3 sheets)
• Memory Protectors™ Value Pack (1 pack Side Load or 1 pack Top Load)

Just follow this link to view all ten Close To My Heart's Album Bundles.  And don't forget to download your Simply Fundamental Workshop directions featuring five 2-page layouts using your Fundamental Bundle.

Happy Creating!

Donna

Everything ABC's Blog Hop Letter V...

Welcome to the Everything ABC's Blog Hop!

For this Hop we will be featuring the letter "V"  This may be the name of a paper, stamp set or an embellishment.  Whatever the crafter has chosen as their "V" element will be featured in their post.

If you came here from Lauren Moore's CTMH Craftings then you're right on track!


My Inspiration for "V" was Close To my Heart's New My Reflections Paper Collection "La Vie En Rose."  From the minute I saw it, I new it was going to be one of my favorites!  I created and demoed this Valentine's inspired One Sheet Wonder Mini Album at a Team Retreat back in September and knew it would be perfect for this HOP.  This cute little ditty provides NINE Pockets for you to add pictures, journaling, gift cards, tickets, etc.  This project features 2 Top Pockets and 1 Side Pocket in which I used our New Pomegranate Cardstock as a base and 6 Inside Pockets with Daisy White and Black Cardstock bases.  Kick it up a notch with an array of embellishments and don't forget to use one of our zip strips...the "From me to YOU" fits perfectly on the cover.  How will you be Inspired?

For this project I used...
My Reflections La Vie En Rose Paper Packet (X7201B)
My Acrylics Your Own Kind Of Wonderful Stamp Set (D1627)
Exclusive Inks White Daisy Stamp Pad (Z2163)
Gold Foil Tape (Z3129)
Black Shimmer Trim (Z1809)
Bitty Sparkles (Z1263)
Gold Polka Dot Washi Tape (Z1920) available in our clearance
Just Blooms Flutter Paper Shapes (Z1463) available in our clearance

Here's a closer look at Close To My Heart's "La Vie En Rose" I love the clean look of the black & white patterns, the pop of color with the floral print and two of our hottest new colors Pomegranate & Poppy.

Your next stop on our Everything ABC's Blog Hop is Daryls Recker at Crafty Happy

In case you get lost along the way...visit Linda Norman at Scrappy Therapy for a complete list of participants!

Happy Creating!
Donna

Share What You Love, Love What You Do...

October is the perfect time to start your New Career with Close To My Heart as an Independent Consultant!  During October when you sign up to be a New Consultant, you get this Fabulous 2015 Convention Bag with the "In the Bag Promo"

Your Close To My Heart Consultant Kit will be filled with over $445 in product and business supplies for Only $129!  Just think, everything you need to expand your personal supply of Top Quality Papercrafting Products, PLUS everything your need to SHARE What You Love!  All Consultants get their own FREE Websites to offer your customers 24/7 access to some of the industry's best products.  Online training and a team full of resources who share your love of papercrafing!  Learn new techniques, share business ideas, team retreats and get your questions answered.  If any of this sounds interesting to you, I would love to discuss the Close To My Heart Consultant Opportunity with you.

Also, CTMH has revamped their Straight To The Top Program Offering New Consultants Rewards every step of the way as they Kickoff their New Careers.  Here's a sampling of the items you have the opportunity to earn...stamps, organizers, products and clothing.

You can find details about becoming an Independent Consultant on my website.  After you've reviewed the information, feel free to Call or Email me if you have questions.

Happy Creating!
Donna

Sneak Peek From Downunder...

The past few days our Australian Close To My Heart Sisters have been enjoying their convention and we've gotten a look at some of the new products being released with our Expressions 1 idea book in January.

Excited about the soft hues in Charlotte and cannot wait to explore the new Workshops Your Way Program, in the meantime, let's not forget we have two and a half month's left as we prep for Thanksgiving & Christmas.  I know I will be making some hand made gifts and decorations this year.  Be sure to check back for my Posts and Workshops filled with ideas to get you through the holidays.  In November I'll be featuring My Reflections Sangria during my Fall Card Workshop.

Happy Creating!
Donna

Frightfully Fun...

