March Stamp of the Month Blog Hop

I am so excited to join in the blog hop this month.  I have been hopping along and linking you to hops for several months but decided it is time to get in the action and participate myself!  So here I am, and I hope you will enjoy hopping along and seeing the amazing artwork created by consultants everywhere, with the same stamp set! Ready?  Here we go!

We will be featuring March's SOTM, which is Happy Place, a set of seven stamps.  If you have come here from Jean's Blog, you are on the right path! The blog hop is a great big circle, so you can start here and work your way all around.  If you get lost along the way, you’ll find the complete list of participating consultants here.

As I was playing with this set, I realized that I wanted color but didn't want to "color" so I used a technique called paper piecing.  I selected the paper from the Ivy Lane paper packet and stamped the dolls on the Champagne cardstock, green pattern paper and pink patterned paper.  Then I cut out the elements I wanted and adhered them to the Champagne base.  Done!  With color!

Now some of you might think all that cutting is crazy, you'd rather color but here are a couple of tips for you.

• Use a small, sharp set of scissors.  I love our microtip scissors just for projects like these.
• Hold the scissor hand still and turn the paper as you cut around the image.  I am right handed so I hold the scissors in my right hand and just use that hand to control the "open & close" motion.  I use my left hand to twist and turn the paper around.  Try it...it might take a little practice but I can get my best cuts and now it comes naturally.  (I had to stop and think about how I do this so I could explain it.)
• To cut out a piece that is in the center, like the face out of the scarf element, I used a regular hole punch to create my first "cut" or two and then I can easily get my scissors into the center and create a smooth cut.  
• Finally, have fun!  Paper piecing is a great way to get color in your art!

Want to learn other stamping techniques and practice your paper piecing?  Sign up for my technique class on Saturday May 17th where I will teach you multiple tips and tricks to use your acrylic stamps. 

You can purchase this set alone for $17.95 or get it for just $5 with a $50 purchase. 

Now "Hop" on over to Terry'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! Remember, the March SOTM is only available until March 31st!  Contact your CTMH Consultant (or shop here) to see how you can get this stamp set at a discount or even free!

Important Features with Embossing Folders

We asked for it and CTMH has obliged!  Textured paper at its finest! Check out our new, exclusive embossing folders and get some tips on the best ways to use them. Available in five trendy and classy patterns, the embossing folders will have you and your customers wanting to transform all your cardstock and patterned paper before you know it!  And, this month, you can get them for FREE with the Emboss is Boss campaign.  When you purchase two sets of cardstock, you can choose an embossing folder of your choice!  You can see the details of the special here. 

These folders have some important features that you will want to know about as well as a description of how to use it with our white core cardstock. 

Watch this video for details!



Shop here for your cardstock and embossing folders. 

Happy Valentine's Day

I hope you have enjoyed my series on my crafting loves!  I love my job, I love my family and I love that we will be spending some special time together in Costa Rica. 

And I love giving away Close to My Heart products.  The winner of the drawing for the half price Cricut cartridge is Barb C. from Oak Harbor WA.  Thank you to everyone who participated!  

Don't forget the Flip Flaps!

Another love of mine is flip flaps.  They are a great way to add lots of photos to your pages, without add multiple pages to your scrapbook.  This video by fellow consultant Lynn Como shows it all. 




You can order your flip flaps from my website or I can show you and your friends how to use them in small group demo.  Contact me if you are interested.  

I am in Love with Skylark

Skylark is a gorgeous new paper packet by Close to My Heart and I love everything I have seen created with it and have been creating with it pretty much non-stop since mine arrived...need to order some more...and it is less than two weeks old. 

What I enjoy is highlighting the different elements that are printed on the paper itself.  As I work with it, I only have to add a little embellishment or stamping to create something new and fresh. 

Here's a piece of decor I made using the CTMH new pendant frame.  I was inspired by Christina E and her team project. 

I added a burlap flower which I learned how make it by watching this video by Jayma M., another  consultant.  I love how people share their talents. 




Products I used include:

And...add Aquadots Z1853.  

Shop on my website 24/7. 

Who doesn’t love a good deal?

I always love with a good deal!  I rarely buy something unless it is on sale or I get some kind of discount.  Yes, I am a sucker for the marketing but really, I look forward to saving money. 

I love CTMH because there is always a good deal to be had.  There are three specials going on right now!  And this is not like “Let’s Make A Deal”.  You can choose what’s behind all the doors!  Plus, I am offering a bonus door!

