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!

Video ~ Looking For A Harvest Banner Idea? Or How About Tips Using The New CTMH Markers?

I thought I would share a video that Close To My Heart put on youtube called "Project Inspiration 2012 Autumn/Winter Idea Book: Harvest Banner". They share a cute "Harvest Banner" idea using My Acrylix Fall Harvest stamp set (C1504) and the markers (Honey~ Z2415 and Autumn Terracotta~ Z2427). They also give some great tips and ideas using the markers. So, take a few minutes and enjoy the video!

Check Out The Super Cute Ghost Cupcake And Ghost Poop Treat Bags!

Today I wanted to share the 2 projects I worked on this past week. On Saturday I went to a scrapbook crop with my scrapbook buddies. At the crop we all bring something for the potluck (this way we have food and snacks for the day and not have to leave the crop). I decided to bring a cupcake ghost and cute little "Ghost Poop" treat bags. I just thought it would be something fun to bring. They came out cute too!

Reminder ~ Almost The Middle Of October! Don't Miss Out On Getting A "Very Merry Christmas" Stamp Set!

I just wanted to remind everyone that we are almost at the middle of the month...incase you want to buy the Stamp Of The Month ("Very Merry Christmas" ~ S1210A). This set is only available during the month of October! 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're planning on making holiday cards you'll want this set! Also, don't forget we have a special "Save with Studio J"  that also ends at the end of October!

Quote Book ~ Quotes To Add To Your Book ~ Halloween Titles

I thought I would do the quotes today (these are really more like titles) to add to your quote book...

~"Tickled to my bones" (thought this would be cute with the coffins we are going to make)  

~"Batty over Halloween"  

~"Best Witches!"

~"Fangtastic Halloween."  

~"Gruesome twosome"

~"Carving out good times"

~"Hip Hip Hooray! Today is candy day!"

~"Have a Spooktacular Halloween!"
 
I thought I would share some "Halloween" type titles today. I thought with Halloween coming soon we could use these on our projects. They would look cute on cards or tags (coffins too!). 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!

Want To Get Your Craft Items Organized? Let's Make Crafting FUN!

If you're looking for a storage container to get more organized then you'll want to check out the new containers that Close To My Heart has for sale. I bought the medium size one (Z4139)...and love it!

The reasons I love it: they hold a ton of supplies, they have a really pretty design on them, they are clear ~ so you can see what's inside easily, they come with handles, they come with removable dividers, they are stackable, and best reason of all...my supplies are organized to make crafting FUN!    

I took a few photos to show you...before I put products in...and after I put products in. And, there is still some room if I want to add items too. So, check out the photos and if you think you want to see all the containers and inserts (to hold the smaller craft boxes or My Acrylix Blocks)...go HERE!  

Video ~ Organize Your Craft Supplies ~ You're Going To Love The New Containers!

I thought I would share a video that Close To My Heart put on youtube called "Organize Your Craft Supplies". They share the new storage / organizer containers. Wait until you see them! I just bought the medium size one and love it! If you stop back tomorrow I'll share the container...empty and then full...so you can see just how much it holds...but thought I'd give you a sneak peek today with the video. So, take a few minutes and enjoy the video! And, if you just gotta have them go HERE to order! 

Do You Love Dogs? You'll Love This Stamp Set!

I thought today I would share a cute little post-it note gift I made...it was a "Thank You" gift for someone who put an order in. I used the "Stella" paper pack (X7147B) and one of my favorite stamp sets: A Bowwow (A1126). Both of these items will be retiring at the end of January...incase you want to get them for your stash. Love how cute the gift came out! 

Thank You Card Using "Moonlight" Paper Pack ~ This Paper Isn't Just For Halloween!

I thought today I would share the cute "Thank You" card I made for someone who put an order in. I used the "Moonlight" paper pack (X7161B) and our 2 punches (Z1392 and Z1311). I wanted to show you that this paper pack doesn't have to be used just for Halloween. And, using our punches made making the card super fast and super easy (both words I love!). I think the card is adorable!

Quote Book ~ Quotes To Add To Your Book ~ Cousins

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

~"Cousin to cousin we'll always be, special friends from the same family tree."  

~"There's a special kind of closeness that only families know, that begins with childhood trust and deepens as you grow."    

~"In the sweetness of friendship let there be laughter and sharing of pleasure."

 

~"A cousin sees the first tear, catches the second, and stops the third."     

~"Cousins are different beautiful flowers in the same garden."   

I thought I would share some "cousin" quotes today. I have a ton of photos of my children and their cousins that I will need to get scrapbooked. I thought some cute quotes would be great on a few layouts. 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!

Looking For A Simple Thank You Card?

I thought today I would share a card that I made. I wanted a "Thank You" card for my son's teacher. We had a parent / teacher conference meeting last night and I wanted to give the teacher a card. I really appreciate that the teachers stay late (after working all day) to meet with us. I thought the 
"Scholastic" paper pack would be great to use. Once I put the "book" paper on the card I couldn't bring myself to do anything more to the front. I just love this paper. I love to read (it's right up there with crafting!) and I think keeping it simple works.

Video ~ Studio J Express Collections ~ Want Great Layouts Done Super Fast?

I thought today I would share a video that Close To My Heart put on youtube called "Studio J Express Collections". The reason I thought I would share this video is because of the October Special we are having...buy 9 layouts, get the 10th layout free...I posted about it on 9/28...incase you didn't see that post you'll want to check it out. With the new Express Collections that are in Studio J you can have a whole bunch of layouts done super fast! So, take a few minutes and check out the video!

SOTM For October ~ Very Merry Christmas ~ Get Ready To Make Your Holiday Cards And Tags!

Today I wanted to share this months SOTM. Check out the Stamp of the Month for October. The set is called "Very Merry Christmas" (S1210A). This set is going to be great for all your Christmas cards, tags, and even gifts. I love the mitten stamp..it's just so cute! To get this stamp set...that is only available during the month of October...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!