Owen Beach Layout

Most of the items used for this layout are no longer available, but I still wanted to show you.  I have a tendency, as do many of us, to not use paper that is from a promotion because I can't get anymore.  We don't buy these products to sit on a shelf or in a bag, we buy them to use them!  I encourage you to use a sheet of paper that you have been saving for that 

The stamp set- Love Life- is still available and is one of my favorite stamp sets that I reach for all the time.  


Close to My Heart Products Used:
Recipe- Magic How To Book (Dotty for You Insert)
Dotty for You Paper Packet (promotion earlier this year)
Heavenly Blue Cardstock (retired)
Grey Wool Cardstock (retired)
Grey Flannel Cardstock (retired)
My Acrylix Love Life Stamp Set
Grey Wool Exclusive Inks Stamp Pad (retired)
Grey Wool Exclusive Inks Marker (retired- used for faux stitching)
Silver Glitz Glitter Gel
Art Philosophy Cricut Cartridge

Mason Jar Candle Holder

 

When we bought our house, there was a storage room in the basement filled with tons of mason jars of all sizes and types.  I have been thinking of ideas to use them in a crafty sort of way.  I decided to make the jar into a candle holder and was inspired by the following ideas I saw on Pinterest.  

The jar was supposed to be etched with a lace look and then have lace and burlap wrapped around it.  Well...the etching didn't go as planned.  I had a nice jar  that was smooth with no raised writing on it.  I laid a piece of lace down and put the glass etching creme on top.  When I removed the lace and washed off the etching creme, it just looked blotchy as the creme bled through the lace too much.  I was then going to just make it solid frosted and put etching on the rest of the jar.  When I was washing it off, I dropped the jar in the sink making it break.  Bummer, my only smooth glass jar.  I was frustrated then and just grabbed another jar, spray painted the lid, and wrapped some lace and the new Close to My Heart Burlap Ribbon around and stuck it down with some hot glue.  

I'm not completely happy with the way it turned out, but oh well.  I will have to try the etching again another time. The bow is just barely tacked down, so I may swap it out for something more modern looking.

Close to My Heart Products Used:

Burlap Ribbon

Liquid Glass

Foundry Buckles (retired)

Other Products Used:

Mason Jar with lid

Spray Paint- metal hammered finish

Lace trim from my mom's stash

 

Pinterest Inspirations

All About Me Mini Album

This mini album was one of the projects we made at Convention.  I actually took photos for this one with me and was able to finish it all while I was at Convention- woohoo!  The new Artiste Cricut cartridge cuts out all the pages and coordinates with the chipboard album pages that come with the cartridge bundle- making it super easy.  It uses a lot of products, but goes together fast and easy.

Close to My Heart Products Used:
Artiste Cricut Cartridge
Dimensional Elements Album Pages (included in the Artiste bundle, but also available separate)
Irresistibles Houndstooth Alphabet
Avonlea Paper Packet
Scholastic Paper Packet
My Acrylix Love Blooms Stamp Set
My Acrylix Approved Stamp Set
Slate Exclusive Inks Stamp Pad
Flip Flaps- Small Assortment
Slate Satin Polka-Dot Ribbon
Silver Shimmer Trim
Just Blooms- Floret
Clear Sparkles 
Baker's Twine- Harvest Assortment

Boot Stompin' Fun Layout

This layout was also a Convention make & take.  It is nice to get the layouts done while you are there and just add photos when you get home.  (unless you are a super-star like Tracy and completely finish the layouts with photos!)

Close to My Heart Products Used:
Recipe-
Clementine Level 2 Paper Packet
Lagoon Cardstock
Convention Exclusive Stamp Set
Cocoa Exclusive Inks Stamp Pad
Mini Medley Accents- Antiqued Gold
Just Blooms- Floret Paper Shapes
Color Ready- Noted Canvas Shapes

Stars Shine Bright Layout

This layout is one of the make & takes from Convention.  I finished the layout while we were there, but had to print pictures to complete it. 

