Thinking Of Starting Something New? Looking To Add Some Excitement To Your Life?

I thought with the new year right around the corner you might be thinking of starting something new. Incase you are...think about becoming a Close To My Heart consultant. I would love for you to be on my team (Paper Paradise)! There are so many great reasons to become a consultant!

~You can be your own boss...where you set your own hours.

~You can be a teacher ~showing others how to preserve their family's memories.

~You can become part of a fun community with other consultants.

~You can receive great training opportunities. 

~You can earn generous commissions and sale incentives.

~You can get tax deductions (talk to an accountant about this!)

~You can get paid to do something that you love! (or you can do this as a hobby and still get great incentives)

If you think this is something that you would like to do Go Here to get started!

***The Essentials Kit is only $49. You will receive basic business and creative supplies (retail value of approximately $155) Or you can buy the Master Kit for just $99! (retail value of approximately $335) The Master Kit includes expanded business items, along with additional products and Studio J layouts, to help you organize your business and reach your creative and financial goals. The link above will give you a list of everything included in the kits, along with a link to sign up! 

***Join my team today and discover all the wonderful rewards of being a CTMH Independent Consultant! If you have any questions please contact me and I'll answer them all!***

(Essentials Kit) 

(Master Kit)

Quote Book ~ Quotes To Add To Your Book ~ Success

I thought I would do the quotes today to add to your quote book...

~"If one advances confidently in the direction of his dreams, and endeavors to live the life which he has imagined, he will meet with a success, unexpected in common hours."

~"Don't limit yourself. Many people limit themselves to what they think they can do. You can go as far as your mind lets you. What you believe, remember, you can achieve."  

~"Recipe for success: Study while others are sleeping; work while other are loafing; prepare while others are playing; and dream while others are wishing."

~"Success consists simply of getting up one more time than you fall."  

~"All that we are is the result of what we have thought." 


I thought I would share some "Success" type quotes today. I thought we should have something to focus on for 2013! Anyway, don't forget to stop back again for more quotes next week. Enjoy the quotes!

Holiday Containers ~ Great Gift Ideas!

I thought today I'd share with you the rest of the gifts I made for the lunch ladies, library ladies and front office ladies (and the mom to one of the teacher's, because she helps in the class every day) at my children's school. They are all different containers that have either candy, hand lotions, or shower gels inside. These cute gifts can be made with different colors to be made for any holiday or birthday.
Hopefully they enjoyed them!

Reminder ~ Don't Forget To Order Your Stamp Of The Month Before December Is Over! ~ Year-Round Cheer!

I thought I posted the reminder on the 14th that it was the middle on the month...and just noticed I forgot. So, better late then never!

Here is the reminder to everyone that...incase you want to buy the Stamp Of The Month ("Year-Round Cheer" ~ S1212A). This set is only available during the month of December! So, you don't want to forget...because once the month is over...so is being able to buy this stamp set...and this set is great if you like to make calendars, yearly planners, cards, or just like to make paper crafting projects for each month of the year!

Ps. I also want to wish everyone a Happy Holidays! Hopefully you'll get to enjoy some family time together! Remember to take lots of photos!

More Holiday Gifts I Made ~ Picture Frames

I thought I'd share with you another gift (really 3 of them) I made over the weekend for my children's Principle and my daycare parents. They are picture frames...that I covered with retired paper (this is a great way to use up some of your stash). I figured everyone has at least one picture they would like to hang up or put on their desk. Hopefully they'll like them. Anyway, check back next week to see some of the other gifts I made!

Quote Book ~ Quotes To Add To Your Book ~ Goals

I thought I would do the quotes today to add to your quote book...

~"Goals: There is no telling what you can do when you get inspired by them. There is no telling what you can do when you believe in them. There is no telling what will happen when you act upon them."

~"Just dream a better dream, and work to make it real."  

~"Obstacles are the things we see when we take our eyes off the goal."

~"Cherish your visions and your dreams as they are the children of your soul; the blueprints of your ultimate achievements."  

