CTMH--- September SOTM Blog Hop- Thriller!

Welcome to the Close To My Heart Stamp of the Month Blog Hop for September 2010!

All artwork on the hop will feature September's Thriller, a set of 13 stamps! If you have come here from Cindy's Blog  you are on the right path!

This month we have  about 70 CTMH Consultants sharing their SOTM creations, and other great CTMH artwork. Hopping along is fun and simple to do - just click the link at the end of each blogger's post to move to the next one!

This month I have created a simple card for you- very easy to recreate!
I started with our new color, PEAR, for my base cardstock.  I scored lines 1/2" from each edge and sanded those lines to create the "border".  I stamped the image in black on colonial white cardstock, then colored in the pumpkin in our new color, SUNSET and part of his coat and bowtie with another new color, GYPSY.  This image was then backed in black cardstock.  I stamped & cut out "Happy Hauntings" to go at the bottom. 
Simple enough?

Supplies:
ALL CTMH UNLESS NOTED
Pear Cardstock
Colonial White Cardstock
Black Cardstock
Black ink
Sunset, Gypsy marker
Sanding Kit




Remember, the September SOTM is only available until 9/30! Click here to see how you can get this stamp set at a discount or even free!
Combine your monthly club orders, orders for TRIPLE PLAY, Kit of the Month orders etc to earn this set for FREE!

Now hop on over to Adeline Brill's site to see what she has created for you!

CTMH--- Autumn/Winter Idea Book

The Autumn/Winter Idea Book goes live on September 1- ARE YOU READY?????

Here's a SNEAK PEAK of some fabulous new products:

Magnifique

Hooligans

Olivia

Mistletoe

September Stamp of the Month

SHOP HERE!!!!!  New products will be available September 1

First 5 people to place an order on my website will get a stamp set sent to them for FREE!!!

CTMH- Crop Make-n-Takes

Yesterday was the First ALL DAY CROP & Idea Book Party hosted by myself and Jayma!  It was a huge success and tons of fun!

Here are the Make-n-Takes that we did with everyone:

Mine:

Tri-Shutter Card 
Supplies
• Olivia Level 2 paper pack (X7128B)
• The Present stamp set (D1436)
• Pearl Opaques (Z1336)
• Ink: Smoothie (Z2196), Barn Red (Z2104), Cocoa (Z2114)
• Sanding Kit (Z1294)
Instructions
• 5-1/2” x 12” piece of Cardstock
• Score at 2, 4, 8, 10
• Score short edge 1-1/2” from top and bottom
Focal Point
• Cocoa cardstock: 4” x 2-1/2”
• Colonial White cardstock: 3-3/4” x 2-1/4”
• Stamp and embellish as desired
Front and back panel
• Floral: 1-7/8” x 5-3/8” (2)
• Floral: 1-5/8” x 2-3/8” (2)
Center section
• Cocoa cardstock: 2-3/8” x 3-7/8”
• Green: 1-3/8” x 1-7/8” (4)
• Orange: 1-3/8” x 3-7/8”
TECHNIQUES:
*Rock n Roll Stamping
*Second Generation Stamping
*Sandpaper Stipple


Jayma's 

Tri-Fold Card
Supplies
• White Daisy Cardstock
• Be Yourself stamp set (D1349)
• Gratitude stamp set (D1322)
• Ink: Smoothie (Z2196), Pacifica (Z2192), Pear (Z2197)
Instructions
• Base: 5-1/2” x 8-1/4”
• Score at 2-3/4” and 4-3/4”
• Random-stamp as desired
• White focal piece: 2” x 3-1/4”
• Stamp and embellish as desired
• Focal background: 2-1/2” x 3-3/4”
TECHNIQUE:
*Random Stamping
*Sponge Distressing


Don't forget the Autumn/Winter Idea Book goes live on September 1!!!!!