Close to My Heart Products Used:
Recipe-
Clementine Level 2 Paper Packet
Convention Exclusive Stamp Set
Lagoon Exclusive Inks Stamp Pad
Sunset Exclusive Inks Stamp Pad
Cocoa Exclusive Inks Stamp Pad
Baker's Twine- Harvest Assortment
Mini Medley Accents- Antiqued Gold Collection
3D Foam Tape

Welcome Little One Card

My niece is here!  She was born Saturday afternoon and she is beautiful and so sweet!  I made this card Saturday at my crop while I was waiting for the news of her arrival. 

Close to My Heart Products Used:
Recipe- Make It From Your Heart Volume 1- Card ___
Lucy Level 2 Paper Packet (retired)
My Acrylix New Arrival
Grey Wool Exclusive Inks Stamp Pad (retired)
Hollyhock Stitched Ribbon (retired)
Colonial White Cards & Envelopes

Studio J Express Collection Layout- Baby Shower

Studio J Express Collection- Little Miss
Layout- 10

Studio J Layout- Mountain Snow

Kit- Wonderland
Layout- Monologue

Pike Place Market Layout

This layout is following the Clementine Workshop on the Go layout, but I adapted it to hold 4x6 photos.  The recipe can be found in the new Make It From Your Heart book.  It is very hard to photograph layouts when they are already in the page protectors!   I wanted to show you how I added 4x6 Flip-Flaps in order to add more photos to my layout.  I also included the journaling inside the Flip-Flaps.  If you click on the photos, they will get bigger allowing you to see more details. 

Close to My Heart Products Used:
Recipe- Make It From Your Heart- Volume 1: 
Clementine Level 2 Paper Packet
Clementine Complements Canvas Shapes
Champagne Cardstock
Chocolate Exclusive Inks Marker (for journaling)
4x6 Flip-Flaps

Other Products Used:
Printing Press Cricut Cartridge
White Thread & Sewing Machine

National Stamping Month Video

It's Your Day Thank You Card

Recipe:
Mojo Monday 254

Close to My Heart Products Used:
Clementine Level 2 Paper Packet
Kraft Cardstock
Colonial White Cardstock
Cocoa Cardstock
My Acrylix It's Your Day Stamp Set (National Stamping Month Special)
Sorbet Exclusive Inks Stamp Pad
Cocoa Exclusive Inks Stamp Pad
Colonial White Cards & Envelopes
3D Foam Tape

It's Your Day!

To celebrate National Stamping Month in September, we are bringing back our popular double stamp set promotion! You can get the exclusive, new My Acrylix^® It’s Your Day double stamp set for just $5 when you place a minimum order of $35 in full retail products from August 15 through September 30, 2012. You’ll love this double set—two D-size sets in one envelope—which includes nearly 50 trendy images that makes it easy to capture the everyday moments in your life. The double set has a retail value of $35.90, which drastically increases the value of your qualifying purchase! Have twice the fun stamping during National Stamping Month with our new, exclusive It’s Your Day double stamp set!

Star Cheetah Baby Quilt

I made this quilt for my soon-to-be niece that is due the end of August!  I am so excited to be an aunt and had to make an extra special quilt for her.  The mother loves animal prints so I chose this hot pink cheetah print as the base of the quilt.  I loved the way the star baby quilt turned out that I made for a co-worker that I used the same pattern.  I am not as pleased with this one, I think I rushed it too much.