~"Heal the past, Live the present, Dream the future." 


I thought I would share some "Goals" type quotes today. I thought with the new year right around the corner we could all use some good goals to start the year off right! Anyway, don't forget to stop back again for more quotes next week. Enjoy the quotes!

Would You Like To See Some Holiday Gifts? Teacher Gifts ~ Calendar / Planner Books For 2013

I thought I'd share with you another gift (really 3 of them) I made over the weekend for my children's teachers. They are calendar/planner books that they can make notes in and keep the date handy all year long. I used retired paper for each of them...but each one, I think, fits the teacher's personality. It was hard coming up with an idea since 2 of the teacher's are guys. Hopefully they'll like them. Anyway, check back during the week to see some of the other gifts I made!

Video ~ Whooo's Your Valentine? National Papercrafting Month ~ Look At This Fun Kit!

I thought I would share a video that Close To My Heart put on youtube called "Whooo's Your Valentine? National Papercrafting Month: January 2013". They share the adorable kit that is available until the end of January 2013. Wait until you see this video...you're so going to want to buy this kit! And, it's super easy to put together...I just love it! So, take a few minutes and enjoy the video!

Look What I Made...Using The "Whooo's Your Valentine" Kit...For Christmas Gifts!

I thought I'd share with you the gifts I made over the weekend for people at my children's school. I like to make small gifts each year to thank them for taking good care of my children while they are at school. Check back during the week to see some of the other gifts I made too!

Today I'm going to show you what I made using the new kit that is the "Whooo's Your Valentine" special kit (tomorrow I plan to post a video showing you the whole kit and what you can make for Valentine's Day). To make these gifts...I used the 2" scallop circle punch (Z1392), silver shimmer trim (Z1799), "Flakey Friends" stamp set (C1506), black ink (Z2105), all different markers, and of course, the kit. I filled the tubes with mini M&M's. I think the gifts are just too cute! I love the adorable snowmen in the stamp set. Don't forget to stop back all week to see some other fun gift ideas.

Quote Book ~ A Poem To Add To Your Book ~ Falling Snow

I usually do the quotes today to add to your quote book...but I decided today to do a poem instead.

Falling Snow

See the pretty snowflakes,
Falling from the sky;
On the wall and housetops,
Soft and thick they lie.

On the window ledges,
On the branches bare;
Now how fast they gather,
Filling all the air.

Look into the garden,
Where the grass was green;
Covered by the snowflakes,
Not a blade is seen.

Now the bare black bushes,
All look soft and white,
Every twig is laden,
What a pretty sight!

I thought I would share this poem today because it rained super duper hard here...which had me missing where I grew up. If we had been back East it would have been snow and we would have had a "snow day" for school.  I figured if you're reading this and you do live somewhere where it snows you'll be able to use this poem. Anyway, don't forget to stop back again for more quotes next week. Hope you enjoyed the poem!

National Papercrafting Month Is Coming Soon! We Have A Kit ~ Whooo's Your Valentine Available Tomorrow

Close To My Heart is having a super fun special starting tomorrow and going until the end of January 2013...since it's National Papercrafting Month coming up. They put together a really cute kit called "Whooo's Your Valentine". I think you are really going to love it! 

I haven't had time to play with my kit yet...since I just got it...but I think you're going to just LOVE this kit! I know I love the stamp set (that you can only buy with the kit). So, check out this flyer for all the details! It's available starting December 13th...and remember, we always have a Stamp Of The Month...which, if you add a little more to your order you can get it at the discounted rate (I'm all about the deals! Love them!). So, if you are thinking of ordering something as a gift add this to the order and you'll be all ready for Valentine's Day.   

Ps. The tubes and the silver glitter paper that you get in this kit are a sneak peek on 2 new products that will be available in the next catalog.  

Video ~ Clearly the Best: Rock & Roll ~ Another Stamping Technique To Add To My Collection!

