Thursday, November 19, 2015

Crafting your Christmas with CTMH-Ornaments

Many of us like the idea of making the gifts we give. A handmade gift often times leaves us feeling like we are giving more than just the usual gift, because the time that it takes to create carries the gift of love with it. Sometimes a handmade gift will also allow us to stretch a dollar a little farther, because each year the list of those we want to bless with a gift tends to grow a little longer. Whatever your reasoning, I thought I would help you get your creative minds flowing with these examples of Christmas crafts when giving this year. Find additional supplies and ideas in the 2015 Holiday Expressions from CTMH. And don't forget to join the Christmas Party when checking out.


#3 Ornaments

Handmade Ornaments make a wonderful gift for either grandparents or extended family.  My favorite activity every year at Christmas as a child was decorating the Christmas Tree. My parents saved all of the Christmas Ornaments or Crafts that we had made over the years and our tree was somewhat of a time capsule of the past. Now with children of my own, my favorite ornaments are the ones with their little chubby baby cheeked pictures on them or hand prints or drawings. Handmade ornaments are essentially priceless. Many of them would never be able to be replaced if something were to happen to them. In the moment they were created, they probably didn't seem like a very significant gift, but you fast forward five years and you come to realize you can't go back to that special time and the ornament becomes a treasure.

Designer Creations Mini Frames can be used to capture your children in their special time in life. Made of chipboard, these frames come 3 in a pack and hold a 2"x3" picture. The 4"x5" ornament is the perfect size to be sent in a standard envelope. You can either punch a hole and add ribbon, or Shimmer Trim to make a hook for the tree.

The Cricut Art Philosophy cartridge also has great Christmas Ornament images. Let your children get in on the crafting fun by adding glitter or pictures to the ornaments. You can then use the ornaments as a gift tag before they take their place on the tree. 


Tuesday, November 17, 2015

Crafting your Christmas with CTMH-Base & Bling

Many of us like the idea of making the gifts we give. A handmade gift often times leaves us feeling like we are giving more than just the usual gift, because the time that it takes to create carries the gift of love with it. Sometimes a handmade gift will also allow us to stretch a dollar a little farther, because each year the list of those we want to bless with a gift tends to grow a little longer. Whatever your reasoning, I thought I would help you get your creative minds flowing with these examples of Christmas crafts when giving this year. Find additional supplies and ideas in the 2015 Holiday Expressions from CTMH. And don't forget to join the Christmas Party when checking out.


#2 Base & Bling


All women love jewelry! Necklaces with a monogram, pictures of the grandchildren, or Christmas accents will make a cherished present for either a school teacher or a precious loved one.

These pendant necklaces are all over Pinterest. Many of the ideas I find on Pinterest are great, but I struggle with being able to find the supplies to recreate the ideas. Not the case with the pendant necklaces because of the CTMH Base & Bling line. They offer everything you need down to the adhesive ;) I recommend making 3 necklaces at a time and I would love to step you through the process.


1- Choose a color (faux silver or faux gold)


2-Purchase chains: the chains come in 30" with lobster style clasp.
     Faux Silver Z3160
     Faux Gold Z3159


3-Choose a style sheet. Make sure your style sheet works with your pendant shape. Another option is to place pictures inside your pendant. Test the adhesive on your pictures to make sure they do not smear.






4-Choose a pendant shape. 3 pendants come in each order. Of course, make sure the pendant color matches your chain and style sheet.
     Square Pendant
     Circle Pendant
     Oval Pendant
     Rectangle Pendant


5-Glass covers. 3 covers are in each order.


6-Charms: Personalize your necklaces with charms. I recommend 2 charms per necklace. Each order comes with 3 duplicate charms. Options include:
     Bows
     Ribbons
     Beads
     Rhinestones
     Snowflakes
     Jingle Bells


Don't forget the Liquid Glass, which is the perfect adhesive for this project. It goes on cloudy but dries crystal clear.

Sunday, November 15, 2015

Crafting your Christmas with CTMH-Cards

Many of us like the idea of making the gifts we give. A handmade gift often times leaves us feeling like we are giving more than just the usual gift, because the time that it takes to create carries the gift of love with it. Sometimes a handmade gift will also allow us to stretch a dollar a little farther, because each year the list of those we want to bless with a gift tends to grow a little longer. Whatever your reasoning, I thought I would help you get your creative minds flowing with these examples of Christmas crafts when giving this year. Find additional supplies and ideas in the 2015 Holiday Expressions from CTMH. And don't forget to join the Christmas Party when checking out.