Materials Used:
Pattern- Simple Quilts & Sewing Magazine- Spring 2011
Fabrics- JoAnn Fabrics
Binding- JoAnn Fabrics Satin Ruffle

Studio J Layout- Windmills

Kit- Pemberley
Layout- Click, Click, Click

Studio J Layout- State Signs

Kit- Cruisin'
Layout- Viewfinder

Clementine Hooray Card

Recipe:
Mojo Monday 253

Close to My Heart Products Used:
White Daisy Cards & Envelopes
Clementine Level 2 Paper Packet
White Daisy Cardstock
Cricut Artiste Cartridge
My Acrylix Cricut Artiste Collection Kudos Stamp Set
My Acrylix Cricut Artiste Collection Birthday Stamp Set
Saddle Exclusive Inks Stamp Pad
Saddle Pigment Ink Pad
Twilight Exclusive Inks Stamp Pad
Sorbet Exclusive Inks Stamp Pad
Champagne Exclusive Inks Stamp Pad
Designer Ribbon - Pink (retired)
Clear Detail Embossing Powder

Wedding Card & Pillow Box

I made a little pillow box using the Art Philosophy Cartridge to hold a gift card.  I tied the box onto the card envelope.  It made it a little more special than just putting the gift card inside the envelope.

Close to My Heart Products Used:
Bliss Level 2 Paper Packet (retired)
My Acrylix Love Life
Sorbet Exclusive Inks Stamp Pad
Chocolate Exclusive Inks Stamp Pad
Cricut Art Philosophy Cartridge
Gold Ribbon from Mistletoe Creative Basics (retired)

The new Silver Shimmer Trim from Close to My Heart is awesome!  It is a ribbon that is covered in glitter that actually stays on, and it is adhesive backed so it makes it super easy to attach to your project! 

Close to My Heart Products Used:
White Daisy Value Pack Cards & Envelopes
White Daisy Cardstock
My Acrylix Card Commentary (retired)
Slate Exclusive Inks Stamp Pad
Silver Shimmer Trim


Other Products Used:
Victoria Emboss Cuttlebug Folder

Wedding Guestbook Sign

 

My cousin had her wedding reception a few weekends ago and they asked me to make a sign asking everyone to sign their guest book.  I was more than happy to and had fun making it!  My mom had texted me a photo of the cake and I based the colors on it. 

Close to My Heart Products Used:
Lagoon Cardstock
Black Cardstock
White Daisy Cardstock
My Acrylix Baroque Borders- August 2012 Stamp of the Month
My Acrylix Chocolate Alphabet- small
Black Exclusive Inks Stamp Pad
Lagoon Exclusive Inks Stamp Pad (used for lightly shading the roses)
Cricut Art Philosophy Cartridge

Studio J Express Layout- Vacation Driving Photos

This is one of the new Studio J Express Collections layouts.  These layouts are pre-colored, pre-embellished, and super quick and easy!  I just dropped my photos in, added some journaling, and the layout was done.

I plan on adding Flip-Flaps to the layout once I receive the printed version.  I will add a few 4x6 Flip-Flaps and a new smaller 4x4 Flip-Flap!  This will allow me to add more photos to my layout while still maintaining the design and composition of the current layout! 

Express Collection- Travels
Layout- 3

Studio J Layout- Spokane Falls

Inspired by the Studio J Home Page

Kit- Elemental
Layout- Designer's Eye

Advent Calender & Scroll Album Kits

Clementine

The Clementine collection is bright and cheery!  Featuring muted brights, florals, and great basics this collection has a slight Western theme to it. Use it for just about anything!

Featured on pages 24-29 of the Autumn/Winter Idea Book.

Free Tote Bag!

When a new Consultant joins Close To My Heart in August they will receive an exclusive Damask Tote Bag for FREE (retail value $50)! This offer has limited availability, so encourage those thinking about joining to act quickly to ensure they snatch this darling tote bag. This offer is good for both the $49 and $99 New Consultant Kits (while supplies last). Yes, this is the same cute bag we gave to Consultants who attended Convention 2012 in Dallas. This awesome, coated-canvas tote can be slung over the shoulder, across the chest, or worn as a backpack.

