It's a Brand New Idea Book! | Spring/Summer 2014

Celebrate 30 years this spring with Close To My Heart and a brand new Idea Book, live for customers February 1, 2014-July 31,2014! Click on the image to go directly to the Idea Book and shop from your pajamas and recliner! (PS-you can order your copy of the book directly on my website and have it shipped right to your home if you choose-no more wait!)

PPS-thanks to all of your wonderful birthday wishes! I did work (no rest for the weary lol) but I came home to a clean house, some beautiful handmade cards with presents and cheesecake. The world is better with cheesecake.

Now for the goods! Here is what you can find this month:

February Specials

1. Rediscover Close To My Heart
2. Embossing is Boss! (new products!!)
3. Product Highlight
4. Stamp of the Month (SOTM)

1. Rediscover Close To My Heart

Every month, in celebration of our anniversary, you can download a free printable here. This month has some cute Valentines to print out and share. Just perfect for your child's classroom, friends and neighbors!

2. Embossing is Boss
Beginning February 1, you can qualify to receive a free embossing folder for every 2 packs of bulk single color or combo cardstock you purchase.

Pick from our 5 new embossing folder designs-dot, chevron, quatrefoil, damask or stripe. There is no limit on this promotion; you may add a free folder to your order for every two qualifying packs of cardstock on your order! Qualifying cardstock packs are all single-color and combo packs with the exception of kraft, White Daisy, Colonial White, and the Paper Fundamentals Basics Assortment. Designs are available while supplies last during this promotion, so chop, chop (shop, shop?) and don't be left in the dirt! With your purchase of two cardstock packs, you are halfway to deep discounts on the exclusive Stamp of the Month, below!!

3. Product Highlight | Picture My Life
I have been waiting for this product for so long! Think Project Life^® Close To My Heart-Style with your favorite coordinating colors and images!

Picture My Life is a new design on scrapbooking that makes it easy to get your scrapbooking done, like, yesterday. It's so simple and easy! The kit comes with 10 sheet protectors and some exclusive designed journalling cards in 4x6 and 3x4 sizes featuring your favorite new and recent My Reflections paper kits and images. Using divided sheet protectors in various formats, you simply print your 4x6 photos and slip into the dividers and add a little date stamp and some quick journalling. Each 2 page layout, typically represents a week, with room for 7 pictures, one per day, some journalling or cute pre-designed cards and a 4x6 card for the week and dates.

I like the 3 ring binders while you are working on your year because you are constantly adding to it but it's up to you. (My Legacy D-Ring Binders in Slate Circles and Cocoa Damask will be available March 1st; the My Legacy Work-in-Progress Album does the trick nicely now at a lower price!) Add some 8 1/2x11 protectors in between to showcase the artwork your children bring home from school, a great score on the math test, or a Flip Flap for other sized memorabilia and that's it! You simply print your 4x6 photos and slip into the dividers, tuck in your saved "scraps" and you're done! No cutting or stamping, mess or clutter. Or if you choose, get as fussy as you want with custom stamped cards and images for the week as time permits.

I am using Babycakes Picture My Life for my son's Baby Book,
but don't limit yourself on what you can do with these!

This can really maximize your craft time and just get it done. All digital? No problem! Studio J provides all of the great paper kits now and from the past, along with all of the coordinating images to custom build a layout online with drag and drop capability. No storage or tech savvy necessary. And you only pay when you're ready to print and/or download! Faster. Simpler. Easier.

4. Stamp of the Month (SOTM)

Beautiful Stamps. Amazing Deals. Each month you can purchase a new D-size stamp set, available for one month only, for just $5 — that’s over 70% off retail! When you place an order of $50 or more in Close To My Heart products, you qualify for this special Stamp of the Month pricing.

Remember, the red lines around the images indicate a corresponding Cricut shape with our exclusive Cricut cartridges (large heart and "Wild Thing" sentiment). This month's set uses Art Philosophy.

Now, go on. Share some love.

Spreading Good Will | Sympathy Card

I was just thinking what a great company Close To My Heart is and how much I enjoy being a part of it. Recently, a coworker of mine lost her mother-in-heart. Hmm? Oh, well, you, know. A mother not of the blood but one who might as well have been. It was a long ordeal and painful to watch, emotionally and physically. While we were sad to see her go, it was a relief to know she truly is at rest now and being taken care of, literally, by angels. That also makes me very thankful to have the knowledge of Jesus Christ and eternal families.

Where am I going with this? I had created this card last month in preparation for sharing the January Stamp of the Month with you and actually had Valentine's Day in mind as well as a sweet little addition to our family (Brandon's brother and sister-in-law were able to adopt a brand new baby December 24 - more on that to come!)

Close up of the raised sentiment. I used 3D Foam tape to pop this up.

