Friday, December 31, 2010

Look What We Made....another sneak peak at some new products

At a Close To My Heart Christmas party we made these. This is part of a new product from Close To My Heart....a My Creations Banner available Jan. 1 for only 5.95! Isn't it cute. It's white chipboard so you can decorate it any way you choose. I can see these decorated for holiday, birthdays, graduations etc. We used one of the new paper packs called Wings on this one. This will hang in my scrapbook room. Look for the banner to be available in January.

Monday, December 27, 2010

Thank You Card

You can never have enough thank you cards, especially this time of year. I made this thank you card using our new Wings paper and the stamp set A Little Everything which was a stamp of the month but I'm happy to report that it's in the new idea book as a regular stamp.























Here is a picture of  A Little Everything stamp set that will be available again on February 1. You can tell I use it!




















You may not be able to use these stamps and paper but get out what you do have and make your thank you notes. The recipients will love them.

Tuesday, December 21, 2010

Coasters for Christmas

I have long been an admirer of the coasters made from stamping on tile. In fact, I bought some at a craft fair that I still use years later. It took a few tries but I finally got some made that I like. The first picture is a set that I will use for a Christmas gift. The second picture shows a couple trial ones. I will be making a snowman set for a gift that I don't need until after Christmas. All stamps are Close To My Heart.

The tips I've learned are:
  • You must use Staz-on Ink
  • Bake it for 15ish minutes at 350 
  • This is the main one....the problem I kept having. When you spray it with the sealer you cannot be too close to the tile or it will run, at least the permanent ink I used to color in the hat on the snowman. I put a couple coats on and then after it was all dry I put water over it and nothing smeared so I think I'm good.

Thursday, December 16, 2010

Inspirations

Close to My Heart is going from 3 idea books a year to 2. The next idea book will come out in February. Since there is no January Stamp of the month in the current idea book CTMH has created a mini brochure to tie us over until February. Everything in the current idea book will still be available (except certain things that are retiring and sold out). Take a peek at it here.

During the month of January, all customers can purchase the new stamps at a reduced price if you order the Wings Workshop on the Go. Not only that but you can earn the January Stamp of the month for free when you either 1. purchase $100 of CTMH products or 2. purchase the Wings Workshop on the Go and any other 4 new items. That's a great deal sonce some of the items are not very expensive.

Answers to FAQ about the January promotion:1. Stamp sets in the mini are only available at the discounted price IF you purchase the January Workshop on the Go Kit.
2. Stamp sets in the mini can be purchased at the regular prices listed as well.
3. To receive the
January Stamp of the Month set FREE you can either:
a. purchase the WOTG kit and FOUR or more items from the mini
b. purchase items from the mini and/or Autumn/Winter Idea Book totalling $100 or more (before shipping and taxes).
c. See chart in the mini (page 5) for how to qualify for savings of 25%, 50% or 75% off on the January Stamp of the Month. Otherwise, the chart available in your Autumn/Winter Idea book would apply (page 109).
4.  Promotion runs 1 January 2011 to 31 January 2011.
If you have any questions,
email me!

Wings Workshop on the Go

At the Wings WOTG on Saturday, January 22 at 10 a.m.  we will use the new paper pack to make the 2 layouts (1 of them is shown below).

You can either purchase the whole kit (29.95 + s&h) so that you have the stamp set and the guide and the mister or you can purchase the level 2 paper pack (12.95 + s&h) and the black mini-medley (4.95 + s&h). You won't have the stamp set, the guide or the mini mister if you go this route but you will be able to do the layouts at my house just fine.

Why you should attend this workshop.....
  • Leave with 2 great layouts, plus extra paper and embelishments to make more layouts or cards (card patterns come with the kit too!)
  • Get to use the new mini mister! At under $2 this is going to be a fun new tool.
  • Learn the rock and roll technique with your stamps.....no music required
  • Get to use the new bohemian alphabet.....it's beautiful!
  • Meet other great scrappers
RSVP by January 10th! Bring a friend (not on my email list) and get a gift!

If you can't attend you can still order the kit and take advantage of the great January special.