Halloween is quickly approaching and the littles will be out looking for treats.  Kids are deciding on costumes, pumpkins and treats.  Stores are decked out with multiple holidays side by side and my sweet tooth seems to get the better of me these days.  You might even say I have a little addiction, seriously have you tried the caramel apple lollipops?  Truly my favorite!

My mums adorn my flower beds, apples and pumpkins are everywhere and spreading a little cheer about is how I like to look at the season of Harvest.  One thing I love to do is tuck a little note here or there, whether it is in a book, lunch box or at the dinner table...there is nothing quite like getting something handmade.  That's what I love about 3X3 cards; quick, easy and cute.  I'll be using Close To My Heart's "Frightfully Fun" stamp set (B1543) at my Workshop on Saturday, October 24th.

Here's a little preview of the 3X3 cards we'll be making at my Craft-O-Ween Workshop.  Perfect for adding a little SMILE to someones day.  In this Workshop we will be making 3 - 3X3 cards, 2 - A2 cards, a treat bag and a candy box.  Please RSVP by Thursday evening, October 22nd.  Complete details can be found on my Workshop Page.

Happy Creating -

Donna

Waiting For My Little White Box...

Do you use a Cricut to enhance you Papercrafting?  I have to say, although I love my punches I'm not quite sure where I would be without my Cricut.  I'm kind of old school in the fact that my favorite is my first love, the original Cricut Personal Cutter.  My tried and true 6X12 friend but times and technology change and I advanced to the Cricut Expressions 2 a few years back and it has been a love/hate relationship between us.  Can you relate?  I love that it is 12X12 but I sure do miss my dial & keypad.  Truth be told I still have to use my manual to get just what I want but hey its okay...Really!

Ask me WHY and I'd have to say my Close To My Heart Cricut Collections.  Yep, that was what drew me in.  LOVE, LOVE, LOVE that we partnered with Provo Craft to create custom designs that work perfectly with our My Acrylic Stamp Sets!  And with the release of the new ARTISTRY product (Z3190), I am super stoked to have recently ordered it insert "HAPPY DANCE" :)  Have you seen it yet?

I can't wait to try it out!  I've seen the pins and posts and cannot wait for my "Little White Box!"  In the meantime, check out a few of my favorite creations I've snagged from some of my talented CTMH Sisters.

Interested in learning more about the Close To My Heart Cricut Collections, visit my website to check out all FIVE Collections, each includes; Cricut Cartridge, 3 Size D Stamp Sets and Cardstock.

BTW, remember my love/hate relationship with my Cricut E2 ;)  I have a Cricut Explore Air on order!  As I mentioned technology changes and I'm trying to stay current, cannot wait to see how it works with my laptop and iPad.  The thought of creating from anywhere intrigues me!

Happy Creating!

It's In The Bag...

I am so in LOVE with Close To My Heart's video "Life Is Worth..." it so perfectly shows why we do what we do.  Take a look, I hope you enjoyed it as much as I did :)

As you can see Papercrafting is all about making memories, whether you Scrapbook, Stamp, Decorate or Entertain it is all about creating that Special Moment and Special Memory.  With Close To My Heart we offer you the products, tools and expertise to do just that.  If you are interested in learning more I would love to meet with you and Show You How to make a special handmade gift.  Join me for an upcoming Workshop or schedule your own Home Gathering or Private Session with me.

Have you ever thought about taking your hobby to the next level?  Close To My Heart is offering a Custom Bag presented to this years Convention Attendees for anyone who signs up to be an Independent Consultant during the month of October.  I have to say I'm just a wee bit jealous, okay a lot jealous...LOL!  You can find details on my website.  I'd love to discuss the opportunity with you and answer your questions.

Enjoy this Fall Weekend and remember to Snap, Stamp or Scrap your memories.  Happy Creating!

A To Z...

It's that time of year when we start thinking about "Back To School!"

Whether or not you have kiddos or not I'm sure you've seen advertising and rows and rows of Back To School Supplies, Clothes, Organizers and the like it's really just about everywhere you look.  And as Papercrafters I don't want you to feel left out in this season of Stocking Up & Organizing so here's a few things just for you from A To Z!

ARTISTRY

ARTISTRY & FRAMED

FRAMED - AUGUST STAMP OF THE MONTH

ACCESSORY & MARKER ROLL UPS

ZOE - NEWEST MY REFLECTIONS PAPER PACK