As I was sitting with my co-workers, it occurred to us that no one had thought to send a sympathy card around and she was due back in a few days. Sure, we had all been thinking about her and her family; had text, emailed and face-timed to share our love and support. But no one had thought to get a card and have our co-workers sign it.

I realized I had kept a card with me for inspiration during my breaks and was grateful now, to have it with me as I worked. Here was the perfect thing! A handmade card to beautiful and creatively express our deepest sympathy and empathy. Despite having a different recipient in mind while creating, I was still able to use it for the same purpose. Something in this electronic age, still able to more deeply convey our love and support than 15 daily texts and "Likes".

Well, the handmade card was received well and seemed to eclipse the rest of the last week. All because someone took some time to pen a handwritten thought and sentiment. Others added to it and shared their love. And my sweet friend received an unconditional statement of caring and support to always treasure and remember. You know, the texts are instant, but forgotten quickly and rarely reviewed. That card, however, will stay with her treasured mementos and always remind her she is loved, for a very long time.

I am grateful for the wonderful opportunity to improve myself and help build others around me and I know I would have less opportunities for both had I passed off on Close To My Heart as "one of those crazy pyramid schemes" and gone with the crowd when I first investigated being more than just a good customer. The reality is every business is a "pyramid" - one at the top and many below. Those who work hard, work upward and gain more rewards, and those content, stay happy where they are. But this is one opportunity where I am at the top of everything I do. Whether I want to work hard and build a team and thriving business, or just get a discount on my favorite products. I love loving what I do and I love helping others, making friends and building people up. Give yourself the tools to be a success at whatever you do and share a little love in your heart. What a great way to practice what we "preach"!

If you would like to learn more about joining my team and helping to spread a little more good cheer, then please watch this quick video. Or go here. Because I would love to have you on my team and be able to share even more good will!

Warm wishes my friend!

January Play Dates Scrapbooking Class | ProPlayer

Play Dates | Pro Player

This month I've got game. No, really! I just made 4 super layouts from the ProPlayer My Reflections Paper packet (just $9.95 plus tax and shipping) plus a few extra cardstock sheets (okay, and one Creme Brulee B&T leftover from my retired Veranda paper packet because I ran out of CS...) These paper packets are a seriously amazing deal!

Close To My Heart has always come up with terrific trendsetting supplies and artwork and hasn't failed here. Listen, ladies, even if you are put off by the decidedly masculine colors because you need GIRL stuff.. never fear! This paper works for your favorite team: Team You! Whether you've got Little League, Super Bowl, or Gamers in mind, this is a great package to cover the Big Day. (Detail closeups of L1 below).

"Non stop fun" is from Later Sk8r and worked again for my missing  Complements My Stickease.
"Adventure Time" is on the zip strip!

Here's a closeup of my borrowed Veranda Creme Brulee' B&T.

I went with the two WOTG layout patterns to showcase a training session for work at one of our local air ambulances, AirMed (Layout one, L1, above), and for my boys who love playing with their dump trucks inside and out (L2, below).

Stamps are from Later Sk8r (retired), Fast and Furious and the Cricut Artbooking stamps,
plus April's SOTM (also retired). Journalling will go on White Daisy CS strips in the middle black portion.

ffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffff

I stamped the dumptruck first in black, then on a White Daisy CS sheet in Creme Brulee, and I cut out the dump to overlay with a little 3D Foam Tape.

The third was inspired by my friend, Karen Pedersen (L3, below). Red and blue are my son's favorite colors and they fit so perfectly with pictures I took of his recent broken arm (Merry Christmas) and seemed to embody his whole attitude about the experience, perseverance and accomplishment. Game on!

The title is made from a retired alphabet, but the Complements have a similar title design.

Sometimes we must make do! I didn't have any ruby shimmer trim, so I cut some Ruby CS and
added red Glitz glitter gel over the top. Nothin' wrong with using what ya got!

This sentiment is from Later Sk8r (retired) and was perfect!

I also put together a 4th layout with the scraps and 2 slate CS sheets for the traditional "Gamers" in our home, Brandon and the "Wii" little ones, the exact theme of the ProPlayer pack. And the layout is straight out of Make It From Your Heart, Vol. 1. Easy peasy!

I just love pennants! To keep your Ruby Chevron ribbon from fraying after you cut it, just run a thin line
 of Liquid Glass along the cut edge and let dry a few minutes.

Pop up your title with a little 3D Foam Tape.

These clear squares are from the retired Clear Windows, we used to carry,
many a moon ago when I started with Close To My Heart. They seemed to add the
right accessory and shape with this paper and super-clean layout pattern.

Journal tag and pocket "secured" with twine to match the other embellishments.

You can make these layouts with just a few basic supplies next month. Get started with the Basic Kit now ($29.95 plus tax and shipping) and Happy Scrappin!