DOOR #1

Stamp of the Month:  Wild Thing

This foxy stamp set is right up with the trend.  You can pay full price, $17.95 or pay $5 with a $50 purchase from Close to My Heart. 

DOOR #2

Emboss is Boss!

Need some cardstock?  A variety of colors or a lot of one color?  Now is the perfect time to stock up.  With a purchase of any two card stock packs, you get one of the new CTMH embossing folders for free!  Shop on my website for your cardstock.  When you qualify for an embossing, you will be asked to select your choice of design. 

 




DOOR #3

Save over 65% and join the Close to My Heart Family.   The New Consultant Kit has what you need to start your business right, including a huge supply of Close To My Heart products, all for only $99 (plus shipping and tax.)  Whether you love creativity, community, business, or all three, you are welcome here!

And you can earn $99 cash back when you place make it go Straight to the Top.  When you have $1,200 in orders in your first 90 days, you will get $99 cash back.  In addition, you earn 22% ($264) sales commission and up to $75 in select product credit and the option for hostess rewards and half price products.

Join us and discover all the wonderful rewards of being a  Close To My Heart Independent Consultant.

DOOR #4

This door closes tomorrow at 11.59 p.m.

When you place a $25 order by Feb 10th, you will be put in a drawing for a half price Cricut Cartridge OR Picture My Life Kit and album of your choice.

 



Shop now to qualify. 

Everyone loves a deal!  Which DOOR(S) will you choose!

Can there be life without Pinterest?

A rhetorical question of course but I love Pinterest!  On Pinterest you can find ideas to create almost anything!  And then after spending time on Pinterest and realizing it is dinner time, you can find a recipe…

On a serious note, I know that there are Pinterest “fails” out there but I try to focus on the successes…and the easy ideas. 

My favorite Pinterest project was my chalk board that I made for my mantle at Christmas.  Of course, I wanted it done in one day…but it took three to do it right, and I am so happy that I did it right! I even copied the different fonts from a pin. 

You can find me on Pinterest at michele21920.  I try to pin my artwork on my board but I must admit that I am not consistent.  But I do love to pin others artwork, especially from CTMH.  So, if you have purchased product from Close to My Heart and need an idea…take a look.  I do try to pin it by the Idea book it was first introduced but I also have boards with ideas specific to our Cricut cartridges, Art Philosophy, Artiste, and Artbooking as well as a board just for videos using CTMH products.

I hope that you can find some inspiration that makes your project faster, easier and simpler, the CTMH way!

Liquid Glass: The answer for everything crafty and more!

I love Liquid Glass.  I have used it to add dimension to artwork, as a glue for ribbon and other embellishments and a "super" glue for eye glasses in an emergency.  And for just $6.95, this bottle of wonder will last a long time. 

Click on the photo above to enlarge and you can see how I added liquid glass to the HO and the rest of the title not seen.  Element on the scrapbook page is the title for the complements and was a little "flat" compared to the other embellishments.  The touch of liquid glass help create dimension and shine to help it stand out. 

 This photo shows the new Base and Bling collection from the Spring/Summer 2014 idea book.  It is easy to personalize your pendant with stamps and pigment inks.  Then the glass covering is added and sealed with liquid glass, creating a solid and secure bond.

Doodles are "in" and Close to My Heart has two new stamp sets that make doodling so much fun.  Oodles of Doodles is available for $6.95 here. and the set I used, a new Hostess stamp, Oodle signs is available for $4 using hostess rewards only.  Enjoy the video below that highlights some fun stamping with these new Oodles of Doodles stamp sets.

It's New, It's Fantastic

And it is one of my features in my Valentine 14 day celebration because I love everything about it!

Picture My Life!  The simplicity and versatility of Close to My Heart's Picture My Life™ scrapbooking programs are perfect for those who are not interested in traditional scrapbooking or who have limited time! With just one program, a paper trimmer, corner rounder and journaling pen, you can create countless unique scrapbook pages, mixing and matching your photos with colorful, artistic cards. It’s the perfect fit for those with lots of photos or little time!  Eight different styles to choose from!

 Two new album covers will be available March 1st in both post bound and ring binder.  They can be seen in this introductory video.  Let me know if you would like to see Picture My Life in person.  I would be happy to get together with you to share this new, unique product.

I am not Wishy Washy about Washi tape!

When I first heard about this embellishment, I wasn't sure what to do with it.  Do you ever see something that is "in" but don't know how or where to use it?

After going to album retreat, visiting some of my favorite blogs and looking on Pinterest, I have discovered LOTS of ways to use it.  And it is so much fun!