I thought I would share a video that Close To My Heart put on youtube called "Clearly The Best: Rock & Roll". They share another fun stamping technique in this video. I love watching these videos. They help me learn more stamping techniques...you can never have too many. I think I might just need to make a booklet up using all the different techniques. So when I'm stamping I can pull the booklet out and decide which technique to add to my scrapbook layout, cards, or projects. So, take a few minutes and enjoy the video!

This Idea Would Be Great For A Holiday Gift or Even a Birthday Gift!

I thought today I would share a photo of something you could make using the "Avonlea" paper pack. It would make a nice decoration for your home, you could make it for a gift, or both. You'll find it in the catalog on page 16-17. Also, you'll find a tip on how the corner banner is made (super easy to do!).  

A list of the items you'll need are: My Creations Bracket Frame (Z1797), Mini-Medley Accents (Z1786), Burlap Ribbon (Z1760), Dark Chocolate Striped Grosgrain (Z1617), Family Tree Stamp Set (D1526), Ink, Micro-Tip Scissors (Z534) and Adhesive.   

Avonlea ~ Workshop On The Go ~ Scrapbooking Kit

I thought I would share the paper pack "Avonlea" with you today. You can buy the Workshop On The Go (G1045). It comes with: "Avonlea" paper pack, a special stamp set (can only get this set if you buy the wotg kit), Parlor Velvet Rub-Ons, Opaques Mocha Adhesive Gems  & an Instructional Brochure (directions to make some scrapbook layouts).

If your not really into stamping you can buy the paper pack (X7155B) and Avonlea Complements Canvas Shapes (X7155C) and make your own designs up. Or, try out the new "Make It From The Heart" how-to publication (9035) to get ideas.

And, if you are into stamping...we have 2 sets that go great with this paper..."Pirouette" (B1409) and "Family Tree" (D1526).

No matter which way you want to go...you're going to want to order this paper. So, check it out and get to work!

Quote Book ~ A Poem To Add To Your Book ~ Snowman ~ Winter Time

I usually do the quotes today to add to your quote book...but I decided today to do a poem instead.

Winter Time

Icy fingers and icy toes,
Bright red cheeks and bright red nose.
Watch the snowflakes as they fall,
Try so hard to count them all.
Build a snowman way up high,
See if it can touch the sky.
Snow forts, snowballs, angels too,
In the snow so white and new.
Slip and slide and skate so fast,
Winter time is here at last.

I thought I would share this poem because I love snowmen. I am planning on making something with a snowman (or maybe a few snowmen...haven't decided yet what) and thought a poem would be good to have to add to the project. Plus, as hard as it is to say this...I kind-of miss snow...and playing in it. Anyway, don't forget to stop back again for more quotes next week. Hope you enjoyed the poem!

SOTM For December 2012 ~ Year-Round Cheer ~ S1212A ~ Fab Stamp Set For Calendar Projects!

Today I wanted to share this months SOTM. Check out the Stamp of the Month for December. The set is called "Year-Round Cheer" (S1212A). This set is great for...well, all year long. If you make a calendar you will want this set. It will make the project super easy to put together. (If you look at the cute little cards...the stamps used are some of what you'll get in this set!) To get this stamp set...that is only available during the month of December...just spend $50.00 and you can get it for $5.00! Check out my website and find a few goodies to go with the SOTM and have some fun!

Video ~ Clearly The Best: The Swipe Hype ~ Another Great Stamping Technique!

I thought I would share a video that Close To My Heart put on youtube called "Clearly The Best: The Swipe Hype". They share another fun stamping technique that will give your artwork a little more design to it without buying any extra products. (I think this technique would look great using a Christmas tree stamp) I love watching these videos...to learn more stamping techniques...you can never have too many. So, take a few minutes and enjoy the video!

Love The Bags I Can Make With My "Art Philosophy" and "Artiste" Cricut Cartridges!