Warm wishes,

Happy New Year! | January Specials

Happy New Year!!
It has been a crazy, busy year and I am missing it already, but I am so excited to start Twenty-Fourteen! How about you, do you have any resolutions? Mmm, hmm. Me, too. Gonna get that garden done, lick this bad health and come up fighting against another *aging* birthday! (Oh, wait. I turn twenty-nine every year already!) I am resolving to kick it in gear with my business this year, too! Here's a few things to get me started.

Lots to cover this month. What you'll learn about today:
1. Cloud Nine
2. Cloud Nine Team-Building Bonus
3. Rediscover Close To My Heart
4. January Stamp of the Month (SOTM)
......................................................................................

1. Cloud Nine
You can get an exclusive Cloud Nine cardmaking kit for $15 (retail value $46) with a qualifying purchase of $35 or more (excluding tax and shipping) during January in celebration of National Papercrafting Month. 

Make 10 adorable cards (2 each of 5 designs) with funky messages to put any recipient on cloud nine! You can add one cardmaking kit for every $35 in your order*. (When you order on my website, you will be prompted to add this kit to your cart if you qualified for it.)

Here is a video for Cloud 9.


Cloud 9 Kit Contents*:

• 1-Cloud 9 Stamp Set (D size set)
• 1-Cloud 9 B&T Duos Papers
• 1-Lagoon Cardstock Sheet
• 1-Honey Cardstock Sheet
• 1 - 9" x 9 1/2" White Daisy Die Cuts Sheet
• 1 Roll - Gold Polka-Dot Washi Tape
• 1 Roll - Teal Shimmer Trim
• 1 Package - Durables Triangles Studs
• 10 - Card Bases and Envelopes
• 1-Instructional Brochure

Valued at over $46!

What? You're not sure what to purchase to reach your $35?! Here's a quick list of suggestions to complete your kit, compiled by Pam Jarrett and shared with permission via Karen Pedersen:

X254 White cards and envelopes Value Pack $14.95 (the kit comes with cards, this just gives you cards to use to make MORE cards!)
Z2195 Lagoon Ink pad $5.25
Z2191 Sunset Ink pad $5.25
Z1151 3D Foam Tape $5.95
Z553 Glue Pen $4.50
Total $35.90 

If you don't already have acrylic blocks, you may want to substitute or add the following blocks to that list: 
Y1012 4" x 5" Block $15.95

* Note that Cloud Nine cardmaking kits do not count toward qualifying order totals. The retail value of the order is totaled prior to determining promotional kit eligibility. For example, if a customer purchases $60 in retail items, and adds a single card kit for $15, that $75 purchase does NOT qualify the customer to add a second promotional kit. The qualifying base purchase is exclusive of promotional cardmaking kits. 

2. Cloud Nine Team-Building Bonus
New Consultants who enroll in January will receive a FREE Cloud Nine cardmaking kit when they have submitted total personal sales of $300 or more**.

**New Consultant’s total qualifying sales must be remitted no later than June 30, 2014. The Consultant will be prompted to add the free kit with the Consultant’s order that achieves the minimum qualifying total sales. For further explanation of new Consultant qualification and shipping, please refer to the FAQ.  Additional criteria may apply to offer.

With January came a BRAND-SPANKIN'-NEW Consultant Kit...and you're gonna LOVE it!  For just $99, you get over $309 in products! WOWZA!  Here's a picture of the new kit:

To sign up, just click here. It's super fast and easy and I would *love* to have you on my team!



3. Rediscover Close To My Heart

Got a few things on your self-maintenance bucket list? Yeah, me too. 

Here's a cute way to document those in the new year. Rediscover yourself along with Close To My Heart this January and get a free printable here.

4. January Stamp of the Month: Cross-stitch Wishes
Each month you can purchase a new D-size stamp set, available for one month only, for just $5 — that’s over 70% off retail! When you place an order of $50 or more in Close To My Heart products, you qualify for this special Stamp of the Month pricing.

6x6 card using White Daisy and Crystal Blue CS, Jan. SOTM, Grey Wool Baker's Twine, Slate Ink Pad
and My Acrylix Lovely from the Cricut Artbooking cartridge.

Splatter marks made with the Spray Pen, Create-A-Shade Pearl Paint
and Exclusive Inks re-inker in Ruby.

This month is an adorable sampler of sentiments for your sweetie. I immediately loved the simplistic sweet nothings and went with a super fast look that gets right to the point! The "Artiste" note in the bottom left lets you know that the outline images have a coordinating shape on the Cricut Artiste cartridge, with the sizes noted next to each image. For more artwork and ideas, go here.

It's gonna be a great year! With specials this neat, how could you fail!

Warm wishes,