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)
......................................................................................

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,

Tomorrow is the Pajama Party and You're Invited!

Close To My Heart is teaming up with Big Picture Classes to bring you a live webcast with step-by-step instructions for making our Happy Thoughts kraft container. The FREE webcast will air this Thursday, May 30 from 7:00 pm to 8:00 pm (MDT). Anyone with an Internet connection can watch, so be sure to tune in! 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 register for the event and log in to the Pajama Party “classroom.” Once you’ve registered for the FREE class, follow these steps for entering the classroom: Scroll to the bottom of any page and click on “My Classes” under the “My Account” category. On the My Classes page, click on “enter classroom” next to the Pajama Party line item. Now you’re in the classroom! On the night of the event, you can go to this page to interact via the live chat, enter the giveaways, and download the free Close To My Heart project handout.

Share this information with your friends and family so they can join in the fun, too!

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!)

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! 

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!

Christmas Firsts | Overstamping Technique

Phew! I am grateful to be back in the blogosphere after a wonderful Christmas holiday with my family. It's been a crazy whirlwind and as usual I overbooked myself on too many projects and didn't get half of them finished...and enjoyed every minute with my family doing what we loved. I can live with that.

Here's a look at one project I was able to finish this week. It took me all week, because despite the Cricut being super fast and easy, it is kind of loud next to the sleeping baby's room... I get my crafting done after the kids are down for the count at night, so I have to pre-plan my Cricut cutting times so I can do those on the weekend during the day. When I just sit down to mess around and inspiration strikes...well, it sometimes takes a while to try it all out!

Title using the Overstamping technique in Champagne and Cranberry inks. Love this.

Overstamping

All of the ornaments were cut with the Cricut Artiste cartridge. For the large Cranberry ornament, I cut the base in Champagne cardstock at 8" and then the overlay in cranberry, also at 8", matching the layout instructions in Jeanette Lynton's Magic for the Makin' It Happen layout. The ornament for my journalling was cut from Colonial White cardstock, then I embellished with Almond Glitz Gel, letting it dry a few minutes, then added journalling and some old Cranberry grosgrain for trim. I love how the Almond and Bronze glitter appears to change colors based on what is around it. The glitter on the large Cranberry ornament and the Colonial White journal spot are the same, but they appear different on the two colors of cardstock.

Journalling Spot Detail

Green, Red and Almond decorative Glitz Glitter Gel detail.

Just loving this Glitz Glitter Gel! I added dots of Green all over the swirls on the Pear and Partridge B&T. It's Christmas!

The blur of white behind the shoe in the first picture on the Cranberry ornament is a bit unusual, I realize. It was long before I worried much about taking pictures with scrapbook layouts in mind. Meet Raynie. This is the first layout I have done of her since she passed, my sweet baby girl and first "child". I got Raynie, a samoyed, just a week before I got married (Brandon got two in one!) and she was our constant companion for over ten years before she passed.  It's a little sad remembering, but so joyful. I am ready to finally delve into that stack of photos and tell her story. I hope you love her as much as we do. Have a very Happy New Year!

Warm wishes,

Thinkin' Inkin'? Pigment vs Dye

Not sure when to use what? Here's a great short video on the benefits of both types of ink when it's best to use each.
Warm wishes,
Trish

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Love Your Layout in Studio J {Dakota}

If you aren't receiving the emails from Studio J, you should! They are packed full of great ideas, tips and new features every month. Keep abreast of what's happening by signing up here. Here's a quick look:

Happy Trails Ahead in Studio J^®

The latest Love Your Layout℠ video is out! Recreate this amazing layout below using the new Dakota kit. The Love Your Layout series is great because it introduces you to new paper kits and My Stickease images and then teaches you a few techniques in an easy and simple style that anyone can follow. In this video, learn how to create a journaling box with a photo background, and dress up your layout using My Stickease^® images. Watch the video and then log in to Studio J^® to make your own!

Studio J^®: Jazzy Combination™

Happy trails!

Easy Party Planning with Cricut {Video}

Hello folks! I just saw this great video on YouTube and wanted to share it with you. With school in session, the kids birthday parties ramp up and Cricut Artiste is a great way to simplify your headache and make an extravagant impression - all at the same time. We have quite a few bridal and baby showers in our family this year and I know where I'm getting some of my decorating done in a snap!



