Christmas Home Decor!

I really enjoy decorating the house for Christmas and was thrilled to see the new display tray that is available from Close To My Heart.  I created this one using the new Pear & Partridge papers and dimensional elements. It is going to look great in my home with pictures of my son's first Christmas and make a great Christmas gifts too!  It can be easily hung on the wall or displayed on a mantle.

Want to create your own?  Join me during the Christmas Workshops on December 1st or December 16th to make yours.  Each kit comes with everything you need to make your own Display Tray including detailed instructions for $29.95 (plus s/h and tax). Kits are also available to be shipped directly to you for an extra $5.  Let me know if you are wanting to join us for a fun afternoon!

Happy Creating!

Janice

Christmas Workshops!

Christmas Workshops

December 1^st  from 9:30 am to 2 pm
December 16th from 2 to 6 pm

Let's get in the holiday spirit!  Its time to create your Christmas Cards and Gifts!  To attend the Christmas Workshops review the kits and options below then order your kits by November 17^th to participate on December 1^st or add $5 to your kit price to have it shipped to your home.  Refreshments will be served.  Be sure to order your kit soon to reserve your spot- space is limited!

Christmas Cards

Basic Workshop Kit, $29.95 (plus s/h and tax)

Creates 15 Christmas cards, 5 each of 3 designs.

Includes:   All cardstock and background papers, colonial white cards and envelopes, Pear and Partridge stamp set, red glitter gems, tan twill ribbon, and instructional guide.

Better Workshop Kit, $39.95 (plus s/h and tax)

Creates 25 Christmas cards.

Includes Basic Kit above PLUS: Additional cardstock and background papers, colonial white cards and envelopes, and accessories to create additional cards (5 each of 2 new designs, not pictured)

Best Workshop Kit, $46.95 (plus s/h and tax)

Creates 25 Christmas cards, 10 gift tags, and 2 gift boxes.

Includes Better Kit above PLUS:  10 gift tags and 2 gift boxes and accessories needed.

Be sure to bring plenty of your favorite adhesive and 3-D Foam tape, or add it to your order and have it waiting for you at the workshop!

Optional add-ons:

•       Adhesive
•       3-D Foam Tape
•       Sponge
•       Ink Pads:  Olive, Cranberry, Chocolate

Coordinate with Cricut Cuts!

Learn how to use your stamps to bring Cricut^® cut-outs to life! Many Cricut^® shapes from the Artiste and Art Philosophy collections coordinate with stamp sets so you have more potential for creating, decorating, and accessorizing!

Click on the link below to purchase the products that are featured in this video!

Happy Creating!

Janice

Kindermusik time!

As you know, my husband and I recently welcomed little Rocco into our family.  We have been having so much fun watching him grow and become aware of this new world that he is in.  During the last few months I have had the opportunity to stay home with him and have stumbled upon a great music program.  Have you heard of Kindermusik?  It has been a great opportunity to attend each week with Rocco.  We sing and dance and learn lots of new songs that he has come to love. He loves the movements and smiles every time he hears the songs.  It is amazing that even at two and a half months he is able to enjoy these activities!  Kindermusik has lots of different classes for children of different ages and parents (or caregivers) to participate in.  It has really been an enjoyable experience for us.  So why am I writing about this on my blog?  Well, I am excited to participate as a vendor next month in one of their studio events that they are hosting for their enrolled families. If you want to learn more about them visit their facebook page at http://facebook.com/growandsingstudios or visit their webpage at http://growandsing.com.

If you are already a Kindermusik family- I will see you on November 17th from 12 pm to 1 pm.  If not, check them out online!

Happy Creating!
Janice

It's a Halloween Party in a Kit!

Your ghosts and goblins will love a themed party with jack-o-lantern party bags, spider web cupcake liners, a “Boo” banner, plus more spooky fun this Halloween. Our Workshops on the Go^® Spellbound Cricut^® Kit makes it easy! This kit features our new cricut cartridge Artiste and has everything you need to make your Halloween party a success!



There is still time to get your Kit and create it for your Halloween party.  Click on the image below to purchase your Artist Cricut Collection and the Spellbound Cricut Kit!

Happy Creating!

Janice

Free Studio J Layout!

Get a free Studio J^® layout in October! During this special promotion, you will receive a free custom-printed layout when you buy 9 custom-printed Studio J layouts. To receive the discount, just add 10 or more layouts to your cart. You’ll see a discount reflected in your order total. And you can totally take advantage of this promotion by ordering in multiples of 10. Buy 9, get 1 free. Buy 18, get 2 free. Buy 27, get 3 free. Up to 4 free layouts! If you haven’t tried Studio J yet, now is the time to start! 

Get all of your photos off your camera and computer and into beautiful layouts that you and your family will enjoy.  Play with Studio for free and if you like your layouts take advantage of this October special promotion.  

