Cute Party Favors

Whether you use one Cricut^®-cut piece or several, you can create cute party favors and decorations using your CTMH Artiste cartridge. Combine your Cricut^® pieces with unique stamping techniques and you have projects that will knock your guests’ socks off! Want some recipes and tips for how to make this adorable artwork? Below are instructions for creating two pieces from the “Clearly the Best: How to kiss—with stamps” episode. Combine the Cricut^®-cut pieces for these projects with the kissing stamping technique taught in the video, and you have a stellar 3-D item! Want to learn more about the kissing stamping technique?  Check out this video.



Recipes and Tips

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

All products used are from Close To My Heart


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!


Owl Miss You Bag

1385 White Daisy Card stock
1292 Crystal Blue Card stock
X5668 Honey Card stock
X5930 Slate Card stock
Z2162 Honey Exclusive Inks^® Pad
Z2117 Crystal Blue Exclusive Inks^® Pad
Z1349 Shimmer Designer Brads
Z1752 Sparkles Clear Assortment
Z1311 1¼" Circle Punch
Twist Ties
Thread
Cricut^® Shapes:
Artiste
4½" 3D Object (p. 77)
4½" Shift+3D Object (cut 2, p. 77)
1" Shift+Accent 2 (p. 51)






Art Tip! This project uses many Cricut® shapes and all the pieces coordinate so nicely for an adorable finished product. Use the Artiste assembly booklet to put the bag together and then add the embellishments. The feathers are created with punched circles that are stamped using the kissing technique; however, if you don’t have the circle punch, you can easily make these using the Cricut as well. The eyes were created using Shimmer designer brads, but you can use any large brad or button to create the same look. Finish with the “owl miss you sentiment” for a special touch.

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April Promotion:

Sign up and Celebrate!

If you've been giving thought to becoming a Close To My Heart consultant, April is the month!  Not only can you get the Essentials Kit for only $49,

but, you can get four Stamps of the Month for free!  That's a $71.80 value!

The Essentials Kit is valued at $155, so you will be receiving $226 worth of product for only $49!  What an opportunity! 

Whether you are local or across the country, you will receive the training, support, and encouragement to help you grow your business. I am always available by email, phone, or postal mail. You will have all the knowledge you need to make your business grow without ever leaving your home. I offer Personal Business Coaching for those on my team who are excited about their business. I also offer "NO PRESSURE" team support for those interested in discounts only.

Close To My Heart allows you to work as a hobbyist or create a successful business. You will have the opportunity to purchase our wonderful products at a discount or earn a very generous commission. You will be part of the cutting edge in stamping and scrapping products! Close To My Heart does not require you to carry any inventory and they supply all the hostess gifts at no charge to you.

For more information, visit my Join my Team page or drop me an email.  I'd love to have you join the Inky Fingers Gang!  Ready to sign up, hop on over to my website!

 

Come join us!!

Create a Card

I'm a little off on my schedule these days!  Summer is so busy with enjoying the outside, all my sewing items, painting items and CTMH.

This card was created using Close To My Heart's C1458 Paper Lantern stamp set.  The paper is a retired Close To My Heart My Reflections kit.

Here's your directions to recreate.

4 ¼” x 5 ½” side fold card base

4 ¼” x 5 ½” Cranberry cardstock

3 ¾” x 4 ¾” Star B&T

3 5/8” x 3” Pacifica cardstock

3 ½” x 2 7/8” Sky cardstock

3 ¼” x 2 ¾” white cardstock

Distress edges of Cranberry cardstock

Fold down top left corner of Star B&T and secure with large cranberry brad

Stamp string with Cranberry.  Stamp lanterns with Sky and Sunny Yellow.  Stamp tassels with cranberry.

Stamp sentiment with Pacifica

Attach stamped image to Sky cardstock and then to Pacifica cardstock

Attach the Star B&T ¼” from top and side.

Attach matted sentiment with just a tiny bit of Star B&T on left, bottom and right sides. Attach card front to card base

If you have any questions, please don't hesitate to email me.  

Monday Sketch

This week's sketch is from the Close To My Heart Reflections How-to book.

As you probably know by now, this Roxie paper packet is one of my absolute favorite!  X7140B Roxie.  The roses were created using the Close To My Heart Art Philosophy Cricut cartridge.