Wednesday, December 15, 2010

Card Class

January Card Workshop!
Start the new year off with a set of 6 birthday cards (2 each of these 3 designs). Come to this workshop and not only will you have a stash of cards ready but you will learn how to make the paper flower on the right card, use the edge distressor, and make your products sparkle with our stardust glitz glitter glue. I'm offering this workshop at a special after the holiday price. Make all 6 cards for only $5! You can't get much better than that! The date has changed to Friday night, January 7th at 7:00 p.m. RSVP by Thursday, December 30th!


Saturday, December 11, 2010

Look what I got

I attended a Christmas party today with my fellow Close To My Heart consultants. In addition to making a fabulous item (you'll see it here soon) we had a white elephant gift exchange. There were some fantastic items. After all the stealing (that's how the game is played) this is what I ended up with...and I couldn't be happier. This was made by my upline Shari Froemming. It is a set of 8 cards. Look what a great gift this could be. Remember this next time you need a gift for a holiday, birthday or just because. This set uses the Magnifique paper pack. The colors are off a little because the light isn't great but you get the idea.


Friday, December 10, 2010

Sneak Peak at Wings

One of the new paper packs available in January is called Wings! Here are some cards I made today with this paper pack. The colors really grew on me. I used a variety of stamps, including the January Stamp of the Month and a new set available in January. This may become a workshop in the future.



Thursday, December 9, 2010

Plenty for Twenty




Spend $
20 or more in December and receive a FREE D-size stamp set!
Place an order of $20 or more on my website by December 31, 2010 and you will receive a popular, retired D-size stamp set for FREE!

The free stamp set is valued at $22.95 - what a deal! You will also receive FREE shipping and handling and tax on your free stamp set!

The best 3.95 product we have!

Close To My Heart actually has a lot of inexpensive items but his is one of my favorites. I was in a jam last night. I was working on a swap and didn't have the pacifica marker I needed. No worries. I grabbed my blending pen and my pacifica ink pad and I was set. Just squeeze the lid into the ink while it's closed, open the ink pad, dip the blending pen into the bit of ink on the lid. Works great. Then just wipe the blending pen on a piece of paper until clear and you can do it again with another color. I have had mine for almost 2 years and it's still great. At 3.95 it can't be beat! Here's a link to see what it looks like.

Magnifique part 2

Here are two more layouts I made with this paper pack to go with my post from long ago. Things have been so busy I haven't been able to post here for some time. I'm trying to catch up this morning. These actually came from the level 1 kit. You shouldn't forget about those. A great way to make 4-6 pages quick and easy!

Pictures with Santa

I have accumulated many pictures with Santa. From when they were babies to times when they felt they were definitely too old to have their picture taken with him. I needed a fun way to show these pictures during the Christmas season. Last year I used Close to My Heart's Jingle paper and the all sorts mini album (only 5.95!) to create this. These are only a few of the pictures but you get the idea.

You could do this for Halloween costumes, first day of school etc. etc. What a great way to highlight those important pictures.



Friday, November 5, 2010

Little gift idea

I have admired these for some time and finally decided to make some. These will be great little things to "celebrate" the first snow. I just hope that we don't see snow all winter like we did last year! These are super simple to make. Thanks to Jennifer Bennett for the idea and the directions:

For the regular sized tic tacs you will need the following:

1) 3 x 4 1/2 CS
1) 3 x 4 1/2 Patterned Paper
1) 1 3/4 x 2 3/4 CS (image front)
Score at 2 and 2 1/2
Ribbon is adhered between the CS and the Patterned Paper.

I used the big packs of tic tacs so my sizes were:

1) 3.5 x 4.75 CS
1) 3.5 x 4.75 Patterned Paper
1) colonial white cardstock to fit your stamp.

Score at 2 and 2.75
Ribbon is adhered between the CS and the Patterned Paper. I used 15"

This is using Snow Friends, obviously one of my favorite sets!




Easy Peasy

I made this last weekend for my son. Now, he doesn't really get into cards and really doesn't care if I made it but I save things like this so maybe someday he will care. I loved this size. it's 3 x 4.5 and took just minutes to make. The star is a dimensional element that I inked up to give it a little extra.