CTMH-- Autumn Winter New Product Sneak Peak

I am knee deep in preparing for the ALL DAY CROP & IDEA BOOK PARTY this Saturday, August 28 here in Fresno!  (Literally, paper everywhere, my office is a disaster).

I did get a chance to create a couple new cards this week to showcase new colors, new paper and new stamps!!

I recently came across a fellow CTMH consultant's blog:  Karla Kroese, and was very inspired by her use of the background stamps.  So I decided that I needed to break out one of my newer stamp sets:  Hit the Spot and one from the Autumn Winter Catalog:  A Sip.  The new colors I've used are Sky, Pacific, & Smoothie.  I also used some paper from the new kit Magnifique. 

I decided after creating this first card, that the ribbon was just not doing it for me, so I created another:

Supplies:
All CTMH unless noted
Magnifique Level 2
A Sip
Hit the Spot
White Daisy Ribbon
Shades of Chocolate Mini Medleys
Chocolate Ribbon Rounds
Chocolate, Smoothie, Pacific ink


All NEW product will be available to view on September 1 (one week from today- woooo!)

If you're in Fresno, I hope you stop by the crop on Saturday :)

All Day Crop + Idea Book Party 8/28

Join us for our First ALL DAY CROP + Idea Book Party!!!!

Be the first to see the ALL NEW Autumn/Winter Idea Book.

2 make-n-takes + 2 technique demos + tons of raffle prizes + lots of artwork using NEW CTMH products on display = 9 hrs of crafty goodness!

3pm- Midnight!!!!

$5 at the door


Raffle Tickets earned:
*RSVP- 1
*Come on time- 1
*Every $25 ordered- 1
*Complete a Make-n-Take- 1
*Bring a Friend- 2
*Sign up for a class- 2
*Donate to Operation Smile- 2
*Schedule a party or private workshop- 5
*Join my team- 10

Garage Sale-
Deeply discounted products available (cash and carry)
Open Stock cardstock

ONE DAY ONLY SPECIALS

Use of my inks, blocks, how-to books and limited stamps.

Come crop the day and night away with me!!!!!!!!  Its sure to be TONS OF FUN!!!!

Hosted by Jayma Malme and ME!

CTMH-- Back to School Journal

It's officially "Back to School" time around here!  I've been back for almost 2 weeks already, 4 days of teacher training and a full week of school with students.  Its always tiring the first few days back, mostly the waking up early, getting everyone's things ready in the morning and being busy for hours on end.  I think I'm in the swing of things now though!  Enough to even do some crafting this weekend!!!

Back to School is a wonderful time of year for parents- as the kids go back!  Its also an expensive time of year too with school supplies and new clothes.  Kids are excited too! (Until they reach middle school- where they look like they're still on vacation for the first couple months!)

I've created a couple of these super cute "School Rocks" Journals.  I used the retired paper pack "Denim Days".  I love the blue jean paper in this kit and the pencils are so real looking.  This altered journal is also listed in my Etsy store too ;)

Check out the Heart 2 Heart Challenge blog!  This week's challenge is back to school!

CTMH---- Zippidee Layouts-- Getting the most of your Kit of the Month

Are you wondering, what else can I do with my workshop Kits each month?  Typically, I create the featured layout and 6 cards from the workshop guide.  Then I create the additional layout from the workshop.  After that, I still have quite a bit of paper leftover. 

This month, I want to show you what else I've done, including a cool project! 

I have been using the Zippidee Kit of the Month on several projects.  I've used it for T-ball layouts and Disney layouts.  These scrapbook pages are also Disney layouts.  I have also used our Photo Storage pages to showcase some of my kids autograph pages from Disneyland.  These photo pages are great for incorporating more pictures into your albums, without the fuss of scrapbooking them on a whole page (or more).  There are 2 kinds of Photo Storage pages available right now, and a 3rd coming in the NEW Autumn/Winter Idea Book.  One has 6 horizontal 4x6 pockets, the one I'm featuring has 2 vertical pockets and 2 horizontal pockets.  I've included pictures in some and autograph pages in other slots.  These would be perfect for including die cuts or journaling in one or two slots and pictures in the others. 