Last year I made a few of these cute little bags with my "Art Philosophy" (Z1686) Cricut cartridge for holiday gifts. I thought I'd share them again since I think they are just too cute. Also, my cousin's daughter is having a birthday party (she's turning 8 years old)...under the sea theme. So, I am cutting the bags on my machine for a craft project at the party. The kids can stamp and sticker the bags with sea animals (planning on making them in all different colors so they can choose which one they would like). Then they can fill them with some candy as one of their "Thank you for coming" (party favors) to take home. I'll make sure to take a few photos and post them after the party. 

Quote Book ~ Quotes To Add To Your Book ~ Holiday Sayings / Gift Ideas

I thought I would do some sayings today (these would go with gift items for holiday gifts) to add to your quote book...

~"We have to ad-"mitt" you're the greatest!" (oven mitt) 

~"When you feel like a basket case, take a break...and slow your pace." (basket/bag with bath items)  

~"We just "popped" in to wish you a Merry Christmas." (popcorn)

~"Wishing you a season filled with sweetness." (candy)     

~"Christmas cookies and happy hearts, this is how the holiday starts." (cookies)

I thought I would share some fun holiday sayings today. I think these are the start of some good gift ideas. Anyway, don't forget to stop back again for more quotes next week.

Follow Me On Pinterest!

So I did it...I set up an account on Pinterest (check it out here!). I realized today that I put a link to "follow me" on my blog...but didn't say anything about it on my blog. I did say something on my Facebook fan page  ...but incase you don't follow both you might not know.

Well, now you know...hopefully you'll follow me...I love to follow others and see their boards too. I'm still new to it so if you have any tips you want to share please leave me a comment here! Also, leave your information here too so others can follow you!  

Video ~ The Right Tools Make All the Difference ~ Watch This Video To See How True It Is!

I thought I would share a video that Close To My Heart put on youtube called "The Right Tools Make All the Difference". They share some new fun tools...that will help make your projects easier. I'm not that into making flowers...but I have to say, I may just need to buy the Quilling Tool (Z1795). I'm picturing all the beautiful flowers I could make. And, I love the chalkboard shapes (Z1788) and marker (Z1767) too. I think putting that on a teacher gift would be fun! So, take a few minutes and enjoy the video!

Ps. If you're looking for a gift for someone that likes to be crafty...you should think about buying the medium organizer (Z4139) and fill it with a few tools and embellishments. I know I would LOVE to find that gift under my tree!  

Need Another Idea Using The Pear and Partridge Paper?

I thought today I would share a photo of something you could make using the "Pear & Partridge" paper pack. These would make a nice little decoration for your home...or you could fill them with treats and give them as gifts.   

****Customer / Friends Appreciation Sale 2012****

I decided to have a customers / friends appreciation sale. Since I am so thankful for everyone in my life I thought it would be a great time to show it!! (This is a perfect time to stock up for yourself and/or get some fabulous gifts! See some great ideas at the end of this post!)

So, starting today, Wednesday 21st (right now!) until Wednesday 30th (11:59 MST)     
~~I have 2 exciting offers~~

#1~If you buy the "Cricut Art Philosophy Collection" (Z1686) or the "Cricut Artiste Collection" (Z1790) you'll get a paper pack for FREE! (value $9.95~ your choice, from the Autumn/Winter 2012 Catalog)

#2~If you place an order $50 or more you'll receive a FREE "A" size stamp set (value $6.95~ your choice, from the Autumn/Winter 2012 Catalog) or you can get a FREE Exclusive Inks Stamp Pad (value $5.25~ your choice, from the Autumn/Winter 2012 Catalog).

*****All you have to do is place your order on my website HERE!!! Once your order is placed I will send you an email to find out which FREE item/color you would like. Your FREE item will ship separate from your order.

**If your order is over $150 contact me HERE to place your order so you can get $25 in REWARDS on-top of the other FREE items!   

I do want to add~ This is a personal offer from me and not a CTMH promotion.

Also, I wanted to remind you about the November Special "Capture The Date, Capture The Savings" and the "November Stamp Of The Month" (see earlier posts for more information on these 2 great deals!) These can be included in your orders to get even more bang for your buck!!