See, just let the Cricut work for you so you have plenty of time to manage the other details of your event with ease. For more party ideas, see here, here and here.

Warm wishes everybody!

National Stamping Month Specials and Play Dates

I looked all over the Lodge at Fish Lake for a T-shirt to bring home that said, "I went to Fish Lake and all I caught was this cold," but for some reason they didn't have one. We had a great time camping this past week (and even got a date night courtesy of the parents, for which I am eternally grateful) despite getting sick, and the cold held off until the end of the trip, at least. We had the kids' time out of school scaled down to the bare minimum, but then ended up taking another day with the cold!

There are plenty of things to cheer about in September, though. Here's a rundown of what's in store:

1. Play Dates
It's the return of the 5 Buck Layout, the cheapest date there is! 

This month you can make this beautiful layout featuring Avonlea papers and stamps. Buy just the kit for only $5 or get the Avonlea Workshop on the Go and take home the stamps, accessories, paper and more to make another 4 pages, cards, or countless other projects, like this My Creations Bracket Frame, which would be an awesome handmade gift for someone you love (HINT: Grandparents always love to receive pictures). Sign up below! For more information about how Play Dates work and the loot, er.. Rewards you can reap, check out the sidebar on the right under "Play Dates".

Saturday, Sept. 15 @ 10 am - 12 pm Avonlea 5 Buck Layout

Saturday, Sept. 15 @ 7 pm - 9 pm Avonlea 5 Buck Layout

Monday, Sept. 17 @ 10 am - 12 pm Avonlea 5 Buck Layout

Monday, Sept. 24 @ 10 am - 1 pm Avonlea My Creations Bracket Frame, $15

Saturday, Sept 29 @ 7pm - 10 pm Avonlea My Creations Bracket Frame, $15

2. National Stamping Month
This campaign is in full swing until September 30th and you can take advantage of this great double stamp set for only $5 with your qualifying purchase. 

Read more about this, here. (Did you know Studio J orders can count towards your Home Gathering totals for Hostess Rewards? Ask me how!)

3. Stamp of the Month

Fall Favorites 

set of 11

Available September 1–30, 2012

Get the Stamp of the Month set for just $5 (S1209A) when you place an order of $50 or more in products. 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.

Moonlight Paper Packet

($9.95, X7161B, Autumn/Winter 2012

Idea Book p. 56)

Autumn Terracotta Exclusive Inks® Marker Set($5.95, Z2427, p. 9)

Honey Exclusive Inks® Marker Set($5.95, Z2415, p. 9)

Olive Exclusive Inks® Marker Set($5.95, Z2425, p. 9)

Burlap Ribbon

($7.95, Z1760, p. 124)

Brads Metal Assortment

($4.95, Z1366, p. 127)

Cricut® Artiste Collection($99, Z1790, p. 15)

See you in the craft room soon!

Warm wishes,

The Mr. and Mrs {Bridal Shower}

As I told you yesterday, this is the second card I made for my niece, Paige's, bridal shower. You can not believe how dang easy this card was! As a mom of four, I am all about the time-saving now and this card won't let you down - if you have the secret ingredient! I won't keep you hanging *much*, but watch this video first. It tells you all about the August Love Your Layout in Studio J.

Wow, I just love Avonlea more and more every day! And Studio J is such a lifesaver, too, especially for those of us who may be, um, a little *behind*.

Ok, enough blather. The secret ingredient? Cricut Artiste! Here's the deets. I cut the Mr&Mrs in black cardstock at 4 1/4" (that's the height, not the width). Now, I need to make the base fit, so I measured and then cut the card at 5 1/2" out of White Daisy cardstock. Adhere the black to the white, then tie a cranberry ribbon in a bow and secure with a dab of Liquid Glass to mimic the "tux" on the "Mr." Then grab your Bitty Pearl Opaques and add 5 self-adhesive pearl "buttons" to the "Mrs." for the "dress". To attach the card to the basket I punched a hole in the corner and tied some Cranberry Twine to turn it into a cute tag, complete with my best wishes on the back. Oh, Snap! Baby, it doesn't get any easier than this! (You can slap me now for calling you baby.)

