Felicity, Another Look at CTMHs Papercrafting Collection

In this layout, I used the Imagine pattern Monologue...which calls for these circles at the corner of the pattern...I replaced them with pieces from one of the die cut papers...and I LOVE the look...what do you think?

My little men are so cute...and the Felicity collection beautifully highlights these photos.

Studio J - Mediterranean Cruise

We had an absolutely fabulous vacation last year on our Mediterranean Cruise...unfortunately, it took me a year to finish the album. I wish I could claim a valid excuse...but since I participated in a swap with 15 consultants who each created 2 layouts...I finished my vacation with 30 completed layouts.

It took me a year to pick my pictures. I will clarify that I took over 2,000 pictures on that trip...so many beautiful sights...I didn't want to miss anything...so my camera just kept snapping...but trying to narrow that down...way too hard! ;0) Then I had to select the pictures for the layout, get the sizes, order them, then figure out what pictures I had ordered for which layouts...then the easy part, putting them on the page.

Fortunately for me, during this process I was beta testing Studio J...and WOW!!! It was so nice to pick a picture, drop it on the page, swap if needed, rotate, adjust...whatever with just a click of a mouse! These 6 layouts were created on Studio J...1 of them by my daughter!

What do you think? I'm so excited and can't wait for everyone to experience Studio J!!!! (Don't forget, if you wanna have early access...just join CTMH and you can access Studio J as early as January and at a discounted rate!!!)

Felicity, Close to My Heart's National Papercrafting Month Collection

The Felicity collection features decorative die-cut paper, three gorgeous color schemes, and a D-size stamp set that include flowers, flourishes, argyle patterns, birds, and an entire alphabet! Your papercrafting possibilities are endless.

I love playing with this collection, it is so versatile and fun! I especially enjoy the die cut papers that work so beautifully as accents, full pages and on cards! Here's one of my Felicity layouts using our new family pictures!
In this layout, I used cocoa ribbon (Z1100), Basic Craft Buttons (Z1206), White Hemp (Z281), and pewter brads from the Metal Brad Assortment (Z1217) to complement the beautiful papers and add that extra little something. The flourishes are part of the beautiful stamp set included in the collection!
There are three ways to get the Felicity collection:
• Purchase it at full retail price for $34.95.
• Place an order of $60 or more in full-retail priced stamp sets & receive it FREE!
• Place an order of $125 or more in full-retail priced CTMH products and receive the collection FREE!The campaign also has wonderful opportunities for hostesses to receive it FREE when they host a Home Gathering with sales of $400 or more.
And new Consultants who join between January 1–31 will receive the collection FREE in their New Consultant Kit!

Around the Holidays Banner

Close to My Heart, My Originals Around the Holidays Card Kit (X8623)

This adorable card kit is a quick and easy way to wish a warm holiday season to your friends and family...or work a little outside the box (or circle) and create a lovely banner to decorate your fireplace, entry way, or any wonderful place you'd like to express yourself this holiday season!

Posterboard Alphabet (E1014) (One of my NEW Favorite stamp sets...so versatile!!!)

Clear Sparkles (Z1104)

Vintage Edge Anchors (Z1286)

Another wonderful project available at our Jingle Jamboree on November 28th....contact me for details.

Jingle Flip Flap Mini-Album

This adorable mini-album is so quick and ez to put together! Take advantage of our new Memory Protectors Flip Flaps (Z4114), Jingle Paper Pack (X7115B), Twinkle Brads (Z1220), Just Blooms Big Pinks (Z1033), Create A Shade Paint (z1039), and Holiday Trinkets Stamp Set (D1366).

Take advantage of Close to My Hearts Stampaganza and Buy 2 Get 1 FREE on stamp sets. Great way to buy a gift for 3 of your dear friends!! Visit noreen.myctmh.com to shop online and check out our retiring stamp sets before they're gone!