Autumn/Winter 2012 Idea Book

The Autumn/Winter 2012 Idea Book goes live today!  There are some amazing changes and new products!  This book will be active from August 1, 2012 to January 31, 2013.  Some of my favorite new products are:
-Alcohol Based Markers
-Make It From Your Heart: Volume 1 (a new soft-cover how to book- only $7.95)
-Cricut Artiste Cartridge
-$49 New Consultant Kit
-Home Decor Items!
-13 Workshops on the Go (8 Scrapbooking, 2 Cardmaking, 2 Home Decor, 1 Cricut)

August Stamp of the Month

August Stamp of the Month: Baroque Borders
Available August 1-31, 2012
Retail Price $17.95
Spend $50+ and get the Stamp of the Month for $5.00

Cute as a Button Card

 




















Recipe:
Mojo Monday 252


Close to My Heart Products Used:
Clementine Level 2 Paper Packet
Colonial White Cardstock
My Acrylix Buttons, Bits, & Bobs (coordinates with Cricut Artiste cartridge)
Sorbet Exclusive Inks Stamp Pad
Twilight Exclusive Inks Stamp Pad
Saddle Exclusive Inks Stamp Pad
Creme Brûlée Exclusive Inks Stamp Pad
Chocolate Exclusive Inks Marker
Cottage Assortment
Bakers Twine Neutral Assortment
3D Foam Tape

Studio J Layout- Space Needle

Inspired by CTMH Consultant Dena Brayshaw

Kit- Cruisin'
Layout- Priceless Pics

Studio J Layout- Mt. Rainier

 
Inspiration from Amy Ulen- http://studioscrapping.blogspot.com/

Kit- Dreamin'
Layout- Out of the Hat
Kit Mix 6

Lucy Rose Card

Close to My Heart Products Used:
Colonial White Cardstock (3.5" square card base, 2.5" square, scraps for stamping rose)
Lucy Level 2 Paper Packet
Black Exclusive Inks Stamp Pad
Grey Wool Exclusive Inks Stamp Pad (retiring July 31, 2012)
Blush Exclusive Inks Stamp Pad
Sweet Leaf Exclusive Inks Stamp Pad
SNEAK PEEK- Cotton Candy Exclusive Inks Marker Set (alcohol based!)
SNEAK PEEK- Love Blooms My Acrylix Stamp Set

Lucy Butterfly Card

A friend and I hosted a crop last Saturday and one very special person was missing because she has been so sick.  Everyone there decided that someone should make her a card and then we could all sign it.  This is the card that I came up with.  I hope the special lady liked it!

A group of ladies got together to work on their own scrapbooks and projects but took a little bit out of their time to think of someone else and make sure she knew that we missed her being there and sharing with all of us.  This truly embodies the Close to My Heart philosophy and what the entire company is built on.  I am blessed to spend time with ladies who have such caring hearts.  Thank you ladies- this is why I host a crop every month; not to get my own things done, not for financial gain, but to spend time with friends and help them achieve what they need to accomplish and have a little bit of fun in the mean time. 


Close to My Heart Products Used:
Lucy Level 2 Paper Packet (retiring July 31, 2012)
Grey Wool Cardstock (retiring July 31, 2012)
Colonial White Cardstock
Grey Wool Exclusive Inks Stamp Pad (retiring July 31, 2012)
Blush Exclusive Inks Stamp Pad
My Acrylix Love Life Stamp Set
My Acrylix Embrace Life Stamp Set (retired)
Colonial White Die-Cut Cards & Envelopes
Bakers Twine- Neutral Assortment

Studio J Updates!

Some very exciting changes to Studio J were announced at Convention. 

-No More Memberships! Everyone can access all patterns, all layouts, receive jpegs, and receive lower pricing of $6.95 per two-page layout

-New Express Collections- pre-made layouts, just drop your photos in!  Super fast and super easy!

-Studio J Layouts can count towards hostess rewards!  If your friend is hosting a party and you would like your digital layouts to contribute to her rewards, make sure to select the party during the check-out process.  

