Creative Talent Featuring Erica

I met Erica through my daughter, Shandel, a few years back. She has the most bubbly personality of anyone I have the pleasure of knowing. She is intelligent, hard working, honest, and has a keen eye for photography. Now, Erica was a self-proclaimed "non-crafty type person". She relayed to me that she didn't really care for anything girly and certainly was not a scrapbooker.I took her at her word and instantly loved her as part of my own "brood".

One weekend, Shandel was having a CTMH home gathering that always includes a small project and Erica decided to attend even though she was sure this was not her thing. Her loyalty of friendships is what bought her out that day. I am so thrilled to know that that event sparked something in Erica she never knew she had - a love of paper crafting. Since then, she has created many wonderful projects and her increasing "eye" for pattern and structure is awesome to watch.

I  have to share Erica's beautiful creations with you all.

Don't you agree that is is DEFINITELY not the work of a "non crafty type person"? I think there is an amazing amount of talent in this wonderful person known as Erica.

Paper Play Party Reminder

Don't forget to mark your calendars for my Paper Play Party!!

 What is a Paper Play Party you may be wondering! It is a time to get away from the hustle and bustle of our daily lives and enjoy some down time. It is a means to relax, visit, craft, and get FREE stuff! Unlike the traditional "Club" where you are committed for a certain time and a set dollar amount, a Paper Play Party is a no commitment fun time to get away from it all. How can I get free stuff this way? Come and find out!

I'm opening my home to YOU on September 22 at 1:00 pm

9727 - 109 Street, Westlock

Our first project will be using the September Stamp of the Month - Fall Favorites S1209. Isn't he adorable?

Call me at 780-307-8586 or email me at mizzchristine@shaw.ca to RSVP

My Acrylix Stamp Sets - Clearly The Best!

Close To My Heart is online at My Craft Channel

Here is the first of a series of videos that will be available. This one shows you the advantage of using our MyAcrylix clear stamps. They really are "Clearly The Best"!!



Head over to the site and sign up for free!!

WOTG Kits Go A Looooooong Way!

Our Workshops On The Go (WOTG) kits are perfect for creating gorgeous pages in a minimal amount of time. Each kit comes with a full paper packet, an exclusive stamp set, at least 2 accessories, and full color instructions. In next to no time you have a 2 page layout ready to add your photos to. Pssst - don't forget to add journaling. Your ancestors will appreciate your words.

The Avonlea WOTG has a quick and easy layout, perfect for those few stolen moments of crafting time.

 Don't have the pictures printed yet or unsure just what event you want to highlight with this layout? No worries! Just cut scrap card stock to the picture sizes and adhere with re-positionable glue as I did in my sample above.

I used our Bonding Memories glue pen for this. This dual action glue pen is a must for your work table! Apply the glue and adhere your pieces immediately for a permanent hold. Let the glue dry BEFORE adhering your pieces and it becomes re positionable! One more tip before we move on - this glue is excellent to use on your worn out Cricut mats to make them sticky again. Simply wash your mat in warm slightly soapy water, rinse off and air dry. When dry, apply Bonding Memories Glue and let it dry. Viola!

Avonlea comes with our gorgeous Parlour Velvet Rub-Ons and Opaques in Mocha. My picture does not do justice to these products. It is soft, velvety and raised to add texture to your page while the opaques add a delicate shimmer.

 
 Now, I aways say that there are no mistakes in scrapbooking - only opportunities for creativity. My opportunity came when I glued down the first tiny strip along the top edge of the first page. I didn't measure quite right and ended up 1/2" too high. Nothing to fuss about! I just made sure that I lined up the strips on the right hand page to match and used one of the tiny stamps in the set to fill in the area. Tah-Dah! Looks like I did this on purpose. Shhhhhh I won't tell if you don't.

Also included in the WOTG instructions is a sample of a second layout and an extra project (not shown in this post). Here is the suggested second layout:

For the cutting instructions and directions on these secondary layouts, you will need our How-To books. Unfortunately we don't carry these books anymore - not that they weren't just the most amazing instructional books on the planet! CTMH only had exclusive rights for a certain amount of time and now you can find them at Chapters and Michaels.We have a new How-To book called "Make It from Your Heart" vol.1. This book is filled with all the primary WOTG layouts plus more!

