You're Invited to a Pajama Party with Close To My Heart!

Close To My Heart is teaming up with Big Picture Classes to bring you a live webcast with step-by-step instructions for making this Happy Thoughts kraft container. The FREE webcast will air Thursday, May 30 from 7:00 pm to 8:00 pm (MDT). During the presentation, you’ll learn to make several projects from a variety of sponsors, including Close To My Heart’s Happy Thoughts kraft container, as the presenter walks you through the steps. Watch the Pajama Party by yourself, with other friends and Consultants for a fun crafting pajama party. Anyone with an Internet connection can watch, so be sure to order your project supplies in advance and then tune in!

The Pajama Party class will be available for FREE at BigPictureClasses.com on May 30. If you would like to interact on the message board, participate in live chat, post to the gallery, download handouts, or enter any contests, you will need to log in to the Pajama Party “classroom” by creating a free account on the Big Picture Classes website.

To make our Happy Thoughts kraft container, you will want to have the following items—or similar products—on hand:

• My Acrylix^® Frame Flair Stamp Set (D1546)
• My Acrylix^® Happy Thoughts Stamp Set (C1536)
• Chantilly Paper Packet (need 1 sheet of B&T, X7163B)
• Crème Brulee Cardstock (need 1 sheet, X5754)
• Lagoon Cardstock (need 1 sheet, X5762)
• White Daisy Cardstock (need 1 sheet, 1385)
• Whisper Cardstock (need 1 sheet, X5929)
• Whisper Exclusive Inks^® Pad (Z2172)
• Lagoon Exclusive Inks^® Pad (Z2195)
• My Creations^® Kraft Container (Z1833)
• Baker’s Twine Neutral Assortment (need 3 yards, Z1701)
• Color-Ready Trinkets Wooden Shapes (Z1844)
• Sparkles Black & Grey Assortment (Z1754)
• 3-D Foam Tape (Z1151)
• Micro-Tip Scissors (Z534)
• Corner Rounder (Z578)
• Paper Trimmer (Z1783)
• My Acrylix^® Spritz Cleaner (1778)
• My Acrylix^® Stamp Scrubber (Z1782)
• 2" × 3½" My Acrylix^® Block (Y1009)
• 4" × 5" My Acrylix^® Block (Y1012)
• Cricut^® Art Philosophy Collection (Z1686)

Share this with your pals and just go to my website and click shop (pajamas optional!)

Morton Update | Mother's Day Card

First, thanks for staying with me the past few years, and following my blog! We've been mighty hectic around here (really, since Colt was born) and I've had a hard time setting things down and crafting, let alone sharing any of it.

Here's what you'll find, today:
1. Mother's Day
2. Morton Update
3. Mom's Card - tutorial

1. Mother's Day
I'm kind of proud of myself. I'll tell you why in a sec. For Mother's Day, my family really gave me the royal treatment! I got to prop my feet up while they cleaned the whole house top to bottom (waxed floors and polished the wood railings, even!) I received chocolate, handmade gifts, and a wonderful home-cooked meal and I didn't have to do the dishes! While they worked like slaves, I used my time wisely. This is the proud part. I got a rare opportunity to craft for several hours while they cleaned and cooked. I was able to accomplish quite a bit during that short time and crafted some last minute gifts for others. I'll share one with you today, and yippee! I have a few more to share this month, too. I hope you had an amazing Mother's Day with your friends and family as well!

2. Morton Update
Before I go on about my cute little family, I want to remind you that during May, with your $35 purchase, you can still pick up a Dream Pop paper packet for National Scrapbooking Month for only $10. It's super cute and fun and just right to perk up your day! Pick it up here. Okay, now on to the fun stuff! We just returned home from four-wheeling in Delta, UT. Delta, you say? Yes, I was a bit skeptical as well, but, turns out, Delta has some really interesting sites and we had a great time. If you're from Delta, I commend you on your beautiful town and hospitality! Some of the places we saw:

Topaz Japanese Relocation Camp

Notch Peak

Painter Springs

Hermit's cabin

Lehman Caves

Brandon and I have been just plugging along and the vacation was much overdue. It was great to get out of the valley and roast s'mores with family and friends! The kids are all doing well, looking forward to summer. We got a tramp recently, so they've been enjoying their status as VIPs in the neighborhood :)

3. Mom's Card (one of them - Moms, that is)

This was a bit unconventional for a Mother's Day card. I had been cutting earlier for a project later this week for Moms and daughters at my church and became fascinated by the negative space created from the items cut out on my Cricut. I kept thinking, this would make a fabulous card in Slate and Honey! So this is what developed. I loved spending time just puttering around on the Cricut. Just seeing what inspiration came and following through; putting several projects together. Priceless. Thank you family.