Click HERE to download the sketch.

Monday Sketch

This week's sketch is a layout from the Close To My Heart Reflections How-to book.

The papers used are from Close To My Heart -  X7152B Superhero.

Click HERE to download the sketch.

Monday Sketch

This week's sketch is a card sketch from Close To My Heart's Wishes How-to book.

The paper is from Close To My Heart's X7152B Superhero My Reflections kit.  The stamp set is from Close To My Heart - C1408 Live Inspired.

Click HERE to download the sketch.

Love your Layout

Use Studio J® to capture this beautiful time of year with fresh colors and simple techniques that come together in minutes! Watch this week's Love Your Layout video for instructions that will show you how to make this darling layout. We'll show you a clever way to add your title and also play with the stitching tool! Log in to Studio J and start saving those memories!



The My Reflections Kit used in this layout is X7153B Florentine if you would like to follow along to scrap traditionally.

Monday Sketch

Today's sketch is Mystify from the Close To My Heart Magic book.

This layout was created using a retired My Reflections Kit called Wings.  Very pretty paper!
You can download the sketch HERE.

Love your Layout

Watch our latest Love Your Layout episode to see how to make this fabulous Studio J® layout. In just minutes, you'll learn how to create your own patterned paper, crop My Stickease® accents between pages, plus we'll show you a fun new way to use text boxes.



The My Reflections Kit used in this layout is X7147B Stella.  This paper package is still available if you would prefer to create your layout traditionally rather than digitally.

Monday Sketch

This week's sketch is a card sketch from the Close To My Heart How-to book, Wishes.

I used Close To My Hearts My Reflection kit called X7149B Lucy.  The stamp sets used are also from Close To My Heart - C1467 Sweet Moments and  D1514 Just a Number.

Click HERE to download the sketch.

Love your Layout

In only minutes you can capture some of your happiest memories with this simple, yet beautiful layout using Studio J®! Just watch this Love Your Layout episode to get the step-by-step instructions. You'll even master a few techniques along the way.

Create a Card

Today's card was created using a now retired CTMH stamp set called "A Little Buzz".  The papers are also part of a retired paper package called "Cherry-O".

4 ¼” x 5 ½” top fold card base

4 ¼” x 5 ½” Tulip cardstock

2 ¼” x 2 ¼” Tulip cardstock

1 ¼” x 2” Tulip cardstock

4” x 5 ¼” Cherry-O Cherry B&T

2 ¼” x 3 ¾” Cherry-O Stripe B&T

2 ½” x 2 ½” Sweet Leaf cardstock

2” x 2” Colonial White cardstock

1” x 2” Colonial White cardstock

Stamp snail with Tulip ink.  Color dots with Blush and ink edges with Blush. Attach this to Tulip cardstock and then to Sweet Leaf. 

Stamp “Best wishes” with Tulip on Colonial White.  Stamp to the right side as some of this will go under the cardstock.  Attach to Tulip cardstock.

Attach Cherry B&T to Tulip cardstock.

Attach Chocolate ribbon at bottom as shown.  Leave some at right unattached and tie bow around the chocolate ribbon.

Attach Cherry-O Stripe B&T ¼” from top and left side of card front.

Attach “Best Wishes” ¾” from right side and 1 ¼” from top.

Attach matted snail ½” from top and left side.

Stampaganza is back!!

For every two stamp sets you purchase in June, you get another one FREE (of equal or lesser value)!  No limits! Email your order to me to receive the most bang for your buck.
  View Flyer
 View CTMH Online Catalog


Freebie Friday

The Great Cricut Giveaway!!

How would you like to own the Close To My Heart Art Philosophy Cricut® cartridge?

 Included in the Cricut Bundle:

• 1 – Cartridge (700 images: font, shapes, and 3-D items)
•  3 – My Acrylix® D-size stamp sets
•  3 – 9" × 12" Dimensional Elements (3 sheets of different shapes)

It's a $99 value!

How can you get a chance to win it?  Easy!!  Simply sign up to follow this blog in June!  When I have 100 followers I will draw a winner. Be sure to tell all of your friends!  The sooner we hit 100, the sooner I'll draw a winner!

Monday Sketch

Today's sketch is Sweet Symphony from Close To My Heart's retired Imagine How-to book.

The paper used is the new Footloose My Reflections Kit.