When you are the FIRST person in any given month to book your WOTG  with me, you and your guests get an extra project just from me. It is my way of Thanking my Friends and also a way to show you how to get the most out of your kit. This month, Erica and her guests will be making this beautiful card.

Now, you are probably thinking that $29.95 is steep for a kit that makes only 2 2-page layouts. Think again! Here are the projects I created with my Avonlea WOTG kit:

Look how much product I have left over to continue to craft with:

2 Full sheets and 2 pieces of card stock; 2 full sheets and a pile of pieces of B&T paper; 3/4's of a pack of Opaques; 2/3's of a pack of Velvet Rub-ons; a C-size stamp set to use forever!!! This will keep me busy for hours. I say that this is good value for your money.

Happy September Everyone!

Where has the summer gone? I know mine was spent doing a ton of visiting with family and friends. We tended the garden, made a couple trips out to the local lake, swam in our free pool - Thank You Keren! What better way is there to have time fly?

As I look out my window this morning I see a large patch of yellow leaves on the tree across the street. Sigh! Fall is creeping up on us with all it's natural glory. Crisp leaves will start to flutter off the trees, grass will crunch under our feet as we walk, and the final sign will be the honking geese flying to southern destinations.

I plan on celebrating this time of the year with some crafting and I want to invite YOU to join me! It is well time to have a Paper Play Party! Let's get together for some tasty beverages, good company, and fun paper crafts.

 What is a Paper Play Party you may be wondering! It is a time to get away from the hustle and bustle of our daily lives and enjoy some down time. It is a means to relax, visit, craft, and get FREE stuff! Unlike the traditional "Club" where you are committed for a certain time and a set dollar amount, a Paper Play Party is a no commitment fun time to get away from it all. How can I get free stuff this way? Come and find out!

I'm opening my home to YOU on September 22 at 1:00 pm

9727 - 109 Street, Westlock

Our first project will be using the September Stamp of the Month - Fall Favorites S1209. Isn't he adorable?

Call me at 780-307-8586 or email me at mizzchristine@shaw.ca to RSVP - I can't wait to get together!

Here is a review of the Cricut Artiste Cartridge. Remember - place your order for your Cricut collection direct from me and receive a free paper packet of your choice! Here are the packets you can choose from:

Avonlea - X7155B
Clementine - X7156B
Dakota - X7157B
La Belle Vie - X7158B
Scholastic - X7159B
Flirty - X7160B
Moonlight - X7161B
Pear & Partridge - X7162
Stella - X7147B
Pemberley - X7148B
Victory - X7150B
Florentine - X7153B

Email me TODAY!!

August Sign Up Bonus - Its Sooo Darn Cute!!

Joining in August Is in the Bag!
Join Close To My Heart in August and get a darling Damask Tote Bag free!

When you become a new Consultant in August, you
will receive a FREE Damask Tote Bag (retail value $50),
while supplies last. This handy, attractive tote with the
Close To My Heart logo lets everyone know you are
a Close To My Heart Independent Consultant—with
class and style! Choose the $49 New Consultant
Essentials Kit or the $99 Master Kit which includes
more supplies and tools, and we will send you a tote
bag free—only in August and only while supplies last.

Here is a peek at the Essentials Kit - $49

And for $99 you get the above items PLUS these:

Offer available August 1–31, 2012, while supplies last. No tax
or shipping/handling is charged on the Damask Tote Bag. Tax
and shipping/handling is charged based on the price of the New
Consultant Kit that is purchased ($49 or $99).

Call or email me today to get yours.

Hot August Special

I have decided to run a personal special. A personal special is one where I provide the bonus if you order directly through me - not my online shopping site.

My Special just for YOU:
Purchase either the new Cricut Artiste Collection (Z1790) or the Cricut Art Philosophy Collection (Z1686) and receive a free Paper Packet of your choice.

