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. 



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.

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:

Boughs & Berries Card Kit

Deck the Halls Card Kit

Stamp:
Hand-Lettered Christmas

This is Christmas

Holiday Greetings

Doubly Merry

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

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

        digital download only price of $79 for those with a Cricut Explore machine)

         

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.