Start creating with Studio J now!

I'm Back!

Ok, so it has been months since I posted.... why, you ask?   I have spent the last few months getting ready for a little "addition" to our family.  My husband and I welcomed Baby Rocco on July 30th.  We feel so blessed to have such a perfect little guy!  We are truly enjoying parenthood and all that comes with it! Here is a picture of our new little family.

Rocco is now 2 and half months and we have worked hard to develop a bit of a daily routine.  Which means that I am ready to get back into the swing of things!  During my pregnancy I continued to meet with my monthly Workshop on the Go (WOTG) Playgroups and created lots of artwork so I do have lots to share in addition to all of the artwork I have created with the new products that are available in the 2012 Autumn/Winter Idea Book & Catalog!  I love the new products- new Artiste Cricut Cartridge Collection, a Make It From Your Heart Idea Book, stamp sets, paperpacks, accessories, and an expanded Workshop on the Go Collection that now includes home decor and card kits!  Don't have a copy of it yet?  Are you ready to get your hands on one? Grab a cup of coffee (or tea, or whatever your favorite drink is) and  view the new Idea Book online here then contact me to get your very own copy!

2012 Autumn/Winter Idea Book & Catalog

So now for a little artwork...  I created this card for my sisters birthday last week.  I used the new Flirty Paper Pack (X7160B) and lots of prisma glitter!  I was inspired by the artwork of P. Dolecki, she used the prisma glitter with this paper and I knew I had to create a card to show off the fun factor in this snazzy paper!  I used the Bonding Memories Glue Pen over the colored areas of the flowers and then added prisma glitter to highlight them. The stamp set used is Just a Number (D1514) which has lots of clever birthday phrases such as this one.  I stamped the "With age comes wisdom..." on the outside of the card.  The inside sentiment reads "you are one of the wisest people I know"!  I got a funny look and a smirk when she read it!

Happy Creating!

Janice

Rock the Block!!

Close To My Heart has a great promotion starting today!  When you place a minimum order of $25  in products from the Autumn/Winter 2011 Idea Book, you can get two new items for just $15: the brand new My Creations^® Collage Cubes (a Spring/Summer 2012 sneak-peek product!) and the new My Acrylix^® Rock the Block E-size stamp set.


The collage cubes is a set of nine sturdy white chipboard blocks (2" × 2" each) that snuggle together in an open display tray. You can decorate all six sides of each block plus the tray for all-out enjoyment.  You can choose to have nine separate block images showing in your display tray, or you can use one large image you cut apart and adhere to the nine blocks, puzzle-like.  Mix photos with stamped images and paper craft accents.  The Rock the Block E-size stamp set includes versatile shapes and sentiments that will help you fill your collage blocks with fun images and sayings. 

$25 minimum order + $15 Rock the Block = Lots of Creating FUN! (And a $30 savings!)

I can't wait to create my collage cubes!  Let me know when you are ready to order yours!  Happy Creating!

Janice

'Tis the Season...

I love it when I can use items already in my stash to create something new and fresh.   This card was inspired by fellow consultant Vicki W. The Wonderland paper from the Peace on Earth card earlier this month reminded me of this retired creative basics paper pack.  And that led to pulling out the October Stamp of the Month, Holiday Magic and spending some time creating...

Happy Creating!
Janice

Close To My Heart products used:  hollyhock ink pad, sweat leaf ink pad, chocolate ink pad, sparkles, hollyhock twill ribbon (retired), Holiday Magic (October 2011 Stamp of the Month), Cherry O Creative Basics paper pack.

Peace on Earth Card

Have you seen the new Bling Assortment packs? I couldn't help myself when I saw the large sparkle buttons- yes the bling in this card is a button!  I had to create a card that would highlight this new accessory.  It went perfectly with the Wonderland papers and the Top It Off  8" x 3 1/2" card pattern from the Wishes idea book.

Close To My Heart products used:  Wonderland Level 2 paper pack (X7146B), chocolate ink pad, crystal blue ink pad, Bling Assortment (Z1360), Twilight Ribbon Rounds (retired)


Happy Creating!
Janice

Happy Thanksgiving and Christmas Card Workshop!

Wishing you and your family a very Happy Thanksgiving!!!  I have been very busy creating and finally am able to share all of the cards for the upcoming Christmas Card workshop!

The four cards use all new stamp sets from the Autumn/Winter Idea book and the new white daisy and kraft die cut cards! The kraft die cut cards are 6 x 6 and are perfect to include a family picture, letter, or gift card inside!  

Here are the workshop details:

Date:  Sunday, December 4th from 1 to 6 p.m.

Kit includes:  Precut papers to create 20 cards (5 of each of the 4 designs shown) and decorate envelopes, coordinating embellishments.  I will provide all stamp sets, ink pads and tools needed to create your cards.
 