About the Cricut Art Philosophy Collection (Z1686):
Create handcrafted artwork in a snap with our Cricut®
Art Philosophy cartridge! Simply plug the cartridge into your
Cricut®* Personal Electronic Cutter machine (sold at retail stores)
and you’re ready to cut any of the 700 shapes, ranging from elegant
rosettes and lace to trendy gift boxes and banners! You’ll also
receive three My Acrylix® D-size stamp sets as well as three sets
of 9" × 12" Dimensional Elements that work in tandem with the
cartridge. On top of that, numerous My Acrylix stamp sets in the
Idea Book pair wonderfully with images on the Cricut® cartridge.
Cricut® Art Philosophy Collection Includes:
1 – Cartridge (700 images: Font, Shapes, and 3-D items)
3 – Coordinating My Acrylix® D-size Stamp Sets
3 – Coordinating 9" * 12" Dimensional Elements
Sheets (Tags, Mixed Shapes, Banners
Contact me today to get the entire collection for just $99!


About the Cricut Artiste Collection (Z1790):

The new Cricut® Artiste collection takes your
creativity over the top! With 700 images, the
cartridge features themed projects, interactive
cards, awards, and more. From robots and spooks
to weddings and Valentines, your cupcake liners,
invitations, and party favors will coordinate and
quickly come together for any celebration! Cutting
and assembling the numerous 3-D items is a snap
using the project reference chart and separate, stepby-
step assembly booklet.
When you purchase the Cricut® Artiste collection,
you’ll get three coordinating exclusive stamp
sets and three Dimensional Elements 12"μ 9" sheets
that will help your artwork come to life, transforming
the ordinary into amazing!
Contact me today to get the entire collection—
with a retail value of nearly $125—for just $99!
Cricut® Artiste Collection Includes:
1 – Cartridge (700 images: Themed Projects,
Cards, Font, 3-D Items)
3 – My Acrylix® D-size Stamp Sets
3 – Coordinating 12" x 9" Dimensional Elements
Sheets (Awards, Quotes, Album Pages)
$99 (Retail value of nearly $125!)

You will also qualify to get the National Stamping Month Double Stamp set for $5


AND


the August 2012 Stamp of the Month (S1208 - Baroque Borders) for $5


Contact me to place your order today.
You can reach me at mizzchristine@shaw.ca
or
call me at 780-307-9379

Special Deal and Contest

Ok, so the new Fall/Winter 2012 CTMH Idea Book will be going live August 1st and I know you are all itching to get your hands on it!!

However there are a couple things you need to know before the Spring/Summer 2012 Idea Book gets tucked away for future reference.
A. Many colors are retiring. Here is the retiring list:
     Holiday Red
     Tulip
     Sunflower
     Sunkiss Yellow
     Key Lime
     Garden Green
     Dutch Blue
     Heavenly Blue
     Moonstruck
     Spring Iris
     Lilac Mist
     Amethyst
     Petal
     Pansy Purple
     Vineyard Berry
     Garnet
     Brown Bag
     Vanilla Cream
     Parchment
     Taffy
     Baby Pink
     Grey Flannel
     Grey Wool
Once these are gone they are gone so get stocked up now. Don't forget to get reinkers for your ink pads.

B. All current markers are being retired to make way for the new alcohol based markers! Although very exciting news for those of us who love to color and shade, the new markers will not work for inking your stamps! Stock up on all the current colors so that you will always have versatility for inking your stamps.

I've decided to run a special and a contest to help you get stocked up and also save on your first order out of the upcoming Idea Book.

 Here is how it works:
1. Qualifying orders are from the current Spring/Summer 2012 Idea Book only.
2. Qualifying order amounts are before s&h and taxes and must be paid in full.
3. Coupons are valid towards August 2012 orders.
4. Every $50 order will receive 2 sheets of retiring cardstock and a 5% off coupon.
5. Every $75 order will receive 3 sheets of retiring cardstock and a 5% off coupon
6. Every $100 order will receive 4 sheets of retiring cardstock and a 5% off coupon.
7. Every $125 order will receive 4 sheets of retiring cardstock, a marker and a 5% off coupon.
8. THE CONTEST: The largest order will receive 4 sheets of retiring cardstock, 2 markers and a 10% off coupon.



Special and Contest starts today and ends July 27, 2012
This is my own special and contest so email me directly with your orders at mizzchristine@shaw.ca.
Online orders do not qualify for this special.

Happy Easter Snow Bunny!

So I spent the morning crafting and completed my version of the 2012 CTMH Idea Book cover.