Flip Flap Mini-album4 ½ x 7 ½ Chipboard
¾ x 4 ½ chipboard
4x6 Juniper C/S
2x6 Tulip C/S
1 ½ x 6 Presents B&T
¾ x 4 ½ Dots B&T
4 ½ x 7 ½ Dots B&T
4 ½ x 7 ½ Tulip C/S
Shimmer Mist
2 Big Pinks White

Cover the top of both pieces of chipboard with the Dots B&T paper (don't cover the back until the end). Punch holes through the chipboard and flip flaps to make it easier to pin the Twinkle Brads through, holding the mini-album together. Once the brads are pierced through, the final step is to cover the back side of the chipboard with the Tulip C/S to cover the Brad ends.

The remaining pieces are used to create the 4x6 layout that will be the "cover" of the mini-album. You may find it easier to fill the Flip Flaps with photos/pages prior to final assembly.

Use the Create A Shade Paint, mix with a little rubbing alcohol or water and using small spritzer bottle, spray on the Big Pinks flowers to add a shimmer to them. You can add reinker to give the shimmer mist a different color.

Super Cute! Be sure to sign up for my Jingle Jamboree workshop to create all the little gift ideas that have been posted here over the past month. It's scheduled for Saturday, November 28th from 9am - 9pm...stop by anytime during those 12 hours to create your holiday gifts! Please RSVP and let me know when you'll be attending and which projects you'd like to create (and how many of each).

Purse Pals

PURSE PALS:
Cute and Sassy to carry around your checkbooks and have on hand to jot notes. Great gift ideas for co-workers, teachers and friends!

Checkbook Cover (the plastic covers are from clearbags.com)
3 x 5 7/8 Crème Brulee C/S
5 5/8 x 2 ¾ B&T Dots
1 ½ x 2 White C/S
1 ¾ x 2 ¾ Crème Brulee C/S

Notepad (sizes will differ based on notepad size you use)
3 5/8 x 10 ½ Crème Brulee C/S (score at 5 1/8 & 5 3/8)
3x4 Dots B&T
1 5/8 x 1 5/8 White C/S
¼ x 6 Dots B&T Crimped
1 ½ x 2 Crème Brulee C/S

CTMH Jingle Gift Ideas - Purse Bag

Now for a traditional gift bag...but without the $$$ tag!

Using a regular "sack lunch" bag, and some paper, we've created a cute bag to showcase any of our other gift ideas or to WOW that special person!

1 - Regular size "lunch sack" paper bag
2 – 5 ½ x 5 ½ Presents B&T
2 – 6 x 6 Juniper C/S
2 – ¾ x 12 Juniper C/S
2 – ½ x 12 Presents B&T
4 White Bigger Brads
Piercing Tool


Cut the paper bag to just under 6”. Adhere the Patterned Paper to the corresponding Juniper Cardstocks. Adhere the 6x6 Juniper pieces to the front and back sides of the bag (be sure to either open the bag for gluing to ensure the "bottom" of the bag isn't sealed; or fold the bottom of the bag down to avoid gluing it). Using the piercing tool, pierce the top of the bag with the 12" strips of Juniper and secure with a brad. TIP: don't glue the handles in place, instead secure with the brad to allow flexibility in movement on the handles and avoid ripping/tearing.
To add an extra accent, cut two 1 1/2" x 1 1/2" tulip cardstock pieces in half diagonally to create triangles, then corner round the tip and place at the top left and right corners of the bag front/back, use these as the placements for the brads to provide that extra accent and additional durability for the brads.

CTMH Jingle Gift Ideas - Gift Tube

So I've been using all this ribbon and accents...and have a good little collection of Close to My Heart Designer Ribbon Tubes and Accent Tubes just waiting to be put to use...they just seemed so handy, I couldn't bring myself to throw them away!

Now with a little paper and ribbon sprucing, these little tubes make adorable gift wraps for Reeses Peanut Butter cups or other small treats or gifts!