This 6x6" card features a Slate base and 3 layers of Honey cardstock over the top, black 1" grosgrain ribbon and 2 Ruby cardstock roses, inked with Slate. Below is a quick tutorial on how I got the pattern.

1. I had 3 sheets of negatives left from cutting pinwheels out of Honey cardstock. The pinwheels were cut using the Close To My Heart Artiste cartridge (pg. 50, "p" key using Accent 1) sized at 3 1/4" and the Auto Fill feature, which produced 9 per sheet.

2. Flip the bottom diagonally, from the top right corner to the bottom left corner, keeping the top left corner where the pattern is closest to both edges.

 3. Ok, set the top sheet off to the side, keeping track of how you set it. Take the middle sheet and rotate a quarter turn to the right.

4. Now, hold up that third top sheet which you set aside and rotate that one a half turn to the right. And there's your pattern.

 5. Ok, now to tack them together quick-and-easy-like, grab your favorite spray adhesive. This is from Wally's. And something to use as a drop cloth. The lid of a paper box works great in keeping overspray to a minimum while fitting a full 12x12" sheet.

6. Now, separate the layers, keeping the positioning, and spray the backs of the cardstock sheets (so your adhesive doesn't show through if you miss), one at a time and carefully re-stack the sheets and press together to secure. Now you have your overlay for your card. It's still tacky on the bottom due to the previous spray adhesive, so just center over your card base where you like and press down, then trim.

7. Attach ribbon and then roses, which were also cut from the Artiste cartridge (pg. 54, "f" key using Accent 1, at 5" and 3"). Tip, use this handy tool to form your roses and zip these out in record time.

Warm wishes for a great spring day!

May Specials

We've had the April showers. Now we're on to May flowers - but with a POP! Here's what's in store today:

1. Dream Pop

2. Pinwheel (SOTM)

1. Dream Pop

In honor of National Scrapbooking Month, you can get a special paper packet for only $10 when you spend $35 in May (valued at $19.95 retail). This paper packet includes 12 cardstock sheets as well as 12 B&T Duos® papers that were specifically designed for this promotion only—you can’t get the paper packet anywhere else! Start National Scrapbooking Month off right with a unique paper packet at a bargain price and get your creative juices flowing!

Also, consider hosting this month: Hostesses receive one paper packet free with qualifying May Gathering sales totals of $400 or more!

 * Shipping/handling and tax apply. Not available for purchase at full retail. Offer valid May 1–31, 2013, while supplies last. Qualifying purchases must be current, retail-priced product.

2. May SOTM - Pinwheel

SET OF 10
Available May 1-31, 2013

Get the Stamp of the Month set for just $5 (S1305A) when you place an order of $50 or more. Jump-start the fun by ordering the items from the list below to create this artwork! You’ll find helpful assembly tips at my website under Promotions.

Items used in the artwork created by the Close To My Heart Art Department:
Claire Paper Packet
($9.95, X7166B, p. 40)
Honey Cardstock
($14.50, X5668, p. 9)
Pear Exclusive Inks Pad
($5.25, Z2197, p. 9)
Lagoon Exclusive Inks Pad
($5.25, Z2195, p. 9)
Sparkles Clear Flourishes—Small
($4.95, Z1812, p. 120)
Pink Glitter Gems
($3.95, Z1807, p. 120)
Cricut® Artiste Collection
($99, Z1790, p. 15)
RECOMMENDED BLOCKS: 1" x 3½" (Y1002), 2" x 2" (Y1003), 3" x 3" (Y1006)

Warm wishes for a fabulous day!

It's a Cricut Party!

Want to make this cute little banner created by the Close To My Heart Art Department for your next party? This is absolutely adorable and will be an instant smash at your next get-together! You can see this and other cute ideas in the video Clearly The Best: How to Kiss—with Stamps. Making coordinating gifts and accessories is a snap with the Cricut and your Close To My Heart Artiste Cricut Collection, whether you use one piece or many. Combine simple shapes and techniques with your favorite stamp set to make a big splash this year.

Party Banner
Stamp set of your choice
X5668 Honey Cardstock
X5764 Pear Cardstock
1272 Cranberry Cardstock
Z2197 Pear Exclusive Inks^® Pad
Z2163 White Daisy Exclusive Inks^® Pad
Z1751 Baker’s Twine Harvest Assortment
Z1311 1¼" Circle Punch
Cricut^® Shapes:
Artiste
1" Shift+3D Object (cut 56, p. 57)

Art Tip! This banner only uses one type of Cricut^® shape, but the finished product is still stunning. Use stamp kissing to randomly stamp across the pieces using the stamp set of your choice. Score with the help of the Cricut^®-cut score lines on the shape and piece together to create little globes. Tie together with baker’s twine and voila!