I changed up the sentiment as I discovered this morning how easy the Cricut machine and our wonderful Art Philosophy cartridge is to use. I have had a Cricut for many years but haven't really used it. Now I am in love!!!

Many of our clear MyAcrylix stamps fit perfectly into the shapes that can be cut. This cartridge contains over 700 images. Can you tell what I'm going to be playing with for the next few weeks, maybe months?

After a morning of fun crafting, my daughter, Robyn and I had to stretch our legs. Look at the fruits of our spring storm labour.

Happy Easter Everyone!!!

Westlock, Alberta Snow Day

For once, the weatherman was right on the money with this early spring storm forecast. Currently, the highways north of Edmonton are in horrific shape and my employer has declared a Snow Day!

Here's a peek outside my front door. Yesterday, I could see my front lawn and I was planning my new flower bed placement. This morning I see potential snowman space!

Yesterday, my back yard was completely free of snow and visions of vegetable garden improvements were dancing in my head. This morning you can't tell there is a plot beside the garage.

My handrail is my snow gauge. It is 1 1/2 inches high and as you can see the snow is at least twice the height as the wood so we are at approximately 3 inches of accumulation.

Currently, the snow is continuing at a steady rate with very large wet and fluffy flakes! I believe we will get the 6 to 10 inches that was forecast last night.

Dotty For YOU Video

National Scrapbooking Month

April is National Scrapbooking Month and we have a fantastic paper packet just for you!!

Take a peek at this package:

Dotty for You includes 24 specially designed, coordinating B&T Duos^® sheets (2 each of 12 patterns) and an artwork idea insert to get your creative juices flowing. 

When you place an order of $35 or more in products from the Spring/Summer 2012 Idea Book between April 17 and May 31, you may add the Dotty for You paper packet, valued at $19.95, for just $5. 

But that’s not all! There are two ways you can get this darling paper packet FREE!

Hostesses will receive a free Dotty for You paper packet when their Gathering sales total $400 or more (excluding tax, shipping/handling, and Operation Smile donations).

New Consultants who sign up between April 1 and May 31 (two full months!) will receive a free Dotty for You paper packet with their kit.

Spread the word and help us celebrate National Scrapbooking Month with this exclusive Dotty for You paper packet promotion.

Gift Card Holder Instructions

OK, well I didn't get 5 comments however I want to share these instructions with you anyways!

1. Cut 1 piece of transparency at 4 1/4" x 10 1/2". This is the viewing window.
2. Cut 2 pieces of card stock at 2" x 5". These are your base and cover.
3. Score the transparency at 1/2", 1 1/2", 5 1/2" and 6 1/2" as shown below.

4. Score both card stock pieces at 1/2" on all four sides. Cut in on the scoreline to the intersecting score line to create flaps. Snip out small wedges to make assembly easier.

5. Use a piece of sticky tape along the small edge of the transparency and attache to the long edge. Viewing window is now assembled.

 6. Make a slit in the center of the base the length of your gift card. I used my scoring board to make the cut with a finger knife to ensure the slit was centered.

7. Assemble base and cover by gluing the flaps in.

8. Run adhesive around the sides of the base. Insert into the bottom of the viewing window and press edges to make sure the base is secure to the window.

9. Slide the gift card up from the bottom through the slit. You may have to fiddle around a bit to make it stand the way you want it to. The slit is tight and will hold the card securely.

10. Squeeze the top edges in and place the cover on top. I didn't add extra length or width to the top as the transparency pushes gently holding the top on without having to secure it with anything else. It's a snug fit to ensure the cover stays on.

You are now ready to put the finishing touches on. In my sample I added wide scalloped lace around the edge of the cover. Then I ran a length of ribbon over the lace and added a bow. I finished it off by making a tag and attaching it with some hemp and a safety pin.

Happy Paper Crafting!!!

Another Easter Egg Pedestal Holder

Please have a look and leave a comment for my daughter, Shandel Bombay. Although 2 hours away from me, she took up the challenge and made her own version of the Easter Egg Pedestal Holder. What talented daughters I have!

Gift Card Holder

So I took the creative leap and redesigned the egg holder into a gift card holder. Please comment and let me know what you think. As an added incentive, when I get 5 comments to this post I will post the instructions!