5 x 6 Stripe patterned paper
11” Ribbon
2” B&T (cut w/ Coluzzle at 2nd circle)

Adhere paper tightly around tube and secure ribbon around. Cover Lid/top with 2" circle...and fill container! Super cute, super EZ and wonderful way to recycle and reuse!! ;0)

CTMH Jingle Gift Ideas - Matchbook

Super simple...but super cute! These little matchbooks are a quick way to share a treat or special message (can even replace the candies with little post-it notes or scraps of paper to make a handy little notebook).

3x6 Tulip C/S - Scored across 6" side at 2 ¼, 2 ½, 5 ¼ (or ¾ on other side)
2 ¾ x 1 ¾ B&T
Stapler
2 ½ x 1 ¼ White C/S
2 Lifesavers

Stamp image on white cardstock and adhere to patterned paper; then adhere to matchbook cover. Fold bottom 3/4 piece of cardstock up, capture ends of 2 lifesavers in fold and staple in place.

CTMH Jingle Gift Ideas - Tic Tac Pack

What an adorable way to use our Snow Friends stamp set...and gift a little pack of tic tacs...or snowman kisses!

Created using our Jingle Creative Basics Paper Pack (X5808), D1244, Snow Friends stamp set, Cranberry Designer Ribbon Rounds (Z1209) and our new Jingle Level 2 Paper Pack (X7115B).



4 5/8 x 3 Juniper C/S (score @ 2” & 2 5/8”)
4 5/8 x 2 7/8 Circle B&T (score @ 2” & 2 5/8”)
15” Ribbon (place no lower than 1 ¼” from top, sandwiched between C/S & B&T)
2 ¾ x 1 ¾ White c/s stamped with a snowman
1 pkg Tic Tacs

Adhere the 15" ribbon centered across the top of the Juniper Cardstock, going no lower than 1 1/4" from the top, then glue the patterned paper to the Juniper Cardstock (sandwiching the ribbon in between). By placing the ribbon in the top portion, you'll have room to cut the circle out of the bottom portion without the ribbon getting in the way.

Adhere the White snowman stamped cardstock to the ribboned piece. Cut a 1" circle from the Snowman to "expose" his belly.

Use liquid glass or glue dots to secure the Tic Tacs to the inside of the "card" being sure to line up the "snowman kisses" with the Snowmans belly.

CTMH Jingle Gift Ideas - Hershey Bar

Decorative approach to everyone's FAVORITE...chocolate! What a fun way to "gift" a Hershey bar!


6x7 Patterned Paper
STRIP:
1 x 6 Tulip C/S
½ x 6 B&T
TAG:
2 x 1 ¾ Tulip C/S
1 ¾ x 1 ½ White C/S
6” Ribbon

Wrap the short end of the 6x7 paper around the Hershey bar sealing the bottom piece. Use the crimper to give it a decorative edge. Adhere ½ x 6 B&T to 1x6 C/S together to make the strip, then wrap around Hershey bar.

Create the tag by adhering 1 ¾ x 1 ½ white C/S to 2 x 1 ¾ Tulip C/S, then hole punch at top of Hershey bar and tie ribbon through to "seal".

Another Option is to glue both ends and use the crimper to give both ends a decorate closure and tie a ribbon around the Hershey bar with a tag.

CTMH Jingle Gift Ideas - Sour Cream Container

Using our new Jingle Level 2 Paper Pack (X7115B) and White Organdy Ribbon (Z209)

Todays project...an fun container for little treats, great for those kids parties this time of year!

4x6 Patterned paper (Presents)
5” Organdy Ribbon
Hole punch
TAG:
1 ½ x 1 ½ Tulip C/S
1 ¼ x 1 ¼ White C/S

Place glue in a U shape on the outer edges of the 4x6 paper, leaving one 6" side unglued. Adhere the 4" sides together to make a "tube", then press down the bottom glued piece to close the bottom of the container. Add treats, then pinch closed in the opposite direction as the bottom edge (giving more of a sour cream container look to it).