Warm wishes,

Love Your Layout | Studio J

April's Love Your Layout video is out! Watch how to make this layout step by step and learn up-to-the-minute tips along the way.

For professionally-designed scrapbook layouts that you can customize in minutes, Studio J^® is the online design software for you. Learn how to add your own personal touch to simple-to-create studio layouts with the tips and tricks from this month’s Love Your Layout℠ video, featuring the classy For Always kit. Log in to Studio J to make your own while you watch!

Go watch the video now! 

Happy Mail | Everyday Cards Class

I was privileged to get some love in my mailbox from my neighbor. She felt bad she missed my birthday, so she brought me a cute little gift of gum for a "fresh start"! I love getting happy mail!
Have you sent out a handmade card to someone you love? It's a small and simple thing by which great things are accomplished.

Short on cards? Join my Everyday Cards class Tuesday, April 23 from 630 - 830pm. Every month we will make an average of 4 cards and/or gifties to build up your stash. Thank you's, Happy Birthdays, seasonal and neighbor gifts  - it's all here, with a little tips, tricks and Cricut fun, too. Sign up today and bring a friend for double the fun! Class is $10 or cards are free with your $25 order of Close To My Heart products.

All classes held in South Jordan, address and directions given at sign up. Call or text 8019108698 or email slvrlinin@live.com. Can't get to South Jordan? No sweat - you can participate at home via mail! Just add $5 to ship your kit to you and pay by PayPal. Enjoy your day!

Warm wishes,

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April Specials and Signup Bonus!

Artwork by Karen Pedersen

Here's what you'll find in today's post:

1.  Sign Up and Celebrate!

2.  April Stamp of the Month:"My Sunshine"

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1. Sign Up and Celebrate:  April is the month to sign up as a new consultant with Close To My Heart.  When you do, you get The April, May, June and July Stamp of the Month sets FREE with your kit. Each stamp set is valued at $17.95, which means that the 4 together are worth $71.80.

You qualify for this special whether you choose the Essentials Kit ($49, valued at $155) of the Master Kit ($99, valued at $335).  You don't have to be a math whiz to see the HUGE savings in that!  In fact, if you were to sign up with the Essentials Kit, you would spend $49 to sign up and receive over $226 in products with this special. If you were to sign up with the Master Kit, your $99 would get you over $406.  To sign up, just go here and it's easy, peasy, lemon squeasy. Once you sign up, I will be notified and will contact you to help you get your business started. For your convenience, here are the photos and lists of contents in both the Essentials and Master Kits.Essentials Kit: $49 ($155 in retail value):  Includes a Read Me First Letter, Current Idea Books (qty. 3), Hostess Order Forms (qty. 5), Customer Order Forms (qty. 5), Close To My Heart Color Swatches, Spring/Summer 2013 B&T Sampler, Petite Perks Critter Expressions Incentive Stamp Set, Chantilly Complements Dimensional Elements, Workshops on the Go Chantilly Scrapbooking Kit, Reflections Scrapbook Program, Originals Card Confidence  Program, Buttercup Exclusive Inks Pad, Cotton Candy Exclusive Inks Pad, Spinner, My Acrylix Wheel of Life Stamp Set, My Acrylix For a Friend Stamp Set, 4" x 5" My Acrylix Block.

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Master Kit: $99 ($335 in retail value): Includes Read Me First Letter, Current Idea Books (qty. 10), 5 Studio J Layouts (redeem within 3 months), Hostess Order Forms (qty. 25), Customer Order Forms (qty. 25), Spring/Summer 2013 Gathering Postcards, Close To My Heart Color Swatches, Spring/Summer 2013 B&T Duos Sampler , Petite Perks Critter Expressions Incentive Stamp Set (qty. 5), My Creations 6" x 6" Canvas Display, Spinner, Chantilly Complements Dimensional Elements, Workshops on the Go Chantilly Scrapbooking Kit, My Creations Star, Color Ready Seam Binding Ribbon, Reflections Scrapbook Program, Originals Card Confidence Program, Cello Bags, My Acrylix Stamp Scrubber, My Acrylix Spritz Cleaner Bonding Memories Glue, Sponge, Liquid Glass, Non-stick Micro-tip Scissors, Buttercup Exclusive Inks Pad, Cotton Candy Exclusive Inks Pad, My Acrylix Glamour Uppercase Stamp Set, My Acrylix Wheel of Life Stamp Set, My Acrylix For a Friend Stamp Set, 4" x 5" My Acrylix Block, 3" x 3" My Acrylix Block.

You can read more about the kit and contents on my team page here.