What to bring:  Lots of adhesive and foam squares!

Cost:  $25

To reserve you spot, be sure to email me!

Happy Thanksgiving and Happy Creating!

Janice

November Campaigns!

November at Close To My Heart means a great campaign!  There are two unique stamps sets available only in November!  Here is a closer look at them and the details on how you can get these exclusive sets:

1.  November Stamp of the Month- Cherish the Day (S111).  This stamp set is a great addition to your collection-  excellent for birthdays, anniversaries, holidays, family gatherings and events, etc.... It can easily be added to any card or layout to remember the special day.  There are two ways to get your November Stamp of the Month:

• Get it for $5 with a $50 product purchase, or
• Buy it at full retail value of $17.95.

2.   Holiday Wishes Campaign-  This exclusive stamp set is available during the month of November for only $5 with a $25 stamp purchase! It is a great set to make Christmas cards and layouts and the shapes coordinate with the Art Philosophy Cricut Cartridge!!  Gotta love it!!  This set is not in the Idea Book so be sure to get yours this month!

This means that you can get two AWESOME stamp sets this month for only $5 each!  Woohoo!  

Happy Creating!

Janice

  

Mischief Pillow Box

Ever have an odd shaped item that needs to be wrapped for a gift?  Or maybe you just want a creative way to present your gift...  This super cute pillow box was created using the Art Philosophy Cricut cartridge from Close To My Heart.  I used the Mischief My Reflections paper pack to cut out the pillow box shape to my desired size.  Then I simply folded and adhered to create the pillow box.   For the tags, I selected a few labels from the Mischief paper and cut them out.  The final touch was the organdy ribbon from the Colonial White Ribbon Collection.  The pillow box can be made cut at many different sizes and makes a great presentation for a gift card or a few small treats!

Happy Halloween!!

Janice

Cards & More October Playgroup

I created this 8" x 3 1/2" Mischief card for my monthly Cards & More playgroup. Today we created a fun banner to decorate our homes for the upcoming holidays as well as the cute Halloween card above. We get together once a month and create cards or a fun paper project, thus the name for the playgroup is Cards & More. We started about three years ago with an original group of three ladies (miss you Pam!) and have continued to grow.  I truly enjoy hanging out with them! We have a great time catching up each month while enjoying a relaxing Sunday afternoon.  Here are a few shots from today, everyone hard at work on their projects!

Here is my completed "Spooky" banner displayed in my family room (this is on the entertainment center above the TV):

If you live in the Central Florida area and would like to join our playgroup- just let me know.  The Workshop on the Go kit each month starts at $29.95 and you can create the scrapbook layouts and/or  the paper craft projects available each month.  You can also gather your friends and start your own playgroup- my house or yours....  contact me and I will give you the details to get started.  If you do not live in the area, remember that all projects are available for you to create, even if you are long distance or just unable to attend!  I will provide a cutting guide and directions.

This is a perfect time to start creating Christmas cards and other fun holiday projects.  Contact me to join in the fun!

Close To My Heart Products Used: Mischief Workshop on the Go  for the Mischief paper pack and exclusive stamp set (G1029), metal brads assortment (Z1366), black designer ribbon (retired), black ink pad (Z2105), grey wool ink pad (Z2125)

Happy Creating!

Janice

October New Consultant Special!

 

Check out this great campaign-  become a consultant between October 1st and 31st and get a free add-on collection!  The New Fall/Winter Consultant kit is only $99!  The kit features over $280 in Close To My Heart products.  Each of the three add-on collections are priced at $40 each and retail between $80 and $130.  That is a great deal- only $99 for all of the business and creative essentials needed to get your business up and going!

 Click here to see the add-on collections.

Click here to see the new Consultant Kit.

There is a place for everyone in Close To My Heart- whether you choose to be a business builder, earn a little extra cash, or just get a discount on your scrapbooking and stamping supplies!  Contact me to find out more about this great opportunity with Close To My Heart!

Happy Creating!

Janice

October Playgroup- Halloween Mischief!

We will be creating this fun Halloween banner or two-page layout during our Playgroup on October 9th!  Contact me to join the group or get your kit to go!

Date:  October 9th

Time:  2 p.m.

Location:  My home in St. Cloud, FL

RSVP: Order your kit by September 29th to participate in the October 9th Playgroup, 

or order your kit anytime to create it on your own!

View the Mischief Workshop on the Go flyer here.  

Here is the shopping list of items you will need:

*  Mischief Workshop on the Go Kit, $29.95 (includes Mischief paper pack, Mischief exclusive C-sized stamp set, 2 colonial white cardstock sheets, Midnight Felt Shapes, and instruction guide)
*  Banner, Z1378,
*  Dimensional Elements Notable Alphabet, Z1682

Remember that the Pair-a-Phrase stamp set is available until the end of September!  You can combine your Playgroup order with items on your wish list to get the Pair-a-Phrase stamp set for free with your $75 order!