Create tag, then punch hole at top of Sour Cream Container and tag and run ribbon through to secure closed. (Optional: you can also glue this top piece as well to ensure smaller "treats" don't fall out of the top.)

CTMH Jingle Gift Ideas - Collection

This is the complete collection of Jingle Gift Ideas...stay tuned for directions and measurements for each of them!!!

CTMH Jingle Gift Ideas - Envelope Giftcard Holder

I've put together a workshop of inexpensive gift giving ideas for the holidays, using D1244, Snow Friends stamp set, Cranberry Designer Ribbon Rounds (Z1209) and our new Jingle Level 2 Paper Pack (X7115B) and Creative Basics Paper Pack (X5808) to create this collection of CTMH Jingle Gifts.

Todays project...an adorable, inexpensive giftcard holder to use for the holidays...or any time of year!

Small Envelope GiftCard Holder
4 1/2 x 5 3/4 Envelope
2 ½ x 3 ½ Juniper C/S
7 x ¼ Tulip C/S
2 ½ x 1 ½ Tulip C/S
2 ½ x 1 White C/S
2 ½ x 1 MASKING piece
9” Ribbon

Random stamp both sides of the envelope
HINT: I used a 2nd "scrap" envelope and placed it inside the 1st envelope to act as a mask so I didn't have stamping on the "inside" of the envelope.



Open envelope and fold Left & Right ends to meet in center (as shown above) and crease with bone folder; then fold envelope flap down and adhere 2 ½ x 3 ½ Juniper C/S

Tie Ribbon around to hold "flap" down. To open, slide ribbon off, open envelope and place gift card inside.

ALMOST There!!!

Thanks Everyone!! I'm almost there and am rounding the corner for the homestretch to earn Close to My Hearts fabulous incentive trip to New Zealand!!!

• 
  Check your supplies and make sure you have everything you need...remember, the holidays are just around the corner and now is the time to start planning your gifts and projects to ensure you're not swamped during the holiday season! Here are some ideas to help you get started...and when you order in September, you're helping me earn this fabulous trip to New Zealand!!! Please let me know if I can answer any questions or provide any assistance in holiday gift planning!
  
• Looking for Faster, Simpler, Easier Christmas Cards: try X8623, My Originals Around the Holidays Card Kit, these cards are a snap to put together in just minutes but still have that personal touch!
• Want a different look? Try X8617, My Originals Holiday Wishes Card Kit or X8620 Merry and Bright Card Kit
• Want to create your own cards? Don't forget our fabulous new How To Program Book: Wishes Card Confidence Program, item 9033 with over 100 patterns to create your beautiful cards!
• Our new Jingle Creative Basics paper X5808 is ideal for cardmaking, below are pictures of cards made using the Greetings Card Workshop in Wishes and only 3 sheets of paper and 16 card bases...talk about making cards for mere pennies! I used the new Holiday Trinkets stamp set (D1366) and love all the different images (ornaments, trees, presents, sentiments and snowflakes) perfect for layouts, cards and gifts!
• Need a quick mini-album to create a beautiful gift in minutes? Don't forget about our MyCreations Display Album, Z1054 and our large selection of My Reflections Level 1 Scrapbook Kits! These kits are so versatile and easy to assemble, but even better, you can create a Display album in minutes using a Level 1 Kit of your choice. Simply cut the papers into 6x6 squares and the pages are completed for you! Use the included stickers to personalize and embellish, add any special photos and you have a fabulous gift that can't be beat in minutes!
• How about a personalized address stamp? K9013 provides 3 lines or you can personalize it further with additional lines, change the font and even add an icon! Don't forget to grab an inkpad, Z2106 Black Inkpad

I hope some of these ideas help you start planning! Thanks so much to everyone who has supported me this past year helping me get as close as I am...now with these final days fast approaching, I can truly use your support. So check your gift list, start planning your projects and order the supplies you'll need...don't forget, we have a brand new Idea Book loaded with beautiful new products and artwork, check it out on my website today at http://noreen.myctmh.com/

My Creations All Sorts Mini Album

We received this beautiful All Sorts Mini-Album at our Leadership Convention in California. I finally got mine all finished up...and LOVE it! It's so versatile, made of chipboard and sized so it can be interchanged with Close to My Heart's My Creations Acrylic Album--mixed media! Love it!