This Photo storage page will sit next to the Mousin Around page.  The blank white spot will hold a die cut of a princess, which I have yet to cut out. 

This page will sit next to the one above with Pluto and Goofy.  I've backed the autograph pages with some coordinating paper from the Zippidee kit and added some small embellishments to spruce them up.

 Aren't these Photo Storage pages fun?  Try using them in your albums too!

Supplies:
All CTMH unless noted
Zippidee Level 2
Fancy Fuzz Borders
Holiday Craft Buttons
1 1/4" circle punch
Black Waxy Flax
Photo Storage Pages
misc swap tags/titles

CTMH Top 10 under $10

Where can you create beautiful art with fabulous products for less than $10!!
 
Close To My Heart always gives you great deals on the products you know and love. This company knows that in today's economy, its all about getting the best DEAL!  They polled many looking for the most cost-effective products.

Here is your Top Ten list of products under $10.

1) Mini-Medley Accents
* Embellishment packs for under $8
* Perfectly coordinate with paper packets
* Enough to embellish several projects
* Great for gifts
* Effortless embellishment variety
* Simple for beginning cardmakers or scrapbookers

2) Edge Distress (Z1297) * Under $3
* Exclusively Close To My Heart
* Pairs nicely with our white core cardtock
* Long-lasting, durable tool 3) Bitty Sparkles (Z1263) * 100 for under $3 - talk about a value!!
* Add bling to any paper packet or embellishment
* Great embellishment for beginning scrapbookers and cardmakers
* Easy to use with our Piercing Tool Kit (Z1114)

4) Piercing Tool Kit (Z1114)
* Kit is under $6
* Includes piercing tool, sewing needles, and self-healing pad
* Can be used with stitching techniques, ribbon, brads, Sparkles, and buttons
* Strong wooden handle
* Versatile papercrafter's tool

5) Liquid Glass (Z679)
* Under $7
* Best money you will ever spend!!
* Perfect as a glue, glaze or accent
* A little goes a long way; it lasts forever
* Easy to use with any embellishment
* Most long-lasting, durable adhesive you will own
*Remember this from MY top 5 list??  Click HERE  for more liquid glass tips!

6) Micro-Tip Scissors (Z534) * Under $10
* High quality yields precise cuts
* Exclusively Close To My Heart
* Compact and sharp
* Perfect for papercrafters
* Take with you wherever you go

7) Sponge (Z697) * Under $2
* Easy to use to create different techniques
* Durable, can be used on multiple projects with multiple colors
* Must have to use with any of the Exclusive Inks stamp pads

8) Dimensional Elements * All under $7, even full alphabet sets
* Versatile, they can be painted, papered or chalked
* Great gift item
* Stores easily
* Easy to use with adhesives and Finishing Files (Z1091)

9) Memory Protector Flip Flaps (Z4114) * 15 for under $4
* Works great with Memory Protectors
* Inespensive gift
* Versatile for both classic and Studio J layouts, appeals to both customer types
* Perfect for beginners as well as advanced scrapbookers

10) Texture Tools (Z1298)
* Per tool cost under $3
* Exclusive to Close To My Heart
* Works well with any Exclusive Inks stamp pads
* Great for distressing techniques

**To Purchase These Great Products Click HERE!!!!

List compiled by CTMH, published in Keynotes

CTMH-- Zippidee Cards + New Product Sneak Peak

I met with my group for the Zippidee Kit of the Month yesterday!!!  While they created their scrapbook pages and cards, I was able to get a couple cards created as well. 

Lucky for me, as a CTMH consultant, I get a preview month to order and play with NEW product.  For these cards, I used the new set "Party Pennants".  Pennants are the newest rage in scrapbooking.  Whether they are stamped or hand cut, they are everywhere!!!  CTMH is always on top of the trends and this set is just perfect! 