Be sure to bring your favorite adhesive and foam squares to the Playgroup.  I will provide cutting guides, stamp sets, ink pads and tools.  Come have a fun and creative afternoon out with the girls- call me to order your kit and reserve your spot!

Happy Creating!

Janice

Only 10 days left!

Don't forget that the Double Stamp Set- Pair-A-Phrase is available through the end of September!  You can get it FREE with your $75 product order.  This is an exclusive stamp set that is available during National Stamping Month!  There is an image and coordinating phrase perfect for every occasion!  I created this card using basic cardstock, watercolor pencils, and a blending pen to blend the coloring on the bicycle and basket.  And of course my Cricut did all of the cutting for me with the new Art Philosophy Cricut cartridge- such a fun card shape!  Here are the images from the Pair-A-Phrase stamp set...

 

   

Be sure to get your set while they are still available this month!!  Contact me to get yours today.  Happy Creating!

Janice

Close To My Heart Products used:  Pair-A-Phrase stamp set, Designer Ribbon Colonial White Collectio (Z1126), Kraft Cardstock (Z1375), Colonial White Cardstock (1388), Smoothie Cardstock (X5763), Art Phylosophy Cricut Collection (Z1686), Watercolor Pencils (3505), Blending Pen (3174), Sanding Kit (Z1294).

Cricut Fun!

Just wanted to share a cute little bag that I created using the CTMH Art Philosophy Cricut Collection.  The grid paper comes from the Typeset paper pack.  My favorite part is the flower!  This cutie was cut with the AP cartridge!  There are 3-D flowers that can be cut flat and then rolled into the shape and width that you want your flower to be.  Just thought I would share another fun thing to do with your cricut!  

Happy Creating!
Janice


Close To My Heart products used:  stamp set and all shapes from the Cricut Art Philosophy Collection (Z1686), colonial white cardstock (1388), smoothie cardstock (X5763), kraft cardstock (Z1375), ink pad:  cocoa, Pearl Opaques Adhesive Gems (Z1336), Designer Ribbon Collection Colonial White (Z1126).

September Stamp of the Month

I love the new September Stamp of the Month!  It is a great set to create quick tags or cards.  The best part is that the tag and card image have a perfect match in the new Art Philosophy Cricut Cartridge!  I created all of this artwork using a the September Stamp of the Month and the AP Cricut Cartridge.  That's right- NO cutting!  Gotta love it!  The Limited Edition stamp set is available during the month of September for $17.95 or only $5 with a $50 product order!  Here is a close up of the stamp images and the artwork....

September Stamp of the Month:  Limited Edition

This is a Congratulations Card and Magnetic Pin Holder.  I created all artwork using the Typeset paper pack.  The card shape is an Art Philosophy Cricut Cartridge.  The pin is a clothes pin that I covered in Typeset Workshop on the Go paper and added a magnetic strip to the back.  It is a great way to leave a cute message to your loved ones on fridge or a note in your filing cabinet!!  

Here is a close up of the boxes- did you know that there are several 3-D items that can be created using the Art Philosophy Cricut Cartridge?  There are 8 different shaped boxes/bags that can be created!  These boxes are the same shape cut at two different sizes-  super versatile.  The smaller box is perfect to hold Ghiradelli Chocolate squares!  

Are you ready to create some artwork....  I am!  Happy Creating!

Janice

Close To My Heart materials used:  Limited Edition Stamp of the Month (S1109A), Typeset Workshop on the Go Stamp Set, Typeset Level 2 Paper Pack (X7139B), Designer Ribbon Cocoa Collection (Z1316), Cricut Art Philosophy Collection (Z1686), Milepost Shapes (Z1464), Brads Basic Assortment (Z1365), Brads Metal Assortment (Z1366), Natural Hemp (Z280), Pewter Designer Brads (Z1446), Ink Pads:  Juniper, Vineyard Berry, Cranberry, and Cocoa.

September is National Stamping Month!

At Close To My Heart we celebrate September as National Stamping Month!  We are gearing up for the celebration starting August 15th!  Join the celebration with this adorable stamp set;  Pair-a-Phrase!  This exclusive set is the first ever double stamp set- two D-sized stamp sets in one envelope!  It features clever phrases and coordinating images that will have you creating cards and layouts for any occasion!

Get your Pair-a-Phrase stamp set FREE with your $75 purchase from August 15th to September 30th! The stamp sets have a retail price of $35.90- It's a  great value!

Here is a close up of the sets...

Be sure to get your free Pair-A-Phrase with your $75 product purchase! You can shop online or call me to place your order. Love freebies- Gotta love this great offer!

Happy Creating!
Janice