#1 Christmas Cards
     Even though Christmas Cards aren't as popular as they once were, there is nothing better than having a crowded mantle full of Christmas well wishes, updates, and pictures from friends and family both past and present. It's also the only time of year that I get excited about the mailman coming because I have hopes that it is something other than bills. Close to My Heart provided a product that is perfect for the person who loves to give handmade Christmas cards, but is also short on time to create. The Cut Above series of Christmas Cards! Includes materials to make 10- 5 1/2"x4 1/4" cards, card bases, envelopes, die-cuts, and embellishments. Simply stamp your sentiment of choice and adhere everything to the card and it is ready to send off. And of course don't forget to write a little update or words of love and sign it. I have actually forgotten this step #embarrassing!


Choose from:





Stamp:
Hand-Lettered Christmas

This is Christmas

Holiday Greetings

Doubly Merry
          *Additional Supplies: Bold Black ink like (Black Momento) and a Block



Saturday, November 14, 2015

Top 5 CTMH Christmas Presents

Even though Thanksgiving hasn't arrived, I know many of us are already thinking ahead to our friends and loved ones, and the challenge of Christmas gift giving. Close to My Heart offers tons of products, so I want to help you by pointing out the ones that I think will make perfect Christmas presents. If you agree with me please head over to my website and make your purchase, which will be sent directly to your house. Please join the Christmas Party when you checkout.

TOP 5 CTMH CHRISTMAS PRESENTS



1.     Instalife Albums: Instagram has become the top social media app for teens. Many pictures are stored there, never to be revisited or enjoyed by others. Print out a "2015 Year in Review" and make an album your teen can share with others for years to come.

     Supplies:
          Instalife Album (Berry or Teal)-$7.95
          Page Protectors (4x4 or 2x2)-$3.95
          Instalife Cards (Colorful Me or The Bright Side)-$6.95



2.     Cricut Cartridge: Each cartridge features 700 images and includes a font. CTMH Cricut Collections also includes 3 coordinating stamp sets, and cardstock for $99.


          Art Philosophy: CTMH's first cartridge is as versatile as it comes with all of the basic
         foundational shapes you need for any craft project.


          Artiste: perfect for the party throwing crafter this cartridge includes 3-D objects like boxes
         and cupcake wrappers, along with banners and interactive cards.

          Artbooking: Scrapbooking essentials-keys are optimized for creating a 12x12 pages or
         10 themed mini books, plus themed die-cuts.

          Artfully Sent: Cardmakers dream cartridge with 25 different card themes.

          Artistry: Trendy shapes, themed die-cuts, and holiday must haves makes this cartridge
        a wonderful Christmas present (*Artistry is the only cartridge that is available for a
         
3.     State Pride Stamps: All states are available so whether you are recognizing your roots or where you currently live, there is a stamp for everyone.


4.     Simply Fundamental Special: (ONLY AVAIABLE UNTIL NOV 30 or WHILE SUPPLIES LAST) Only $71.80!
          Includes: Album
                          Paper Fundamental Enchantment pack
                          Fundamental stickers Enchantment pack
                          Peacock Fundamental Assortment
                          3 sheets of White Daisy Cardstock
                          Instructions for 5, 2-page layouts
                          FREE - Value pack of Side load or Top load page protectors (saving of $19.95)


5.     Rolling Tote: There is something more to creating beautiful handmade items when crafting; a community of loving, compassionate women who take time out of there busy lives to create for others. And they enjoy getting together with other crafters, which is why I put this Rolling Tote by CTMH on the list. Having plenty of room for all of their supplies when going to craft with friends is a must, along with ease of portability.  You can't go wrong with this trendy yet functional tote.



Tuesday, September 22, 2015

Handmade is a Gift in Itself

I don't know if you have ever received a handmade gift, but it is a gift with a special blessing attached. It defines the saying, "it is the thought that counts." You can't put it together last minute and often times it is personalized. Who has time for that? You do, if you put in an advanced effort.

In the day in age, where hand written letters are far and few between, I love the idea of a handmade Christmas card with a handwritten message. But, as I am guilty of doing in previous years, once Thanksgiving comes everything else in life leading up to Christmas day is one big blur. And I'm sad to admit, but I have even neglected to mail any Christmas cards, homemade or otherwise. So this year, I vow to do something different! I will get a head start and create now, so that I can enjoy the business of the Christmas season without the guilt of needing to create personal little gifts (my Christmas cards). I invite you to do the same.

I will start creating my Christmas cards in October. Order the Close to My Heart White Pines Christmas Card Workshop and get all of the supplies to make 15 cards. And in November I will create the quick and easy Cut Above Christmas cards. So if you like the idea of being able to spend your time with your friends and having adorable handmade cards to mail I would love for you to join me.