Supplies:
All CTMH unless noted:
Zippidee Level 2
Holiday Craft Buttons
Black Waxy Flax
*NEW*Party Pennants
Cranberry, Black & Indian Corn Blue ink

CTMH--- National Stamping Month- Triple Play

Come with us and celebrate National Stamping Month!! CTMH is offering an awesome package called "Triple Play"!!   They're such a cute mini-albums that you could create!

With this kit you will create not one, not two, but THREE mini albums!!!!!  What a deal!

The package contents are 1-My Acrylix "Love this Stamp Set", 4 - Mini Inkpad - Desert Sand, Hollyhock, Indian Corn Blue and Sunset, 9 - 4 x 12 panels (3 of each color scheme), 3 - 6 x 12 die-cut sheet, 1 - 72" length of Colonial White Ribbon, 3 - Hook and Loop fasteners and an brochure.  The color scheme of the paper are Outdoor Denim, Hollyhock and Garden Green.  This is only available August 15th until September 31st, 2010.

How to get this package:
1 - Buy it at full price of $29.95
2 - Purchase $25 in My Acrylix stamps and get it for $15
3 - Spend $40 on My Acrylix stamps and get it for $5
4 - Host a Gathering with sales of $300 or more and get it for FREE
5 - Join Close to my Heart and get it for FREE (During September 1st to 31st only)

CLICK HERE TO ORDER YOUR TRIPLE PLAY KIT (After 8/15)

CTMH--- Studio J- Giggles & Grin (Disney)

One of my favorite paper packs from Close To My Heart is Giggles & Grins.  Although it retired a couple years ago, it is now on Studio J!!!!  As a most of our current paper packs are set to retire at the end of 2010, remember that they are ALL still on Studio J too!

CLICK HERE to snatch up your favorite paper packs in our amazing SALE!

I knew I had to use Giggles & Grins for a Disney layout this year :) 

Studio J Memberships will be available September 1.

Members will get:
*50% off layout pricing ($6.50 per layout)
*Free hi-res JPG files for every custom printed layout purchased
*Hi-res printable JPG files available to purchase separately for $3.00
*Special members-only patterns and kits
*Free shipping and handling on your monthly order (min. 4 layouts- once a month)
*Free memory protectors
*Exclusive campaigns and deals throughout your membership

Membership levels:
5-pack (T/SH included)-- $55
3- month membership--- $30
12-month membership--- $99 (best value)

Start creating YOUR Studio J layouts TODAY!  Get them ready to make your first membership purchase come September 1!!!

START HERE!

CTMH-- Zippidee Kit of the Month

Kit of the Month Playdate & Crop
August 15th- Sunday- 12:30-3:30
email me to RSVP

**Zippidee**
Zip on over and create your heart out with this fun kit.  Whether you use it for 4th of July, sports or DiSnEyLaNd photos, your pages will be magical.  Thrilling cards will be created with this kit!  This is not one to miss!!!!
PRIZES for those who dress in their Disney gear (or bring Disney photos to work with)! 

STANDARD KIT:*Zippidee Level 2 Paper Packet ($12.95)
*Exclusive: My Acrylix® Ticket to Ride ($13.95)
*Dimensional Elements Stars ($3.25)
*Workshop Guide ($1.00)

$29.95 

BEST KIT:
I seriously recommend making the splurge though as they totally dress up the artwork. You will not be disappointed...I PROMISE!!
*Z1285 Holiday Craft Buttons ($7.95)
*Z282 Black Hemp ($2.25)

$40.15

BONUS
The format of the Kit of the Months are changing.  I will be offering 3 Bonus Add-ons each month.  One will be inks used in the Kit of the Month, the second will be a project or technique and a third will be a coordinating stamp set.  You may choose any or all of them to add on to your order.  The add-ons will ADD TO your kit to create above and beyond the Workshop Guide.
A)  Z2116 Cranberry Ink $5.25
     Z2162 Honey Ink  $5.25
B)  Z1315 Fancy Fuzz Zippidee $3.95
     Z1091 Finishing Files  $5.95
     4113 Photo Storage Pages $8.95
C)  D1425 Thrill Ride $22.95