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2.  April Stamp of the Month: This fun and sunny stamp set is perfect for both cards, layouts, and even some fun Summer home decor projects!  From sunshine to a bird and even a hot air balloon, these fun, footloose and fancy free images are sure to tickle your fancy! They have been tickling mine for over a week as I have played with this set. I'll be sharing some of my artwork with you throughout the month.  The only hard thing was putting this set away and moving on to something else!  I made the card you see at the top of the post with the April Stamp of the Month. I used my very favorite image in the set, the sunshine.  The cute sentiment, "Sun is shining. Weather is sweet. Make you wanna move your dancing feet. -Bob Marley" was perfect for the inside of my card. This set (retail value of $17.95) can be yours during April only for $5 with every $50 order.  Hop on over to my website and you'll be prompted to add this set before you check out.

Close up of April Stamp of the Month card. Notice the embossed center of the sun and the sponging around the edge detail.

April Stamp of the Month: "My Sunshine".  Carrier sheet actual size is 6" x 6".  I suggest purchasing the 4" x 5" My Acrylix Block for this set.

Instructions to make this card:Supplies Needed: April Stamp of the Month, White Daisy Value Pack Cards and Envelopes, White Daisy Cardstock, Tommy Paper Pack, Honey Stamp Pad, Versamark Stamp Pad, White Daisy Embossing Powder, Heat Gun, Outdoor Denim Chevron Ribbon,Colonial White Waxy Flax, Red Button Assortment, Round Sponge, 3D Foam Tape, Glue Dots, General Adhesive of your choice (I love Tombow).1.  Stamp the sun rays in Honey Ink on a 3 1/4" x 3 1/4" piece of White Daisy Cardstock. Sponge the edges of this square with Honey Ink. 2.  Cut a 2 1/2" circle from Honey Cardstock.  Stamp the sun words in the center of this circle with the Versamark Pad.  Sprinkle White Daisy Embossing Powder over the top and pour excess back in jar.  Heat with the Heat Gun until the powder and ink melt together to form an embossed image.  Set aside to let dry/cool for about 1 minute. 3.  Sponge the edge of the circle with Honey Ink. 4.  Mount the circle in the center of the sun rays image using 3D Foam Tape.5. Mount this square on a 3 1/2" x 3 1/2" piece of Outdoor Denim Cardstock.6. Cut a 4" x 5 1/4" piece of the diagonal stripe B&T paper.  Mount this centered on the card front.7. Mount your focal image as you see in the photo near the top of the card using 3D Foam Tape. 8. Form a bow with the Outdoor Denim Chevron Ribbon.  Adhere it below your focal image with a glue dot. 9. Thread a piece of Colonial White Waxy Flax through the red button of your choice and tie in a knot. Using a Glue Dot, secure your button to the center of your bow . 10.  Stamp the "Sun is shining..." image in Honey Ink on the inside of your card.

Now is the Time

..to sign up to be a Close To My Heart Independent Consultant! If you've been sitting on the fence, April is your month with our great recruiting special.

When you sign up as a Consultant in April, you’ll receive a little something extra for joining the Close To My Heart family — the April, May, June, and July Stamp of the Month stamp sets for free! These D-size stamp sets are a great for a new Consultant to create artwork, bring to Gatherings, and show off to everyone. Now that’s a reason to celebrate! To learn more about being a valued member of my team, go to http://trishamorton.ctmh.com and click on Opportunity.

Warm wishes,

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Love Your Layout | Studio J

Hello! The February Love Your Layout video is up and it's a great one, featuring Later Sk8r, which is All. Boy. As always, besides the beautiful artwork and ideas, there is step-by-step instruction on how to recreate this layout for your very own. And you always learn a new technique or two in the process! So go on. Love Your Layout.

Gnarly Layouts in Studio J^®

Later, dude! The Later Sk8r kit is featured in this month’s Love Your Layout℠ video, where you can find tips and tricks for creating a gnarly layout. Learn how to create paint-splattered accents, stack My Stickease^®images, and add dates to your studio scrapbook pages. Log in to Studio J to make your own layout while you watch the video!

Become a Close To My Heart Consultant for 49 Bucks!

No, that $49 in the title is not a type-o! It's the real thing!  With a brand new Idea Book (which debuted on Feb. 1) comes an awesome New Consultant Kit, two to be exact.  We have a $49 option (the Essentials Kit) and a $99 kit (the Master Kit).

New Consultant Kits Available:


Essentials Kit ($49 + shipping and tax)

For a little as just $49 (over $155 value), you can get all of the goodies in the photo above and start a new business! 


Master Kit ($99 + shipping and tax)

For $99 (over $335 value), you get everything included in the Essentials Kit (see photo above) plus more supplies and 5 Studio J layouts. 

Click here for more information on joining my team and to see everything that is available in the new kit!