Oct 26-White Pines Workshop
Additional Supplies Needed:
Your favorite adhesive!

Thursday, September 17, 2015

Fall is in the Air

Fall is by far my favorite time of the year, even though the weather may not cooperate the way I would like it too. Football, the Fair, and Festivals clutter up my calendar and I end up taking more pictures this time of year than any other. So I am so excited about the Sangria paper! It is the perfect combination of all things fall. If you would like to put together this scrapbook workshop, this month is an ideal time to get ready for the fall pictures!

Please order with me by Monday, Sept 21. We will assemble this layout as a group Oct 19.

Additional Supplies Needed:

Tuesday, September 1, 2015

Brand New and Coming to You

Today is a very exciting day! One that brings feelings of Christmas morning. Not only is Close to My Heart debuting 1 new Idea Book, it is debuting 2, with the addition of the Holiday Expression book for the first time. So get your Wish List ready to be filled out, because there are so many scrumptious crafting supplies it will blow your mind! Pick up your own copy of these catalogs from my website.








Hello, Life! 3 piece combo stamp set for $34.95

September Stamp of the Month: Paper Garden
only $5 with a $50 purchase






Check back soon to my blog to see more examples of all the wonderful creations these catalogs have to offer.



Saturday, August 29, 2015

Zoe and the Happy Planner Make me Happy!

I am absolutely in love with the Happy Planner by MAMBI! And with the release of the new Zoe papers and accessories it was like they were meant to be together. I had already decorated July and August in my planner so, I took a big jump to March 2016. I knew coming out of the cold and dull colors of winter my eyes would dance at the wonderful color palate of Zoe and really get me ready for Spring time. So yes, I am ahead of the game for blogging about March 2016, but my main reason is the washi tape that I used. In just 2 short days Boardwalk, the washi tape I used, will retire from CTMH and may not be available so I am hoping if you love the way I decorated March and you are thinking of using Zoe, or any other coordinating paper, with your Happy Planner that you will jump at the chance to pick up this washi tape before it is too late.

I keep thinking I will get on the YouTube "Plan with Me" band wagon but I haven't yet, so these pictures will have to suffice. If you would like to purchase the Zoe paper to create your own Happy Planner pages I would love for you to purchase from me.



 The Boardwalk Washi Tape has 2- 1/4" rolls and 1- 1" roll with different signs and sayings on it. I love how some are vertical and some are horizontal.
If you are trying to figure out where all of the stickers came from…they are the Zoe Complements offered by CTMH. It comes with 2 - (6"x 6") adhesive backed card stock grade stickers and kraft card stock die cuts and vellum die cuts. All for only $5.95! A quick and easy way to complete your Happy Planner pages.

Thursday, August 27, 2015

National Dog Day

I guess I missed National Dog Day yesterday. I really adore my dog. She is my first child and has put up with us for 14 years. And I loved seeing all of the pictures on social media yesterday of everyone's furry family member. One of the reasons I wanted to purchase the new Artistry Cricut Cartridge from CTMH was the Dachshund image. They have other dog images too, but I cannot believe sometimes how many of my friends have a Dachshund and I knew I would love to create a card for them featuring their four-legged friend. I also wanted to remind you of the Stamp of the Month for August that will only be available for 4 more days so don't forget to purchase yours. https://www.tamra.ctmh.com

Dachshund Card
4 3/4" square card base
Colors: Sorbet, Barn Red, Bamboo, Saddle
Dachshund Image-Artistry Cricut Cartridge
Dog Tag-Artistry Cricut Cartridge
Sentiment-Framed Close to My Heart Aug 2015 Stamp of the Month
Gold Shimmer Trim
Distressing: Tim Holtz Frayed Burlap
                    Saddle-CTMH





Monday, August 24, 2015

Happy Everything card class with Operation Smile

I am loving the Zoe paper that Close to My Heart introduced in August. I knew the next card class I conducted would have to have that paper pack and since this is the last month to order out of the current Idea Book, I wanted to feature the Happy Everything stamp set in order to bring funds and awareness to Operation Smile. For every Happy Everything stamp set purchased CTMH donates $3!!! If you would like to make the fabulous Coffee Cup gift card holder you will want to purchase the NEW Artistry Cricut Cartridge available only through CTMH. Please purchase on my website.

September 21 @ 5:30pm we will make these 10 cards!
(bow card designed by Lisa Jarvis)

$32-Basic Package (must order through me)
9 cards and 1 Gift Card holder including all cuts!!
Base and Envelopes

Additional Supplies
Operation Smile T-shirt (optional)  Please let me know style and size. CTMH donates $10 for each 
   T-shirt purchased.