And, here is a few fabulous gift ideas:
~Make It From Your Heart (how-to publication) (9035)
~Studio J 5-Pack (Online Scrapbooking: SJ5P2)
~Workshop On The Go Kits (These are great kits that even come with directions!)

**This is a special "Thank You" to everyone! Have a Great Thanksgiving! And, Happy Shopping!!**

Video ~ Clearly the Best: Terrific Two-Tone ~ Need A Gift Idea?

I thought I would share a video that Close To My Heart put on youtube called "Clearly The Best: Terrific Two-Tone". They share some fun stamping techniques that will give your artwork a little more design to it without buying any extra products. They also share some really pretty artwork to give you some ideas on what you can make. One of which I think would make a great gift to give someone for the holidays. So, take a few minutes and enjoy the video!

Want An Easy And Fast Way To Make Holiday Cards?

I thought today I would share a cardmaking kit for the holidays. If you like to make cards to send out...you're going to love this "Workshop On The Go" kit (G1043). The kit uses the "Pear & Partridge" paper and cardstock. It also comes with a special stamp set (can only get with this kit), 15 card bases and envelopes, glitter gems, ribbon, and an instructional brochure. Just about everything you'll need to make 15 homemade cards. Easy and fast!

Reminder ~ Middle Of November ~ Don't Forget To Order Your Stamp Of The Month and Capture Some Savings Too!

I just wanted to remind everyone that we are at the middle of the month...incase you want to buy the Stamp Of The Month ("Capture The Date" ~ S1211A). This set is only available during the month of November! So, you don't want to forget...because once the month is over...so is being able to buy this stamp set...and if you like to add dates to your projects...this is a set you'll want to own! Also, don't forget we have a special "Capture the Date, Capture the Savings"  that also ends at the end of November! And, as a bonus...each SOTM sold during the month of November...Close To My Heart is donating $1 to the Red Cross to help those areas of the US severely affected by Hurricane Sandy.

Quote Book ~ A Poem To Add To Your Book ~ Pumpkin's Place

I usually do the quotes today to add to your quote book...but I decided today to do a poem instead.

 

Pumpkin's Place

However many pumpkins sit
Along the pumpkin vine,
The biggest and the roundest one
Is going to be mine.
I'll carve his eyes, a nose, and mouth,
Like no one's ever seen,
Then set him on the window ledge
The eve of Halloween.
He'll celebrate this night of nights,
Atop this special place,
So those who pass beneath his seat
Will see his glowing face.

I thought I would share this fun poem today. I know it's past Halloween...but we'll have photos that will need to be scrapbooked, so I figured it would be fine to post. Anyway, don't forget to stop back again for more quotes next week. Enjoy the poem!

Ps. This is our Halloween 2012 pumpkin!

I Love The "Pear and Partridge" Paper! How About You?

I thought today I would share a layout I made over the weekend while I was at a crop with my scrapbook buddies. I used the "Pear & Partridge" paper pack. The layout is plain and simple. I thought with all the color from the toys in the photos that would be the way to go with this layout. It was the first year my daughter understood what was going on, and I (along with the rest of my family) went a little crazy buying her gifts. I think it came out nice.   

Ps. I did put little white papers on the layout to cover her face and name...but you can see enough to get the idea.

Video ~ Clearly The Best: The Magic of Monograms ~ Great Stamps To Use For Thank You Cards!

I thought I would share a video that Close To My Heart put on youtube called "Clearly The Best: The Magic of Monograms". They share the new monogram stamps...and some great ideas on what you can make using them! I thought with the holidays coming you might like to make "Thank You" cards...or get a few gift ideas. So, take a few minutes and enjoy the video!

Look At The Little Turkey's!

I thought today I would do a fast post. My son's 2nd grade class...each week do an estimate jar. This weekend my son came home with the jar and needed to fill it with something. This coming week his class will be able to guess how many are the jar. I decided with Thanksgiving coming up soon I would put in a mint patty candy and glue a little turkey to it. I cut the turkey with the Cricut "Artiste" cartridge (Z1790). They were cut at 1 1/2 inches. They came out so cute!