When is this available?  Now!  Check it out today at:

http://scrapbookwithkira.ctmh.com/CTMH/Content.aspx?id=%2fen%2fsitecore%2fcontent%2fOBA%2fProducts%2fStudio_J.aspx

Studio J Convention Layout #5

Kit: Victory
Pattern: Harmony
Techniques:

• Making pleated ribbon out of ribbon tabs
• Rotating a page
• Cropping My Stickease images
• Camouflaging with a text box
• Changing the color intensity of a B&T design

Studio J Convention Layout #4

Kit: Magic Moments
Pattern: Powerful Trio
Techniques:

• Using a My Stickease image to make a border
• Creating a layered ribbon bow
• Creating striped ribbon using a text box

4th of July Wall Hanging

Close to My Heart Products Used:
Superhero Level 2 Paper Packet
White Daisy Cardstock
Clear Sparkles
Black Hemp

Other Products Used:
Cricut Cartridge- Word Collage
Creative Memories 8x8 Everyday Display

Perfect Pairs

During the month of July, place an online shopping order of $75 or more during July and receive a paper packet and coordinating embellishment FREE—it’s a Perfect Pair! Which specific paper packet and embellishment you receive is based on the date you place an order.  While supplies last. Discounted products do not count toward a qualifying purchase.

Order Dates	Perfect Pair
July 1–5	Mischief Paper Packet (X7144B) and Midnight Felt Shapes (Z1462)
July 6–10	Dreamin’ Paper Packet (X7142B) and Harvest Charms (Z1633)
July 11–15	Fanfare Paper Packet (X7138B) and Fanfare Level 2 Assortment (Z1400)
July 16–20	Lucky Paper Packet (X7137B) and Lucky My Stickease® Assortment (X7137C)
July 21–25	Mayberry Paper Packet (X7136B) and Mayberry My Stickease® Assortment (X7136C)
July 26–29	Sophia Paper Packet (X7131B) and Sophia My Stickease® Assortment (X7131C)
July 30–31	Believe Paper Packet (X7145B) and Holiday Pockets (Z1486) OR Wonderland Paper Packet (X7146B) and Wonderland My Stickease® Assortment (X7146C)

Superhero

Close to My Heart has really stepped it up this catalog with boy collections! The Super Hero collection is super fun, and versatile. Use it for fun boy pages, pages about dad, your hero, or even play up the red, white, and blue colors for great 4th of July projects!

July Stamp of the Month

July Stamp of the Month: Live Out Loud
Available July 1-31, 2012
Retail Price $17.95
Spend $50+ and get the Stamp of the Month for $5.00

Studio J Convention Layout #3

Kit: Lucky
Pattern: Portrait Collection
Techniques:

• Adding a photo mat behind your photo using a journaling box
• Using letters as embellishments
• Adding "tabs" of cardstock with journaling boxes
• Creating a title using several journaling boxes
• Using a My Stickease image to make a border

Color-Ready Seam Binding Ribbon Video

Studio J Convention Layout #2

Kit: Mischief
Pattern: Dynamic Duo
Techniques:

• Altering the look by changing the colors of B&T papers
• Rotating a page
• Using a vellum text box to lighten a color
• Converting a photo well to a text box
• Creating your own embellishments

Studio J Convention Layout #1

I am excited to be able to attend the Close to My Heart Convention in Dallas, TX this summer!  Close to My Heart sent out instructions to all Convention attendees to make 5 Studio J layouts that would be delivered to us while at Convention.  The instructions included some techniques that I had not done before.  Step by step instructions were provided, but we were free to change the layouts as needed to suit our photos.  I was happy to learn a lot and completed 5 layouts!

Here is layout #1-

Kit: Lucy
Pattern: Stars Above
Techniques: 

• Deleting unneeded photo wells
• Using text boxes to cover up portions of the pattern
• Cropping My Stickease borders to make ribbon streamers.

Studio J- Love Your Layout Video

Blooming Flourishes

A Single Stamp and You're Done!