This light weight "tape" can be used on it own to add a background on a card or layout. 

If I want the actual color of the washi tape to be highlighted, I will mount it on white cardstock and then add it to my artwork.  Create the affect that an item is casually taped to your artwork.

Don't have the right color of washi tape?  You can use a background/texture stamp to create the look of washi tape.

We offer several different styles of washi tape.  Each roll contains 15 yards and is between $4.95-$7.95 depending on the width.  You can see some of the designs in the photos below. Shop on my website for your favorite.

A tool that I can't live without!

It's day three of my Valentine posts, celebrating products I love.   This tool set comes in handy for many different uses.  I have three of them...

First, I use it to poke holes through layers of paper when I am adding a brad embellishment.  It make a quick and clean hole for easier embellishing.  I make sure I have the pad behind my paper to protect the surface I am working on.

Second, I use it to pick up, transfer and place smaller, self adhesive embellishments such as sparkles or pearls.  By carefully sliding the point of the tool under the item like a sparkle, it will stick to the point and remove from its carrier sheet.  Then I move the point to the area I want to place the sparkle, set it on the paper and then hold the sparkle in place with a finger from my other hand and slide the point out and it sticks...right where I want it!

Third, if I want to stitch on my paper or just add a design of faux stitching, I use the paper piercer with the ruler or stitch guide to to pre-poke the holes creating my design.  Then I use a journaling pen to "connect the dots" for faux stitching or thread and needle to complete the design.  I have also just left the pattern of holes as a design itself. 

Fourth, I am sure I have left out some my the uses for this tool as I grab it often for assistance in my creating.  What would you use it for?

I Love Sparkle!

It brings a smile to my face every time is see a little shimmer!  Don't get me wrong, I don't like to go hog wild with glitter...but I do like a little bit of sparkle that catches my eye and brightens my day!

Close to My Heart offers sparkle in two different ways.  You can get full sheets of glitter paper in 4 different color schemes OR self-adhesive shimmer trim in 6 different colors.

Gold glitter paper cut on the Cricut using the Art Philosophy Cartridge.

Silver glitter paper cut on the Cricut using the Artiste cartridge (heart with the top trimmed off.)

 Silver Shimmer trim accent

New Teal Shimmer Trim

The glitter paper comes in packages of 3 12x12 sheets with various shades of a single color.  It cuts like butter on the Cricut and I adjust my settings to be High pressure, High speed (lower if the design ins more intricate), and I will also Multi-Cut 2.  I use the light purple Cricut mat with the glitter side up for easy cutting and removal of the paper afterwards. 

The shimmer trim is 13/8 inch wide (photos are not accurate to size) and there are 5 yards on each roll.  The purple is new to the Spring/Summer 2014 idea book as is the teal which was previewed in the Cloud Nine Card Kit in January. 

In Love with Close to My Heart! 14 Days of Valentines And a Give Away!

I was listening to the Christian Music station on my way to church the other day and they were talking about "loving things of value" or "creating value by loving."  Got me reflecting.  What has added value to my life because I love it.  Among my family and friends, I have found a great value and love through Close to My Heart.  It's not just the products but the people and the relationships; people I have met who have become friends, those who have mentored me to make my dreams come true, and the nurturing creativity that feeds my soul.

As I celebrate the value of Close to My Heart in my life, I also want to celebrate some of the little things I love from CTMH.  Join me in celebrating the products, ideas, and inspiration that help nurture my soul and creativity. 

Let's start with Cricut!  I am in love with this machine and the Close to My Heart cartridges.  Filled with 700 images each, stamp sets that coordinate and videos of inspiration from CTMH, my mind spins with ideas every time I head to the studio.  Below is just a small sample of artwork. 

CTMH Cartridge Feature:  Cricut cut hearts with coordinating stamp. 

 Artbooking Cartridge Feature:  Photo mats and titles can be used for cards and scrapbooking.

 Artbooking Cartridge Feature:  Overlays create an element on interest and design on cards and layouts.  

 

Art Philosophy

 

 Artiste

   Artbooking  

Click on the photos for larger view. 

GIVE AWAY
How would you like to get one of these cartridges for half price?  When you place an order of $25 or more between Feb 1 - 10, I will put your name in a drawing!  I will draw the winner Tuesday Feb 11 and notify you via email.  You must message me your choice by 4 p.m. Tuesday evening or I will draw another winner. 

How do you place an order?  Visit my website at www.mrowley.ctmh.com or contact me by email with your order and payment.

Looking forward to continuing to share the Close to My Heart Love over the next 13 days of Valentines.

Michele