Imagine to look on your recipient's face when you present your gift card in this holder. What fun!!

Laundry Day Egg Holders

So today was laundry day! If you're like me you avoid it until you run out of the necessary under clothing. By that time, you need a laundromat to get everything washed and dried. Well, I don't go to the laundromat - I head to the basement with my 8 baskets and settle in for the long haul! It takes a long time for that many loads so I head to my scrap room and spend time crafting between buzzers.

Today's project was some snazzy Easter egg holders. My daughter, Miranda Moreno ran into me at the mall while I was on a supply run and decided to try her hand at them as well. Here are her 2 creations. Not bad for a beginner! Please leave a comment for her before you leave.

I went for a more spring feel to mine and used some papers from the retired paper pack Cherry O.

Here is the holder with the top open and the Smartie-filled egg saying EAT ME!!! Alas, these 2 treats are a surprise treat for 2 amazing co-workers at my new job who have made me feel like I've always belonged.

I am not the designer of this project. I found the original instructions on Kim Score's blog at www.paperpunchaddiction.com

What is a Workshop On The Go?

A Workshop On The Go (WOTG) is a kit that includes the paper packet and all the products you need to make a two page layout PLUS enough material left over to make bonus projects.

When I teach the workshops, I provide the essential tools and patient instruction You bring your basic tool kit and your excitement! You are more than welcome to bring along any essentials you already have or you can order these as well from me. Contact me for the full listing of the essentials. Both Lucy and Pemberley require the CTMH Art Philosophy Cricut cartridge to complete these workshops. I provide the Cricut machine and cartridge when you book your workshop. **Please note: These 2 workshops will require extra time as I only have one machine.**

Tonight I will walk you through each WOTG - it's contents, the featured project and what the bonus projects are. The bonus layouts require using one of CTMH's fabulous How-to Program Books for the pattern. Those are only available while supplies last so get yours before they are gone!! The bonus projects require a few extras outside of the WOTG to complete.

There are 8 new paper packets in the Spring/Summer 2012 Idea Book.  Each paper packet can also be purchased as a WOTG package. This is where the fun begins!!

Stella WOTG

Stella WOTG Kit includes:

Stella Paper Packet

My Acrylix^® Stella Workshop Stamp Set

 Colonial White Cardstock (2 sheets) 

 Bohemian Assortment 

 Dimensional Elements Hearts 

 Instructional Guide 

Bonus Projects:

2 page layout

Imagine: Powerful Trio

 

5 - 3 1/2" x 8" Cards

Colonial White Die Cut Cards & Envelopes - Z1738

Clear Sparkles - Z1104

Pemberley WOTG

Pemberley WOTG Kit includes:

Pemberley Paper Packet

 My Acrylix^® Pemberley Workshop Stamp Set

 Colonial White Cardstock (2 sheets)

 Bouquet Assortment 

 Bitty Opaques Pearl Adhesive Gems 

 Instructional Guide 

 

Bonus Projects:

2 page layout

Magic: Transfigure

 

5 - Cricut Cards

 Light Neutral Cardstock Shade Pack  X5913

Color-Ready Garden Wooden Shapes  Z1718

 

 

Lucy WOTG

 

Lucy WOTG Kit includes:

Lucy Paper Packet

 My Acrylix^® Lucy Workshop Stamp Set

 Colonial White Cardstock (2 sheets)
Lucy Complements Glittery Rub-Ons

 Bitty Sparkles

 Instructional Guide 

 

Bonus Projects:

2 page layout

Magic: Trap Door

 

Cricut Banner

Bitty Buds Assortment  Z1690

My Creations Mini Banner  Z1736

 

 

Florentine WOTG

 

Florentine WOTG Kit includes:

Florentine Paper Packet
My Acrylix^® Florentine Workshop Stamp Set
Colonial White Cardstock (2 sheets)

 Color-Ready Seam Binding Ribbon
Instructional Guide

 

Bonus Projects:

2 page layout 

Magic: Mystify

 

5 - 5 1/2" x 4 1/4" Cards

White Daisy Die Cut Cards & Envelopes  Z1473

Pewter Badge Buttons  Z1704

Footloose WOTG 

 

Footloose WOTG Kit includes:

Footloose Paper Packet

 My Acrylix^® Footloose Workshop Stamp Set

 White Daisy Cardstock (2 sheets)

 Wooden Badge Buttons
Instructional Guide

 

Bonus Projects:

2 page layout 

Reflections: Main Frame-Charmed and  Bottom Border-Title

Mini Album

6 x 6 My Creations Memory Showcase  Z1195

Footloose Compliments Dimensional Elements  X7151C

Cruisin WOTG 

 

Cruisin’ WOTG Kit includes:

Cruisin’ Paper Packet

 My Acrylix^® Cruisin’ Workshop Stamp Set
White Daisy Cardstock (2 sheets)
Bottle Caps 

 Dimensional Elements Numbers 

 Instructional Guide 

 

 

Bonus Projects:

2 page layout 

Magic: Enchantment

Mini Album

My Creations Bookmark Album  Z1740

Cruisin Compliments Silver Foil Images  Z7154C

Victory WOTG 

 

Victory WOTG Kit includes:

Victory Paper Packet 

 My Acrylix^® Victory Workshop Stamp Set

 Colonial White Cardstock (2 sheets) 

 Durables Square Studs 

 Natural Hemp 

 Instructional Guide 

 

 

Bonus Projects:

2 page layout 

Magic:Top Hat

5 - 5 1/2" x 4 1/4" Cards

 Dark Neutral Cardstock Shade Pack  Z5912

Color-Ready Everygreen Cork Shapes  Z1719

Superhero WOTG 

 

Superhero WOTG Kit includes:

Superhero Paper Packet 

 My Acrylix^® Superhero Workshop Stamp Set

 White Daisy Cardstock (2 sheets) 

 Comic Badge Buttons Assortment 

 Dimensional Elements Stars 

 Instructional Guide 

 

Bonus Projects:

2 page layout

Imagine: Memoirs Complete

 

Party Favors

My Creations Milk Carton  Z1739

Baker's Twine Neutral Assortment  Z1707

 

 

 

 

 

 

How to Make WOTG's Your Own featuring "Stella"

As soon as I got my box of goodies unpacked I dug into this Workshop on the Go and had to create a special page commemorating my reunion with my wonderful niece and her growing family. The cool thing about this particular layout is that Stella is my mom's name so this makes this creation a truly family piece.

The wonderful thing about creating a WOTG layout is that there are no rules. If you need to change elements to make certain pictures fit go right ahead! Here is the picture of the original layout that you get with your WOTG instruction sheet.

I needed to make some changes to use all the pictures that I wanted in my own layout. I needed to add an extra picture so I switched the Lagoon B&T  and Sunset CS around then mounted the photo on top of the Sunset CS. This allowed me to add an extra picture without changing the layout composition

The next change was switching a 4x6 photo for the 2 smaller photos on the top right hand corner. The challenge was to place that size in that space without changing the composition size of the original. I adhered the rest of the elements first so I  could see how much space I had to work with. I sliced the 4x6 photo into strips, making sure that I didn't cut through any faces! The slices of the photo were then adhered with small spaces in between to fill in the space. VIOLA!

This little trick allowed me to use the photo I wanted while still maintaining the original composition. Don't be afraid to cut apart your photos to make them work in your layouts.

The last change I made was to use a different alphabet and make the word fit on the layout. The alphabet change was because I didn't have the set used in the WOTG. Don't panic if this happens to you! I looked through the sets I had on hand and found one that was around the same size. Since mine didn't have the circle around the outside like the original, I added Sunset around the edges using the direct-to-paper method**. This produced a vibrant color around the outside edge mimicking the original design.

Because I had placed a picture in the spot where the original letter placement started, I had to rearrange where I placed my letters.

The last thing I have to do is add my journalling.Normally, I don't use my own handwriting but because this layout is about a momentous event in my life I want to include it for future generations to see.

Remember, the WOTG layout is just a starting point for your creativity. Make changes where you need to make these "one-size-fits-all" instructions truly your own.

** Direct-to Paper Method:  Use your inkpad directly on the paper. For the round letters above, I ran the circles right on top of the inkpad to transfer the ink to the edge. Moving the paper instead of the inkpad allowed me to make an even edge. The more times you make contact, the more vibrant the color will be.