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!

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)
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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,

Hello December | Monthly Specials

I feel like it's been a whirlwind. This. Whole. Year. I haven't had much online presence and I appreciate you coming back anyway! Life is crazy with 4 kids under 10, what can I say? As I write, the two year old is just happily chatting up the cereal on his tray and so excited to share his opinion about shape, style and taste. We're conspiring over chocolate milk. Life is good.

I'm excited to tell you about the December specials from Close To My Heart:

1. Christmas Card Class

2. Holidays From the Heart Gift Guide

3. Stamp of the Month

4, Rediscover Close To My Heart

1. Christmas Card Class
Make some quick Christmas Cards to send a hand-written I Love You this year. Wednesday, December 11th at 7pm. Cards are $1 each and include an envelope. 4 designs. RSVP.

Frosted papers, Novembers SOTM - Illuminate, Glitz glitter gel
and upgraded Clear Sparkles ($0.25 each)

2. Holidays From the Heart Gift Guide
This cute gift guide is packed with love and is sure to warm up your holiday season. Pictured below is the Sparkle & Shine Workshop on the Go package (all for $29.95) and is only available through December 31st at 11:59pm. This paper will sure help you deck your halls and features 2 sheets of shimmering sliver ornament paper. So cute! AND, for every $100 or retail-priced products in your order from either the Holidays from the Heart Gift Guide or the Autumn/Winter 2013 Idea Book, you can choose one "star" item from the gift guide FREE!

Not just Christmas, but some fabulous spring products to jump start your new year in style are in the new Holidays from the Heart Gift Guide! I am loving the Party Washi Tape 3-pack and the cute Lifting Spirits My Acrylix stamp set. This collection doesn't have just Christmas on the brain, but a host of other products, too! Check them out before they're gone for good!

See the online Holidays from the Heart Gift Guide or the Autumn/Winter 2013 Idea Book. 

C1570 Lifting Spirits

3. December SOTM - Special Care

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.

For a list of supplies to make this artwork, go here.

S1312 Special Care

4. Rediscover Close To My Heart

During this holiday season, bring joy to those around you! Download our free holiday gift tags to add an extra touch of joy to gifts for neighbors, friends, and family. Available for download through December 31.

Have a fantastic Christmas season!

Warm wishes,

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!

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.