Pear & Partridge Paper ~ Workshop On The Go ~ Need Fun Holiday Paper?

I thought I would share the paper pack "Pear & Partridge" with you today. You can buy the Workshop On The Go (G1052). It comes with: "Pear & Partridge" paper pack, a special stamp set (can only get this set if you buy the wotg kit), Sparkles Red, Pink, Purple Assortment, Pear & Partridge Complements Glittery Rub-Ons,  & an Instructional Brochure (directions to make some scrapbook layouts).

If your not really into stamping you can buy the paper pack (X7162B) and Pear & partridge Complements Glittery Rub-Ons (X7162C) and make your own designs up. Or, try out the new "Make It From The Heart" how-to publication (9035) to get ideas.

And, if you are into stamping...we have 2 sets that go great with this paper..."Merry & Bright" (C1510) and "Christmas Joy" (C1520). There are also a bunch of other holiday stamps too...just too many to list...so you'll need to check out the catalog!

No matter which way you want to go...you're going to want to order this paper. The holidays will be here before we know it...we need to get started making homemade gifts! So, check it out and get to work!

Quote Book ~ A Poem To Add To Your Book ~ At Grandma's House

I usually do the quotes today to add to your quote book...but I decided today to do a poem instead.

 

At Grandma's House

I like the taste of turkey
Any time throughout the year
But it never
seems to taste as good
As when Thanksgiving's here.

Could be it's all the trimmings
That are cooked with it to eat-
But I think it's
eating at Grandma's house
That makes it such a treat!

I thought I would share a sweet poem today. I think if I'm able to find a photo of my family having dinner with my Grandparents...this poem would make the layout complete. Anyway, don't forget to stop back again for more quotes next week. Enjoy the poem!

Holiday Gift Tag Kit

I thought today I would share a kit I put together to sell. The kit includes a new petite perks "Nature's Delight" stamp set and 25 small tags. I made a few samples that I will include a photo of to give some ideas on what you can make. I thought these would be cute to put together to put on your holiday gifts. I know when I give out small gifts I like to have a little "To/From" tag on them. I only have a few so if you're interested in a kit let me know.    

Video ~ Clearly The Best: Alcohol Marker Madness ~ Tips Using The New Markers And Embossing!

I thought I would share a video that Close To My Heart put on youtube called "Clearly The Best: Alcohol Marker Madness". They share the new alcohol-based markers and how to emboss. I know I already posted a video about the markers but this video has some more tips and different artwork. So I thought it was worthwhile to share this video too. So, take a few minutes and enjoy the video!

Ps. The craft tray (1764) is on the "While Supplies Last" tab right now if you need to buy one!

Looking For Something To Help Keep You Happy?

I was reading the November 2012 issue of "Living" (it's a Martha Stewart magazine if you've never seen it before). They had an interesting article under Healthy Living about your brain on crafts. The article talks about crafts in general and how they help you to feel good. How, when you're doing crafts, you are in the present and not worrying about the future. Also, how it can help you come up with solutions to a problem you might have...by focusing on the craft for a bit. It wasn't a long article...but made me realize that even if my project doesn't come out the way I would hope, it's ok...it's the journey...not always the destination. So, with the holidays coming, and all the crazy that can go with it...it might be a great time to take up scrapbooking, card making, or paper crafts to help keep you happy. If you need help figuring out where to start I'd be more than happy to help get you started.    

SOTM For November ~ Capture The Date S1211A ~ Great Stamp Set To Help Add Dates To Your Projects!

Today I wanted to share this months SOTM. Check out the Stamp of the Month for November. The set is called "Capture the Date" (S1211A). I think this set is great if you want to add a date to a project...or if you want to make a calendar...it would be a big help. To get this stamp set...that is only available during the month of November...just spend $50.00 and you can get it for $5.00! Check out my website and find a few goodies to go with the SOTM and have some fun!

