I've got stars in my eyes...

A few years ago, my crafty friends & I went crazy over the barn stars - you know, the metal ones you can get at the craft stores; we found a dozen different sizes & styles. We used modge podge to adhere photos, scrapbook paper & anything else we could get our hands on. Some of us had a hard time even finding them! This year, Close to My Heart is making it super easy by introducing the new My Creations Star. It's smaller & light weight compared to the metal barn star; which makes it affordable to ship (I shipped a metal one to my mom last year, cost me over $20 because I need a HUGE box). And with all our fabulous paper choices, it's very versatile. A bunch of people on my Christmas list will be getting one this year :) I'm holding a workshop this month to make a few more. Here's a helpful cutting template, if you can't make it. 

My Craft Channel

Did you know CTMH has partnered with My Craft Channel? They've created some great videos showcasing our new products & techniques. The latest video is called The Stamp Behind the Mask. Discover the versatility of masking: a stamping technique for only stamping particular sections of your image. Pick and choose the designs and stamp only the parts you want.

Check it out! Go to the Ideas & Inspiration on my website for more details. 

Have you seen our new holiday papers - Pear & Partridge ?

I've been out of commission for a bit...but now I'm feeling better & ready to get a jump start on the holiday season! Thanksgiving is next week - are you ready? And then Christmas will be right around the corner. This year, Close To My Heart has created a wonderful card kit that includes everything you need to make these cards. So easy! I'm hosting a Holiday card workshop the weekend after Thanksgiving; my goal is to get my cards done & mailed out in early December. We'll make these three designs plus 2 more that I'm designing this weekend - will post a photo next week.

Please visit my Upcoming Workshops page for details. If you can't make the workshop, you can still order the kit & make the cards on your own schedule - detailed instructions are provided! Please visit my website to order.

Who doesn't {heart} a great bag?

All consultants who attended the CTMH convention last month in Dallas received this awesome bag. It's super versatile; can be worn like a backpack (brilliant!) or over the shoulder. It's got plenty of room for all our 12x12 papers, lots of slots & pockets, and of course, an amazing design & color. It's not currently available for purchase...but if you join my team in the month of August you'll get it for FREE. Who wants this bag??

New & Improved Studio J

Big news - Memberships are no longer required to get the lowest price on your Studio J layouts.  This makes Close To My Heart's fabulous online design software more accessible and affordable for everyone.      All users are now able to access: All kits and patterns $6.95  price per double page layout (that's less than $3.50 per page) Free JPEG with purchase $2.95 price for JPEG only (create your cards in Studio J & print using your favorite photo site) Studio J layouts are eligible for hostess rewards - contact me today to have an online party & earn FREE layouts! Studio J Express Collections I'm so pleased to introduce Express Collections!  This new option allows you to quickly and easily create beautiful layouts. Each themed Express Collection includes 10 two-page coordinating, fully embellished layouts, plus a front and back page for your album, that are professionally designed and nearly complete-you simply drag in your photos and add your title and journaling! You can choose to create all 10 layouts plus the covers, or create just a few of the layouts in the collection. It's up to you. Express Collections makes getting your photos off your camera card or computer and into gorgeous layouts faster than ever! (The beta period runs July 12 - September 1.)    Click here to play with the Express Collections and Studio J - there's no cost or obligation to check it out. New to Studio J & need a little guidance? I'm happy to set up time to show you & your friends this amazing tool.

Retiring Colors

With the upcoming new Idea Book launch in August, Close To My Heart has announced we will be moving to a 40 color palette & adding 6 new permanent colors. This means lots of colors will be retiring at the end of the month. If one of your favorites is on this list <Pansy Purple is one of mine> be sure to order soon - these colors (including cardstock, markers, & stamp pads/reinkers) will only be available until July 31 or while supplies last. 


It's a great time to stock up; any paper you purchase will go toward this month's special - place an online order of $75 or more in July and we’ll send you a popular paper packet and coordinating accessory—a Perfect Pair—for free!

Specific pairs are available on specific dates; click here to find out when your favorite Perfect Pairs will be available. Be sure to place your order early in the availability period, as the promotion is while supplies last.

Retiring Colors:

Amethyst Baby Pink Brown Bag Dutch Blue Garden Green Garnet Grey Flannel Grey Wool Heavenly Blue Holiday Red Key Lime Lilac Mist Moonstruck Pansy Purple Parchment Petal Spring Iris Sunflower Sunkiss Yellow Sunny Yellow Taffy Tulip Vanilla Cream Vineyard Berry

New Idea Book - sneak peek

I just returned home from my first Close To My Heart convention...wow!! It was an amazing weekend filled with friends, inspiration & creativity galore. My mind is swimming with a gazillion new projects & products that I can't wait to share with my customers. I wish I didn't have to go back to my "real" job tomorrow. I'd rather spend a day in my craft room preparing a fantastic demonstration board for you. But alas, the real world calls & this data diva needs to return to her database! Here's a quick peek at the new Idea Book cover - the paper pack featured is called Avonlea (as in Anne of Green Gables) & it's one of my new favs. This new Idea Book will be available to customers in August & I'll be having a launch party to introduce you to all our new products.

Fall/Winter 2012

And my other new fav is -- drum roll, please -- the new CRICUT ARTISTE cartridge!!! WOOT! For those of you who've worked with Art Philosophy, this new cartridge is going to blow your mind. Like the AP cartridge, it's got over 700 images; tons of 3D cuts, party favors, card shapes with coordinated envelopes, banners, word phrases.

Close To My Heart exclusive - Cricut Artiste collection

I cannot wait to get my hands on it & start cutting out fabulous items. New cartridge is available to customers on August1. Please come back later in the week, as I'll be sharing more artwork from Convention weekend with you.