Click HERE to download the sketch.

Love your Layout

Follow along to create your own layout using Studio J.

Monday Sketch

This weeks sketch comes the Close To My Heart retired Reflections How-to book.  I used the direct to paper method of distressing around the edges using Z2197 Pear ink.

The papers used are Close To My Heart's X7149B Lucy My Reflections Kit.


Click HERE to download the sketch.

Freebie Friday

It's Freebie Friday again!!  Where do the weeks go?  LOL!

Sadly, there were no entries last week for the pretty Pink Ribbon Collection.

This week's Freebie Friday offering is Z1360 Rhinestone Designer Brads.

How can you get a chance on these?  Easy!  Simply visit my Close To My Heart website and leave a comment here letting me know your favorite My Reflections Paper pack.  Winner will be posted next Friday.

Buy 5, Get 1 Free Special

 Time to stock up on your paper crafting supplies!

I'm giving away FREE My Reflections Kits, FREE Card Stock, Free Ink pads. markers and re-inkers, and Free My Acrylix blocks.  This promotion runs  through Thursday, May 31, and is only available through me, Suzastampin. There are no limits to how many free items you can get.

How to get the free items?  Easy!  Simply purchase 5 of any same item and get one free.  So, purchase 5 My Reflections Kit and you'll get another one FREE.  Same for card stock, ink pads, makers and re-inkers, and My Acrylix blocks.  Buy 5, get 1 FREE!

You MUST email me your order to take part in this promotion.  And, don't forget, if your order is $35 from the Spring/Summer Idea Book, you can get the Dotty for You paper pack for only $5.  If your order is $50, you can get the Stamp of the Month for only $5.  Or, make sure your $50 in product is from the Spring/Summer Idea Book and you can get both the Dotty for You paper pack and the May Stamp of the  Month for only $10!

 CTMH Online catalog

Dotty For You!

 I love this paper pack!!  Here's a link to view some fabulous artwork using it. 

There are three ways to get this exclusive Dotty for You paper packet, valued at $19.95:

• Place an order of $35 or more in products from the Spring/Summer 2012 Idea Book between April 17 and May 31, and add the Dotty for You paper packet for just $5*. Start shopping.
• Host a Gathering with a sales total of $400 or more (excluding tax, shipping/handling, and Operation Smile^® donations) between April 17 and May 31 and receive a Dotty for You paper packet FREE.
• Join Close To My Heart as a new Consultant between April 1 and May 31 and receive a Dotty for You paper packet FREE.

Love your Layout

In this video you will learn how to layer your My Stickease using Studio J.

Monday Sketch

This week's sketch is a card from the Close To My Heart Wishes How-to book.

It was created using one of my favorite Roxie My Reflections papers and a retired stamp set called Unity.

Click here to download the sketch.

Freebie Friday

Have you seen this pretty ribbon pack?

Z1384 Designer Ribbon Pink Collection

1 yard each of 4 ribbons. Blush, Cotton Candy, Hollyhock, Smoothie.

It can be yours!  How?  Easy!!  Simply visit my Close To My Heart website and leave a comment here letting me know your favorite My Reflections Paper pack.  Winner will be posted next Friday.

And, the winner of this Friday's Freebie is Karen Letchworrth!  Be sure to email me with your mailing info so that I may get your prize in the mail to you.

Create a Card

This week's card was created using the Close To My Heart stamp set, C1483 Born to Ride.  The argyle background paper is from X7154B Cruisin

'.

4 ¼” x 5 ½” top fold card base

4 ¼” x 5 ½” White card stock

4 ½” x 2” White card stock

2” x 2” White card stock

4 ¾” x 2 ¼” Twilight card stock

2 ¼” x 5 ¼” Cruisin’ Argyle B&T

4” x 5 ¼” Black card stock

Attach Cruisin’ Argyle B&T to Black card stock ½” from left

Stamp motorcycle 3 times in black without re-inking on white card stock.  Attach to Twilight card stock and insert 4 black brads in corners.  Attach to card front ¼” from bottom and right side.

Stamp sentiment diagonally with Twilight on the 2” x 2” White card stock piece.  Cut to create the shape shown and attach to card front.

Monday Sketch

This layout was created using a retired Close To My Heart My Reflections kit.

Click HERE to download the sketch.