 

And ~ don't forget...once you buy the SOTM you can buy another stamp set for 50% off (only during the month of November). Plus, as a nice bonus...each SOTM sold this month Close To My Heart is going to donate $1 to the Red Cross to help the relief efforts for those areas of the US severely affected by Hurricane Sandy. (just one of the many reasons I love CTMH!)  

Quote Book ~ Quotes To Add To Your Book ~ Proverbs

I thought I would do the quotes today to add to your quote book...

~"Better to light one small candle than to curse the darkness."  

~"Even a fish wouldn't get into trouble if it kept it's mouth shut."    

~"Dream like you will live forever, live like you may die today."

 

~"A child's life is like a piece of paper on which every passerby leaves a mark."     

~"The person who moves a mountain begins by carrying away small stones."   

 

~"May your walls know joy, may every room hold laughter and every window open to great possiblity."

I thought I would share some "Proverb" quotes today. I love proverbs...they always seem to make me feel good. Anyway, don't forget to stop back again for more quotes next week...and I wanted to add...no idea who or where I got these quotes...I've been saving them to use for my scrapbook pages / cards. So enjoy the quotes!

November Special ~ Capture The Date, Capture The Savings! A Great Way To Get Some Holiday Supplies!

Close To My Heart is having a special during the month of November...starting tomorrow. (wow, this year is sure flying by!) Anyway, it's called "Capture The Date, Capture The Savings!". Look HERE to see the flyer. You place an order for $50 or more and then buy the SOTM (Capture The Date ~ S1211A, available starting 11/1/12)...and you'll then get to "capture the savings"...by getting another stamp set for 50% off (even the "E" size alphabet stamp sets!) This is your chance to get a great deal...maybe buy a holiday stamp set to make cards or gifts. So, remember...the special starts tomorrow...get your order ready! 

Video ~ Ink It Up! ~ Need Helpful Tips On Using The New Pigment Ink, Alcohol-Based Markers, And The Scrubber?

I thought I would share a video that Close To My Heart put on youtube called "Ink It Up!". They share the new alcohol-based markers, the new pigment ink pad sets, and the new stamp pad scrubber (Z1782). This video is full of helpful tips and shows you how to use these products...so you'll be able to have amazing projects made. I figured with the holidays coming soon you'll want to check out these new products and be ready to use them as soon as they show up at your door! So, take a few minutes and enjoy the video!

Anyone Want To Make A Coffin?

I thought today I would share the coffins my son made (with my help...since he's 7) for his teacher and the teacher's mom (she comes in and helps with the class since she is a retired teacher). We used the Cricut "Artiste" cartridge (Z1790) and filled the coffins with some candy. They came out cute!

Quote Book ~ A Poem To Add To Your Book ~ Cupcake

I usually do the quotes today to add to your quote book...but I decided today to do a poem instead.

Cupcake

Cupcake, so sweet,
A wonderful treat,
I'll give it to you when we meet,
And together we'll eat.

I thought I would share a poem today about cupcakes. I thought this poem would look really cute on a tag. If you have the "Artiste" Cricut cartridge you could make a box and a cupcake liner, along with the tag for a cute little gift. Who doesn't love to get a little sweet treat?! Anyway, don't forget to stop back again for more quotes next week.

Want An Idea To Organize Your Stamp Sets?

I thought today I would share an idea to help organize your stamp sets. Close To My Heart sells these great stamp set holders "My Acrylix Organizer" (Z1038). They hold up to 15 sets. One reason I love them is the organizer has a handle and is easy to move around. Another reason is they also stack up great in my cabinet. But, if you're like me, you have many boxes...so I thought it's time to get the stamp sets a little more organized. I think I'm going to make labels.

I came up of a great idea I thought was worth sharing...I could use the chalkboard shapes (Z1788) and the chalkboard marker (Z1767)...or I could buy the 12x12" chalkboard sheet (Z1789) and make my own shapes. This way I can change the label if I decide to change the sets I have inside the box. I keep moving the sets around as I buy new ones...this would work great I think.      