Monday, October 25, 2010

I've always wanted to try this.....

I've been playing in the scrapbook room quite a bit lately. In fact I started calling it my office because it sounds more important and not like I'm "playing." I have seen a lot of candles that people have stamped on but have never tried it. Today I did.

I must say I am happy with the results. I think I'll be buying some more candles! It was so easy you can learn how to here.

I just love this snowman stamp set from Close To My Heart called Snow Friends. You may purchase it here.

Sunday, October 24, 2010

Art and Soul

Have you checked out the newest Art and Soul? It shows how to do tissue stamping which is an easy way to have multiple colors on one stamped image. You will also see some more ideas for using one of my favorite products, flip flaps! Finally, the Studio J tip is about how to group and resize objects. It's definitely worth checking out. Click here to watch.

Top This

There are so many talented Close To My Heart Consultants. I love looking at the consultants blog at all of their fantastic artwork. This weekend I made these two bows (original pattern by Jessica Crawford, I saw Chris Green's version) using Mistletoe and Topstitch paper. My husband was quick to point out that I can just buy bows but they just aren't the same. These turned out so pretty with the two sided paper, and how cool that your bow can match your card!


Instructions can be found here:

Wednesday, October 20, 2010

Happy Halloween

I made this cute card this morning before leaving for work. I used paper from the Hooligans Level 2 kit and the monster came from the stickease. I did add the googly eyes that are not CTMH but I can't resist. They are so cute! I made this for my 2 year old Godson but since I don't think he follows my blog I'm o.k. to post it.


Tuesday, October 19, 2010

B & T paper

Our pattern paper that is two sided is called B & T for background and texture paper. You can also make your own using stamps and a piece of cardstock. I just made a piece of volleyball paper. I'm not exactly sure how I'm going to use it yet but I have some ideas. Until then here it is ready for use! The opportunities are endless!


Sunday, October 17, 2010

I'm on a roll now!

Boy, I've been getting a lot of scrapping/stamping done lately. Hope my family doesn't notice the dust in my house!

These are some tags I made up quick today to show off the great October Stamp of the Month. This set is only available until October 31. These are the stamps it contains:



And these are the tags I made:


They were quick, fun and will make every gift I give a little more special.

For information on how you can own this cute stamp set click here or call me at 990-5631.

Saturday, October 16, 2010

Magnifique

This is one of the new paper packs and I love it. This layout if from the Workshops on the Go kit which I love. For 29.95 you get the Level 2 paper pack, a unique stamp set that can't be purchased any other way, embelishments and a layout guide. This is the layout that comes with the pack. I'll be posting more layouts when I get them done. This is from our first official family vacation in 1998.


Wednesday, October 13, 2010

Fall Workshops!

10 Cards for $10!
Tuesday, October 19
RSVP by Sunday, October 17.....that's this
Sunday!

Bring Adhesive

Come make these great cards. Paper may vary but is guaranteed to be beautiful! As a special bonus I will even have all the paper cut. You will need to come, stamp and assemble. Use these for your own use or bundle them up as a great gift! Yes, I know the pictures only show 8, you'll have to come to see the other two!




Gratitude Journal and Mini Legal Pad Holder
Saturday, October 30 at 10:00 a.m or Thursday, November 4 at 6:30 p.m.
RSVP by Wed. October 20!
$13
Bring adhesive, a 12" paper trimmer and a scoring tool(if you have one)
I love Thanksgiving. I think it's so important to take time to be grateful for all our blessings. About 10 or 11 years ago I started using our table runner as a place for all of our Thankgsiving guests to write what they were thankful for. I loved this. We have now gone through 2 table runners and I don't know what to do with any more. The My Creations Journal is the perfect answer. Each year I will stamp the year and our guests can write what they are grateful for. It will last forever. I love that I have my parent's writing on our Thanksgiving table runner since they are no longer with us. I love having my kid's writing which was so large and cute. My daughter really was thankful for her dollhouse at one time! Come to this workshop and make this journal....