NEW: Bring your photos!  Members will get to choose a prize when they completed the Kit of the Month projects in class!
NEW: Members who participate in 4 Kits of the Month in a row will earn a FREE Petite Perks Stamp set!
All Kit of the Month Playdate members are eligible to earn FREE Hostess Rewards on a rotating hostess schedule!
Whether you choose to do the Kit of the Month or not, come on by and crop and play with us!
Class Held at Round Table Pizza- Willow & Herndon, in the party room!

Here is my version of the Kit of the Month layout:

Here is the ZIPPIDEE LEVEL 1 WORKSHOP
Here are two more ZIPPIDEE LAYOUTS
Here is the first card I created with the ZIPPIDEE KIT

Check back here to see additional artwork created with the Zippidee kit (and I've created a TON with this kit!)

CTMH-- Studio J Layouts

I was on vacation this past week, away from my scrap room, away from my paper, inks and stamps, away from reality.  I did however have a wireless internet connection :-)  So I brought my flash drives with me and worked on some Studio J layouts!  

I am currently working on creating Calendar Layouts!  Some of my calendar pages will be 2-pagers- one being for the calendar and the matching page to go in the books.  Others will be single layouts, with a completely separate layout created next to it.  Since Studio J only works in 2-page layouts, I am making it work for my single paged calendar pages :)

March- Veranda

May- Magic Moments

Pink Jeep- Magic Moments (right side of May layout)

You too could scrapbook ANYWHERE!!!!!!!

Try STUDIO J today!

CTMH--- School Zone Layout

As a Close To My Heart Consultant, I have collected a ton of paper in my 3 1/2 years.  School Zone is an older paper pack that is retired, BUT you can still get the Level 1 Kit as part of our SALE!  (CLICK HERE)

This layout came together very easily!  I love these primary colors :) 

Supplies:
All CTMH unless noted:
CTMH School Zone Level 2
Jolee's Little Man stickers
Daisy D's Rub-ons

Don't forget to check out the $2, $4, $6 for 8 days Sale still going on!  There are still tons of great deals to snatch up!!!!!  CLICK HERE!

Top 5 Favorite CTMH Products: #4- How To Books

Top 5 Favorite CTMH Products Spotlight! 

#4 How-To Books--- $21.95

Today I want to tell you about the fabulous How To Books that Close to my Heart has to offer!  Jeanette Lynton has compiled 2 cardmaking books (Originals and Wishes) and 3 scrapbooking books (Cherish, Imagine and Reflections).  There is another on the way in the Autumn/Winter Idea Book as well, making a total of 6 How To Books.  These books provide fabulous sketches, cutting guides and instruction for creating cards and scrapbooking layouts.  In addition, the artwork is inspiring and there are tons of tips and techniques to learn from!

Do you like using page maps or other sketches?  CTMH has approved a few patterns from each book for you to preview!  Email for your FREE sample PDFs of the CTMH How-To Books to try at roxybonds@gmail.com

 In this layout, I used the Reflections Book.  The left side is Bottom Border and the right side is Quartet.  I love how easily these layouts come together!  I can choose the one I want based on the number of pictures I have.  I cut the papers according to the directions and then place the pieces on the base page.  Voila!  Scrapbooking Faster, Simpler, Easier!!!!

And you won't want to miss the newest How-To book--- Magic!  Available September 1!  

Order any of the FIVE available How To Books HERE!!!!!

$2, $4, $6, for 8...It’s YOU CTMH Appreciates!

WOW WOW WOW!!!!!  There is an amazing sale coming up on my website!!!!!

