Let's Talk Paper...

As you may have seen on my Facebook page, I love paper.  Okay most Papercrafters do but my issue is a bit more complex.  See growing up my mother worked for an Office Supply distributor and my first job was working in a retail Office Supply & Stationery store.  Yep, I have always loved paper, pens, notebooks, folders...you name it.  Then my first job out of college was working as an Assistant Manager for a Joann Fabrics & Craft store.  Again, I think you're beginning to get the picture :)  I really do LOVE Paper!!!

You can only imagine how excited I get when Close To My Heart reveals its new My Reflections Paper Collections...did I mention I have an addiction to Paper & Pretty Things!  My Reflections are coordinating paper packets, complements and assortments.  Each collection has its own unique features and CTMH offers Workshops On The Go as part of each collection with complete supplies and directions for scrapbook pages and/or cards.  Our Annual Inspirations Idea Book is featuring NINE new My Reflections options.  Many of the products work together giving you so many creative options.

 Which one will you choose?

Seaside

Wanderful

Brushed

Confetti Wishes

Snowhaven

Yuletide Carol

Pathfinding

Scaredy Cat

Chalk It Up

To view our complete My Reflections product line visit our online Idea Book.

Happy Creating!

Encouragement...

Well there's one benefit to being down with a cold....lots of free time!  I've spent the last couple of days browsing my Annual Inspirations Idea Book, hitting the consultants website and pinning away.  Really love being inspired to create!

Oh yeah and I ordered some new supplies!  I'm like a kid in a candy shop except my addiction is Making Pretty Things :)  Can't wait to get back in my studio later this week.

So, what have you been working on?  Recently I signed up for the Hospitality Team at my church to help with our Alpha program this Fall.  I got really excited when the coordinator asked about favors...well that led to centerpieces too.  I love sharing my talents and of course Making Pretty Things ;)  So the centerpiece vision came easily but what I've struggled with is the favor.  One would think that was the easy part, papercrafting right???  Not so much!

Sometimes I really struggle with perfection which in turn shuts me down and brings on a whole load of negative feelings.  You know those thoughts that say you're not good enough, not talented enough, etc.  Then an act of simple obedience reminds you of who you are in Christ.  A friend posted this verse today, it was exactly what I needed to hear.  I am Thankful for words of Encouragement.  I am Thankful for my friends and family.  I am Thankful for the Faithful followers of Christ who remind me of His promises.

Do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God.  I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.

Isaiah 41:10

Happy Creating!

Family Is Forever...

Yesterday I shared that September is National Stamping Month and Close To My Heart was running a special promotion #30yearsofhappy, a mini stamp set of 30, FREE with a qualifying order of $30.  Today I wanted to share about CTMHs Stamp Of The Month program for September, "Family Is Forever"  This set coordinates with our Cricut Artiste Collection and can be added to stash for just $5 with a $50 purchase.  So why not bundle these two GREAT promotions and get more bang for your buck?  Simply purchase $50 in products including $30 My Acrylix stamps for the #30yearsofhappy promotion and for $5 you'll get them both!  Now that is EXCITING!

Remember Stamping is not just for Cards & Scrapbooking, think Home Decor, Entertaining, Wearable Art.  Stamping provides an array of opportunities to express your creative side.  Just look at these two samples featuring the current SOTM - Family Is Forever.

Here's a closer look at what's included in the Family Is Forever 7 piece D-Sized My Acrylix set.

For complete details on either of these September Promotions and to view Close To My Heart's full Annual Inspirations Idea Book, visit my website.

Happy Creating!

National Stamping Month...

Happy September!  Can't believe how quickly summer flew by.  Kids have been back in school for two weeks, fall schedules are quickly filling in, evenings are getting a little cooler and thoughts of Fall are dancing through my head.  Fall is my favorite time of year!  All the rich jewel tone colors that our Masterful Creator has adorned upon nature...I get all Happy just thinking about it!  So, what do you love about September?  The changing leaves, crisp apples, crackling fires, festivals, decorating, baking, creating...so many wonderful and thankful things to choose from!

Well to kick off September and Celebrate National Stamping Month, Close To My Heart is offering this unique #30yearsofhappy stamp set to take you through any occasion!  This set is yours FREE with a $30 purchase this month.

Don't you just love it?  30 Mini Stamps...one for every day of the month...every occasion!  For complete details, visit my Website.  I'd love to earn your business and share my love of Stamping!

Happy Creating!

Annual Inspirations...

So excited about Close To My Heart's new Idea Book, Annual Inspirations!

Be sure to check it out online at my website.  It is sure to impress every papercrafter with something for everyone....beginner to advanced...stamper to scrapbooker.

Chek out our 5 new Exclusive Inks colors; Thistle, Pixie, Canary, Flaxen & Glaicer, an expanded Base & Bling line and 9 HOT My Reflections Paper Packs...including this one called Chalk It Up.

And that's just the beginning...I have so much to share with you over the next week.  Did I mention a new Cricut Collection.

Be sure to check back for more updates from our Annual Inspirations Idea Book as well as details on my Open House, Workshops and Specials.

Happy Creating!!!

Birthday Greetings....

Last month I had workshop called "Summer Birthday Pack"  we made 3 sweet little cards to get us through summer celebrations.  I loved hearing who they were making them for as they were creating :)  That's one of the things I love about Stamping & Papercrafting...so versatile and personal.  Who doesn't love a handmade card!

My latest creations...

 

Products used...

My Reflections Papers Packs - Lollydoodle (X7183B) and Timberline (X7182B)

Glitter Paper - Pink (Z1922)

My Acrylics Stamp Sets - Balloons (M1037), Camping Delights (C1532), Cricut Artiste Collection Birthday (D1529)

Exclusive Inks Stamp Pads - Cotton Candy, Black (Z2105) and Chocolate (Z2111)

Embellishments - Flamingo Dots (Z1934), Sponges (Z697)

Miscellaneous supplies; 1" circle punch, adhesive, foam tape and scissors.

If you are interested in any of these products to complete the above projects, please visit my online website.  I would love to earn your business.

Please check back soon for upcoming class schedule!

Happy Creating!!!

Finding Balance...

Back from my little hiatus :)  Sometimes its hard to find balance with the demands of home, family, work, end of school, jury duty and summer camps...I certainly don't have the answer to that one.  I often feel like my van just goes and finding downtime is a thing of the past.  I know we all have those season's where we put us on the back burner and just go, go, go...then things magically settle down and its time to focus on what we love and as you know for me that is stamping and creating!  I have really missed it!!!  Other than my birthday card workshop in early June, I just haven't had a chance to enjoy my ART.  As soon as I get my stamp studio back in order I'll post pictures of those cards.  In the meantime, I wanted to let you know about the July special and remind you that this is the last month for our current catalog...Yep, a new idea book is being released August 1st....so excited.

July Stamp of the Month....a very versatile set of 68 stamps titled "Circus Alphabet" I have been patiently waiting for this moth's special. 

Such cute artwork with this one!  Remember with all SOTM, only $5 with a $50 qualifying order.  Would love you to visit my online shop and place an order this month!

And here's a peek at the new Idea Book Cover. 

One big change is we are moving to a yearly Idea Book with 2 supplements.  And wait until I share all the stamping goodies with you...there are so many.  I am HAPPY Close To My Heart is offering a wider selection of products for us stampers!  Oh and yes there will be a new Cricut Collection :)

Happy Creating!