Ps. This would be a great gift idea too...you could make homemade jams, dressings, oils, or jellies and use these labels on the jars.   

Video ~ Love Your Layout: October 2012 ~ Get Ready For Your Halloween Photos!

I thought I would share a video that Close To My Heart put on youtube called "Love Your Layout: October 2012". In this video they show you how to put together a super cute Halloween scrapbook layout using Studio J. They used the "Moonlight" paper pack and embellishments. I thought with the October special it might be something you'd be interested in. So, take a few minutes and enjoy the video!

Scrapbook Tips ~ We Can Never Have Too Many!

I thought today I would share a few scrapbooking tips:

~If you have a sticker that you would like to pop up on your artwork -- put baby powder on the back of the sticker to make it not sticky and then use a pop dot.

~You always want to make sure the items that you use in your project are archival-safe, acid-free, and photo-safe -- it will help to keep them from deteriorating over time.

~You also want to make sure you store your photos (until you get them scrapbooked) in an acid-free box -- it keeps them safe and organized too.

Ok, so that's all the tips for today...I'll get some more together for more posts in the near future. Do you have any that you think we should know? If so, post them! I'm always on the look-out for helpful tips and ideas!   

Flirty Paper ~ A Fun Holiday Gift Idea!

I thought I would share a photo to give you a great idea for a gift using the "Flirty" paper pack. These would look so cute...and it doesn't have to be 12x12 size frames either. It wouldn't cost too much to make but it sure is a little different...don't you think?  

And, I was just thinking...what if you changed the flowers to fall leaves and did pumpkin patch photos? The goldrush paper in this paper pack would work perfect!    

Quote Book ~ A Poem To Add To Your Book ~ Joker

I usually do the quotes today to add to your quote book...but I decided today to do a poem for my cousin (and her family)...who has to do something that is sad and hard...but must be done. Her dog will be crossing the rainbow bridge today. I was there the day they found Joker at the SPCA...11 years ago. He was 3 years old when they found him and a big lovebug. This is just so hard. We love you Joker...you will be missed by many.  

Best Friend

My friend is loyal and eager to please
I'd sit in my chair, his head on my knees
I'd stroke his back and pat him on the side
The things he would do filled my heart with pride
He watched my house and my family too
He was always there to look over you
Never my house did I have to lock
A bark and a growl at the very first knock

Unconditional love is what he gave to me
From the look in his eye it was all you could see
Sometimes I'd yell "be quiet, lay down"
He'd lay in the corner and not make a sound
As he grew old and couldn't get around
I forgot how he'd greet me with a leap and a bound

Soon came the time he could no longer stand on his own
I picked him up and carried him to see G-d's home
On the way there I remembered all the good years
I looked at my friend through all of my tears

I told him I loved him
Soon the pain would be gone
I did the hardest thing
I ever have done

I went the last mile
I was there to the end
I know now why they called him
"Man's Best Friend"

Flirty Paper ~ Workshop On The Go ~ Thinking Of Thanksgiving Artwork? This Paper Would Be Great!

I thought I would share the paper pack "Flirty" with you today. You can buy the Workshop On The Go (G1050). It comes with: "Flirty" paper pack, a special stamp set (can only get this set if you buy the wotg kit), Sparkles Clear Assortment, Flirty Complements Dimensional Elements,  & an Instructional Brochure (directions to make some scrapbook layouts).

If your not really into stamping you can buy the paper pack (X7160B) and Flirty Complements Dimensional Elements (X7160C) and make your own designs up. Or, try out the new "Make It From The Heart" how-to publication (9035) to get ideas.

And, if you are into stamping...we have 2 sets that go great with this paper..."Love Blooms" (C1511) and "A Friend Like You" (B1410).

So, no matter which way you want to go...you're going to want to order this paper. I have seen some fun artwork using this paper for Thanksgiving. With the pretty goldrush color it really makes some cute Thanksgiving artwork. So, check it out and get to work!