Close To My Heart wants to show how much we appreciate our customers! And guess what they are doing to show it?!?! Ready for this!?!?! Are you seated?!?!
We are having a new Constant Campaign with AWESOME deals for 8 days only. Starting on August 4th at 9 am (MDT) through August 11th (while supplies last, of course), you can place an order on MyCTMH Website by CLICKING HERE

CTMH My Stickease assortments for only $2

CTMH My Reflections Level 1 kits for only $4

CTMH My Reflections Level 2 paper packets for only $6.

Check out ALL the kits that will be on sale:



 TIME TO STOCK UP ON PAPER AND STICKEASE!!!!!!!!

The deals are awesome!  I plan to stock up on some of my favorites!!!! In order to prepare for this mega sale these select products will be unavailable to order from Aug 2nd at 12:01am (MDT) until the sale starts on Aug 4th at 9am (MDT)

UPDATED LIST---- August 8
AS OF 8/8-----

Twitterpated- Level 2 & Stickease
Grace- Level 2 & Stickease
Sweet Home- Level 2 & Stickease
Jingle- Level 2
Bella- Stickease
Moon Doggie- Level 1 & 2
Back Country- Stickease
That's Amore- Stickease
Unforgettable- Level 1
Emporium- Level 2
Evensong= Level 1&2
Aspen- Level 1
Notebook- Level 1 & Stickease
Magic Moments- Stickease & Level 1
Perfect Day- Level 1 & 2
Sarsaparilla- Stickease
Game On- Level 1 & 2 & Stickease
Blue Ribbon- Level 1
Boom Di-A-Da- Level 1 & 2
Enchanted- Level 1 & Stickease
Caprice- Stickease
Everlasting- Stickease
Floral Tapestery- Level 1
Let's Get Together- Level 1
Expedition- Level 1
Majestic Blue- Stickease
Sweet Harmony- Stickease
Abundance- Level 1 & 2
Best Friends- Level 1
Just Chillin- Stickease
Laid Back= Level 1
Floral Impressions- Level 1

Top 5 Favorite CTMH Products: #5- Liquid Glass

Welcome to my Top 5 Favorite CTMH Products Spotlight!  

For the next few days, I'll be highlighting my favorite products, giving you examples, tips and techniques!  ENJOY!!!!

#5
Z 679 Liquid Glass-- $6.95

Liquid Glass is a Multi-purpose product that is a MUST HAVE! 

Ideas for Liquid Glass:

- Use to attach page elements (especially good with clear items): metals, vellum (note: it can show through a little bit), transparencies, ribbon, fibers, flowers, plastic embellishments, stickers that have lost their stick…etc…

- Use to add any kind of water effect to a page: bubbles, water droplets, or just to make something look wet

- Use to highlight designs on pattered paper (ex: flowers, vines, or even geometric figures – any area you may want to draw attention to, or add interest!)

- Use on photo to make an object stand out

- Use on stickers to give them dimension

- Add some ink to change the color and it gives it a stained glass look

- Use it with micro beads

- Make clear epoxy type stickers with it

- Fill conchos with it

- Add it to acrylic paint to give it added sticking power (and a glossy shine) when painting metals

- Don’t want a knot/bow in a piece of ribbon or fiber to keep slipping out? Add a dot of liquid glass on the back – it dries clear, rarely (if ever) discolors, and holds like crazy!

- Use it to add glitter to a project.

- tint your liquid glass by mixing in a little re-inker. Then use a toothpick to apply to desired area.

More Tips and Tricks for Liquid Glass

1) It can and does change the ink color a little bit when you put the liquid glass on top. Sometimes it's a really good thing. Reds tend to be more temperamental.

2) Always start with a thin coat and then add additional coats until desired thickness 

3) Wrap a piece of scotch tape around your bottle of liquid glass & a stick pin.  This keeps a pin handy for when you need to unclog the tip of your liquid glass.

4) Be sure to clean the tip of your liquid glass after use.

In this layout, I stamped a design onto Dimensional Elements Solo Alphabets, then layered them with LIQUID GLASS.  This gave the letters an epoxy look, which made them really stand out.  


Order yourself some LIQUID GLASS HERE!