Artiste has plenty of fun sentiments for all your occasions, too, so don't let a lil' ol' bridal shower slow you down. There's baby, holiday and everyday sentiments among the almost 700 images on the cartridge. You ain't seen nothin' yet. Come to my Open House, this Saturday, August 25th from 1p - 4p and play around with the Cricut. You'll never look back.

Great Gifts {Video}

This is one of the best things about the Close To My Heart Art Philosophy Cricut cartridge - the endless gift ideas and creativity! The fabulous Art Dept. at Close To My Heart has put this cool vid together to give you some great ideas on how to use your Art Philosophy cartridge and make some wonderful handmade gifts in a snap. Just Click and Like!

Warm wishes,

Rock the Block! Starts Monday at 9am

When you place a minimum order of $25 from the Autumn/Winter 2011 Idea Book, you can get two valuable new products for just $15: the My Creations^® Collage Cubes (a Spring/Summer 2012 sneak-peek product!) and the exclusive My Acrylix^® Rock the Block E-size stamp set (available only during this promotion). This Rock the Block promotion represents a retail savings of almost $30! You're going to love the collage cubes and the Rock the Block stamp set, which work together for interactive, fashionable fun!





I can't wait to get my hands on this little item! You can too by going to my website to order or calling, texting or emailing me today!


Warm wishes,

Holiday Tags and Morton Update {Welcome Colt}

As you can see we've been a little busy around here! This past month and a half we celebrated Halloween, welcomed our new little one, counted our blessings and then decked the halls. Phew! Here's a quick recap of our family but first, let me share this great video on how to make your own decorative tags for great gift-giving that makes a splash!



Happy Halloween
We had some pals come trick or treat with us this year. Uncle Drew and Whitney brought Brayden (aka: Thor) over to reign terror over the streets of South Jordan with us. We couldn't believe how much candy the kids collected this time! The dentist is gonna LOVE this bunch!

Snow Monsters
Our first good snow of the season called for suiting up. Brook and Aidan had a great time making tracks all over the backyard and even fit in a few Monste... er, Angels.

A Welcome Addition

Our house welcomed our new little brother into the world in November. Colt Glenn arrived a day early by cesarean and weighed in at 9 lbs and 11 ozs. He had a hard time adjusting at first due to his size and the c-section and spent some time in the nursery with an IV line until his blood sugar stabillized. When he was born he had a little bit of fluid in his lungs and had started to grunt while breathing, indicating labored breathing normally, so as a precaution they kept him on oxygen for a couple of days. Turns out he just likes to grunt like the other kids did. Completely amazed the doctors. We're glad they took the precautions anyway!



Smile, you're on Aidan's Candid Camera, Mom!

Roast Beast

This year we stayed home for Thanksgiving and had the whole Morton family over. It was great having everyone together again and Mom always puts on a good spread!







Canning

This was a new experiment for me this year. I've dabbled a little bit with freezing produce but really have wanted to learn how to do this and to be more self-reliant. We have a great little garden started and I'd love to be able to put some of our harvest up for a later date.

Last week I tried applesauce for the first time. After a few mishaps and some trials and more errors, I finally got something worth giving! The kids passed it off as a keeper and I gotta say, it feels great knowing that my 7 hours, 2 broken nails and bad temper really was worth seeing those jars on the shelf!

Deck the Halls

Wasn't sure about this adventure this year with a new baby and a 2.5yo Turbo-powered kid running around! Turns out the older two were more, eh.. acrobatic than Garrett. They put every ornament I had on the poor tree and half way through we lost the bottom rung of lights. *Sigh* Mom's fancy trees are a thing of the past for some time to come, it seems, but it turned out pretty nice and they had a great time!



It's been great being off work for the past month. I don't want to go back! I can't say it's been a vacation.. cuz it hasn't. But I've loved spending time with each of my children and my husband and the great way we have come together to work at making our home a great environment for our family. I'm really going to miss that as I move back to the hustle and bustle. Hopefully we can keep a little bit of that in our daily lives. But one thing I am looking forward to... going into the gas station again instead of paying at the pump because I have a car full of kids I don't want to get out of their seats!

Warm wishes,