AND you will make this great gift idea!
This junior legal pad holder is a great gift for an office mate, teacher or yourself!We will make this one and you will be able to go home and make more!

Closed:

Open:


Back side:



Please RSVP by calling me at 990-5631 or e-mailing me at mebfalcon@yahoo.com.

Have a friend register and come with you and receive a gift!

Friday, September 17, 2010

All About Studio J

Studio J is a great way to scrap, either exclusively or as a supplement to traditional paper scrapping. Here are just a couple of layouts that I did in a short amount of time using a paper pack exclusive to Studio J. (Don't worry, the Studio J part on the bottom will not be on your printed pieces!)



Studio J Memberships If you haven't tried out Studio J yet, now is the time to go check this program out!  Unlike the regular digital scrapping that you might be familiar with, Studio J is an online studio where everything is INCLUDED in the membership!  No more nickle-and-dime payments for this paper pack or that layout, this set of embellishments or that font - every single design element is available ONLINE with NO DOWNLOADING so you can literally get caught up on your scrapping during lunch at work, sitting at Starbucks or on a business trip.  Our new Membership Options make it EVEN BETTER - in just 15 layouts your YEAR LONG Membership will PAY FOR ITSELF!  Read this review of Studio J!

12 Month Membership:  $99
- $3.25 per page (compare that to Costco which is $2.99 for just printing - no design) for up to 10 double layouts.  11+ layouts are charged at $6.50 per page price.
- FREE Page Protectors
- FREE High Res and Low Res JPEG for additional prints AND sharing on your blog or facebook!
- FREE Shipping Once a Month (between 4-20 layouts per shipment)
- Storage of all active unprinted layouts as long as membership is current
-Exclusive Member Only Content (there are at least 20 additional layout patterns for members plus one paper pack at this time!)

3 Month Membership:  $30
- All the same benefits as above for a 12 month in a 3 month version.  You really can't go wrong trying this out at this price!

5 Double Layout Gift Card:  $55
Perfect to give as a baby shower gift, wedding gift, retirement, holiday, birthday, etc.  Any time there is an event that someone would like to commemorate!  You'll get a lovely gift card to give and the receiver will have all 5 layouts shipped to them for FREE!  The best part is the cards DO NOT EXPIRE so you can feel assured that your gift will last until they get a chance to make their layouts!

Here are a few more layouts that I created and then received the .jpgs to share online or reprint if I so choose.



Monday, September 13, 2010

Studio J

Earlier this year CTMH launched a product called Studio J. Like all things CTMH does it just keeps getting better!

Studio J is an online scrapbooking tool. It allows you to create amazing layouts on your computer in just minutes. Then CTMH prints the layouts and mails them to you. I have to tell you the quality of these layouts is amazing. You get to use CTMH papers, embelishments and stickease. There are even retired papers and papers exclusive to Studio J.

On September 8 CTMH launched Studio J memberships. If you have a membership ($99 per year) you get your 2 page layouts for only $6.50 and that includes free shipping and page protectors! You can seriously create layouts in 20 minutes! It's a great way to get caught up quick. Members also get a .jpeg version of their layouts! Members also receive special layouts and paper choices! You don't have to have a membership though, it's free to try out and if you like it you can purchase one layout, a few layouts or buy a membership!

My own newest layouts are almost complete. As soon as I get them ordered and get the .jpeg's I'll be sure to post them so you can see how cool they are.

In the meantime, click on the link on the side and try out Studio J. It's free to try.

I will be hosting an informal Studio J presentation on Monday, September 27 at 6:30 and 7:30. You can come at either time to learn more about all that it offers and to see it in action! Please RSVP to maureenfalcon@myctmh.com. If you have questions before that just give me a call.

Sunday, September 12, 2010

Wowza!