This is our new beautiful paper pack Grace...using Barn Red, Cocoa, Honey & Twilight, this collection is so versatile...I can't wait to share all the art I'm going to be creating with this kit!!

Aren't my boys cute! I love these photos...but, alas, that was a year ago and now it's time for new photos before we send them off to "big boy" school! The stars are from our new Heartfelt Die-Cuts Wonder (Chocolate, Olive & Twilight)...I used Twilight here.

This is our Sweet Home kit (Buttercup, Garnet, Heavenly Blue & Indian CornBlue)...under the Chipboard circle, the flourishes are from our new Top Coats Framed in Overlays (Z1211)...this one was cut in half to allow for the flourishes to be top/bottom of the page...they come in 4x6 sizes as you'll see below.

Here you can see another Top Coat overlay and our new Dimensional Elements In Color Organic Buttons!! Lots of fun with these and you'll see them spread throughout the mini-album!

Our new Jingle Paper Pack (Creme Brulee, Juniper, Olive & Tulip) with the BLING on the side...our new Twinkle Brads Jolly Assortment (Z1220)...LOVE the glitter on them...these are so fun!

You can't really tell from this photo, but the title and the flourishes are from our new glitter rub-ons...did I mention I love BLING! ;0) This is the Winter Cheer collection which includes Olive, Twilight and Silver Glitter sheets for the rubons...I can absolutely see lots of cards and artwork using these...and it's super easy!

Our Twitterpated collection (Chocolate, Crystal Blue, Sorbet & SweetLeaf)...my daughter reminded me that Bambi is twitterpated...isn't that cute...and this collection is so appropriate, you'll fall right in love with it!

More Glitter Rub-ons and Twinkle Brads...really adds that extra something!!

I used some of the gliter rubons on the chipboard cirlces, then sponged with ink to help them pop off the page...each year we have an advent calendar of events we do during December...and of course making Gingerbread houses is one of the favorites...Mandy gets really focused/detailed with hers...the boys enjoy eating and aren't too concerned about the "finer" details.

Seriously...the grow up too quickly...I can't imagine that she's going to be driving soon...Dad already took her out for her first lesson...uggh!

Everyday Celebration FREE Card Kit

It's important to celebrate big occasions, but why not take time to celebrate each and everyday? With the Everyday Celebration card kit, created exclusively for National Stamping Month, you can add a little beauty, flair, and style to your everyday!


TO CELEBRATE NATIONAL STAMPING MONTH in September Close to My Heart is giving you 3 ways to get a FREE Everyday Celebration card kit for making 16 beautiful cards (2 each of 8 designs)!
• Purchase a minimum of $60 in stamp sets** (includes A, B, C, D, and E-size) starting TODAY through September 30 (while supplies last...so order today!)
• Host a Home Gathering with minimum sales of $400 between September 1–30
• Sign up as a new Consultant between September 1–30
You can also buy as many card kits as you’d like for $39.95 per kit.

And there’s more fun! Place any order on my website at noreen.myctmh.com between September 1–30 and you’ll be automatically entered in our daily drawing for a FREE card kit! Winners will be announced on your my website and closetomyheart.com.

Express your passion for stamping with this pretty new card kit today!

This card is an extra one I created using some of the scraps leftover after making the 16 cards...this paper is so pretty I'm planning to get extra kits so I can use the paper for scrapbooking as well! The stamp set absolutely rocks and you'll be able to make cards year round with this adorable set! Don't miss out, order yours today...or even better, get it FREE!!