It's Been A While

I know, I kinda fell off the stamping/scrapping earth, but I'm back!!!  In fact, I'm back from Disneyland, with all kinds of excitement about the new products and amazing art that I can't wait to share with everyone!  YES, EVERYONE!

I would LOVE to do a Home Gathering for you and your friends!  If you are interested, please contact me as soon as possible.  As a special thank you for hosting, you will not only get our FAN-Stinkin-TASTIC hostess gifts, but I will also give you a special treat. 

Do you have a Cricut?  Well, you might want one soon, if you don't!  I'm thirlled that CTMH has come out with an exclusive Cricut cartridge that coordinates beautifully with so many of our products!  If you don't have one, you can be entered into a special drawing that I will be doing in November for my 6" (old style) Cricut!  It's gently used, but worth winning - for sure!!!  And the winner of the Cricut will get the Cricut bundle for 15% off!

Here's a sneak peek at the new catalog.  Be sure to come by and get yours anytime after August 1st!  And, if you do, you will get 10% off your entire order at my open house on August 26!

January 21 Card Workshop - Wings

It's time to start stamping and creating again!  I am excited to announce my next Girls Night Out! 

Friday, January 21st 7:00pm at my house

Here's what we will be making:

One of each of these cards.  Clear cards include clear envelopes, and 3x3 cards include white envelopes.

Two of each of these cards.  Includes 6 white envelopes.

10 cards total!

We will be using the new WINGS paper packet, a paper packet that is in the new Spring/Summer idea book.  

Space is limited at this workshop, be sure to sign up and pay before Wednesday, January 12th.

You can make 10 cards for $13 or you can buy the Workshop on the Go Kit for $29.95 + s/h & tax (retail price is over $34!) and you can get the cards for just $2!  Plus you will have a beautiful new stamp set, most of a level 2 paper packet, and lots of accessories left over!  (Please note, you will be using the paper and accessories that come with the workshop kit, if you choose to order the kit instead of buying the cards by themselves.)

Speaking of the Workshop kit...  January's kit is especially exciting!  When you buy January's kit, you are free to buy as many stamp sets from the January Inspirations Magazine for a greatly discounted price!  You can score A LOT of stamps, for A LOT less!!!

If you would like a copy of the Inspirations Magazine, please let me know.  Or come over some time and I can help you make an order.

RSVP now for GNO on January 21st.  Email or call me today!

A Christmas Gift Idea

This cute little decor item is about 4" tall and about 9" wide (when folded slightly to stand on it's own).

There is so much flexibilty with how you can make this, but here are the supplies that I used (and their page number in the Fall/Winter Idea Book:

Z1334 My Creations Mix & Mingle Album pg. 94
Z1064 "J" Dimensional Elements Monograms pg. 95
Z1069 "O" Dimensional Elements Monograms pg. 95
Z1079 "Y" Dimensional Elements Monograms pg. 95
X7130B Mistletoe Level 2 Paper Packet pg. 22

Accessories (use whatever you have or these fun things):
Z1269 Filigree Charms pg. 92
Z1209 Cranberry Ribbon Collection pg. 89
Z1104 Clear Sparkles pg. 90
Z293 Photo Hangers pg. 92 (on sale!, quantities limited)

Here's the instructions on how to make it.

1) Choose 3 of the 8 pieces that come in the Mix n Mingle Album. (You can make 2 with one, or 5 with 2 albums!)

2) Cover the chipboard pieces of the Mix n Mingle Album with your choice of papers.  I like to trace the back of the chipboard onto the back of the paper, then cut it out, and paste it on.  I use the Zig 2-way glue pens to glue paper to chipboard, but most adhesives will work.  After gluing it on, I like to use our Finishing Files (pg. 98) to finish the edges nicely.

3) Choose the letters you want to use from the many that come in the Dimensional Element Monograms!  Follow the same procedure to cover the letters with paper, or you can sponge them, or you can leave them white!

4) Embellish!  Lay your letters down and see what looks good.  If you are using brads, put them on the letters before you attach them to the base (Mix n Mingle) pieces.

5) Adhere the letters to the Mix n Mingle pieces.  And use the rings (included with Album) to attach the 3 pieces together.

Great job!

I LOVE Studio J!

As you may have heard me say before.... I love Studio J! 

I recently bought some layouts and just got around to downloading the free .jpg images.  I just have to show them off...

Christmas Card Workshop - Saturday October 23rd

Please join me for my annual CHRISTMAS CARD WORKSHOP!  I am excited about the 5 cards you can choose from this year.  All of the paper will be pre-cut.  You will stamp, distress and glue your cards together.  Most cards are VERY easy to do!

Date: Saturday, October 23rd
Time: 5:00-9:00pm
Place: Karen's House
Here are the cards:

Prince of Peace - a variety of these 3 cards



Christmas Tree Card



Ornament Card (background: Peace on Earth)

Your Picture Here card - bring wallet size pictures!

Reindeer/Merry Christmas card

Here is the pricing information:

Workshop fee for 5-50 cards:  $4.00
Workshop fee for 51-100 cards:  $6.00
Each card is $0.50 each (except the picture card, it's only $0.35 each).
ALL supplies WILL BE provided!

Email me for an order form which you can drop by with your payment. 

I NEED ALL PAYMENTS AND ORDER FORMS BEFORE TUESDAY, OCTOBER 5TH.

Let me know if you have any questions!  I hope to see YOU there!

Invite a friend that I didn't invite, and you will get all of your envelopes FREE!!!!

I have a special the day of the workshop.  All orders will be 10% off that day. 

Upcoming Events

As stated in my newsletter, I have a few fun dates coming up!

My Fall/Winter Idea Book Open House will be Friday night, August 27th.  I can't wait to show off the new Idea Book and tell you about some fun new things with Close to My Heart!

Friday, September 24th will be a GIRLS NIGHT OUT! 

Saturday, October 23rd with be my Christmas Card Workshop (morning, night, all of the above?)

Friday, November 19th will be a GIRLS NIGHT OUT!

Be sure to answer the poll question (top right of this page) about the Christmas Card Workshop.  You can choose as many answers as you like!  Let me know what you want!

I hope to see you at the Open House!

Cards for Troops

I'm excited to be helping my good friend Suzanne make cards for her husband to distribute among his fellow soldiers for them to send home to loved ones while they are out on active duty.

Here are some of the cards that I have come up with.  If you are interested in helping and want to get more information, please email me and I will help you get the information you need to help with this fantastic cause!