Is that even a word? It's all I think of when I think of the new flip flaps that Close To My Heart now offers. You may have used the 4 x 6 flip flaps. These are a great product. They allow you to add more pictures to a page and to make some great albums. Now CTMH has made a good thing even better with the new 12" assortment of flip flaps. You get 4-6" x 12", 2-4"x12" and 2-8"x12" all for only $3.95! What a deal. Imagine all you can do. I made a layout at my unit meeting using the new Mistletoe level 2 paper pack and the stickease. I used 2 full pages and 4 of the new flip flaps. Look at all the pictures I'll be able to fit on 2 pages! I bet I can get all of this year's Christmas pictures on this layout! It was fun and easy.

Along with these CTMH has a new book, complete with DVD, to show you how to make a variety of layouts. It's called Magic and it has 35 new layouts that can be used on their own or with new interactive techniques. This book is awesome!

As a special. Anyone who orders  Magic through me by September 30 will receive the new flip flaps FREE! Buy one for yourself and buy one for a friend or family member who love to scrap. Makes a perfect birthday or Christmas present!

Here is the 2 page layout (sorry for the quality of the pics but the layouts are in the page protectors so there is a bit of glare!)

Here is the 2 page layout



Here is the left side with 2 flaps open


Here is the left side with all 4 flaps open



Isn't it amazing! The best part is that it's easy!

Call me at 990-5631 or e-mail me at maureenfalcon@myctmh.com to place an order!


Saturday, September 11, 2010

One of the Benefits of being behind...

is that you get to look at all the old pictures of those you love! Now that the kids are older I don't have many Halloween pictures so I dug out some old ones from before I scrapped. It was so fun to see how cute they were! I used the Hooligans level 2 paper pack and matching stickease. There are also several stamp sets that go with this paper. You could use The Boo Crew or Party Animal, both on page 19 of the Autumn/Winter 2010 idea book. Or this would be a perfect opportunity to try the Hooligans Workshop on the go which comes with the Troublemaker Stamp Set, the sunset mini-medley collection and a workshop guide. Hooligans uses 4 of the new CTMH colors: Gypsy, Lagoon, Pear and Sunset. Add some dimension to your project using the adhesive backed felt monsters on page 91 for only $4.95!

I plan on making some cards too. I'll post those when I get them done!




Monday, August 16, 2010

Something Splendid from Close To My Heart!

The August Stamp of the Month is a beautiful floral set called Something Splendid. I wasn't sure what to create with this set but loved some cards I saw from a fellow consultant, Christine Adams. I changed it up a little to come up with these.


I am offering a class which would make 6 of these cards (2 of each) along with a box to put them in on Wednesday, August 25 at 6:30. The class is $7 and these cards would make a great gift....it's not too soon to think of the holidays! Please R.S.V.P. by Sunday, August 22.  





Sunday, August 15, 2010

Close To My Heart Hits a Triple Play

The front of the album (the colors are off a little)


To celebrate National Stamping Month Close To My Heart has a special out called Triple Play. This is available August 15-September 30 (while supplies last).  You can create 3 mini albums (or cards or a layout) with this kit. You will receive 4 Inks® mini stamp pads, a versatile C-size stamp set, 3 mini albums, ribbon, an instructional brochure, and pre-cut accents for stamping, you'll complete your projects in a snap!

You can get the kit these ways:
1) Purchase the kit outright for $29.95
2) Place a minimum order of $25 in My Acrylix stamps (excluding Stamp of the Month sets, Workshops on the Go exclusive stamp sets, and K-size custom stamps) and purchase the kit for only $15
3) Place a minimum order of $40 in My Acrylix stamps (excluding Stamp of the Month sets, Workshops on the Go exclusive stamp sets, and K-size custom stamps) and purchase the kit for only $5
4) Host a home gathering with at least $300 in sales and receive it FREE
5) Become a new consultant during the month of September

In order to show the versatility of this kit I made one album, one card set and one layout. I did need to add a little paper to make the card set and layout but I love the results. Then you still have the stamp set for more cards or layouts!

You can order your kit through me or directly through my website. http://maureenfalcon.myctmh.com/
The inside of the album, just waiting for pictures!

The card holder ready to be personalized

6---3 x 3 cards with holder

As a layout!



Order online at http://maureenfalcon.ctmh.com/ or e-mail me at mebfalcon@yahoo.com