Belated Sunday Special-25% off September 1st

On Tuesday Sept. 1st Close to My Heart will release it's Fall/Winter 2009 Idea Book full of new papers, stamps, embellishments, and more! To celebrate the release of the new catalog and CTMH's 25th Anniversary, I am offering 25% off one item for any order placed on Sept. 1st. You can view the new items and Idea Book online at http://stampandcrop.myctmh.com/ and place your order right then and there. I will send you a check to refund the 25% off your most expensive item. If you prefer, you can view the items online and then contact me (juliedecker@comcast.net) with your order and I can take the discount off your total immediately. Either way, enjoy this one day only sale!

Fast and Easy Friday-Layout

OK, here's a layout that will take only minutes to create and you can't be more thrifty. Just cut some strips into pieces about 1-2 inches long and arrange them across the top. Then take a 12 inch strip and run it across. Add a few strips for journaling/titling and embellish. I used a flourish from CTMH Playful Flourishes and covered it with our Liquid Glass for dimension and shine. I used 4 small pictures but you could place a single larger image on the page too. Create a picture mat from coordinating cardstock that is about 1/4 inch larger than your photos(s).

It's sad that I made this layout about 2 years ago and I still have to get it in the album! Hopefully it will get to it's final home soon!

What's Up Wednesday-Pocket Calendar

If your life is anything like mine, back to school time means it's time to get the calendar out. I have already started to fill in my 2010 calendar with dance recitals and church musicals for the girls. I also have blocked out the CTMH convention in DC for myself. :)

Anyway, I have enjoyed sprucing up calendars from the dollar spot for my purse. Simply remove the calendar from it's plastic cover and cut a piece of cardstock or paper the same size as the calendar when flattened. Then, embellish as you like with what you have around. I used some CTMH Sorbet cardstock stamped with Sorbet ink and some scraps of coordinating ribbon and paper. As a final touch, I added a few brads at the bottom. Not a great work of art but I like it better than the original generic photo.

Hope this inspires you go back to school with a little of your own style.

Sunday Special-Card Kit and Discounts

The celebration of National Stamping Month continues with the special offer of receiving an Everyday Card Kit for FREE with a $60 stamp purchase, hosting a gathering of $400 or more, or becoming a consultant in September. Go to http://stampandcrop.myctmh.com/ to learn more and order yours today!

I will also be offering special discounts at my Fall/Winter 2009 Idea Book party on Sept. 1st. Someone may also win $25 in FREE products! If you would like to come and enjoy the 25th anniversary celebration of CTMH and our new products, just let me know!

Fast and Easy Friday (Belated)-Card

My deepest apologies for not posting this on time. I realized Friday night I had left the card at a crop I had just set up for in Sterling Hgts.

I love this card because of it's simple design. It's a great way to use up those scraps in your stash. Just find two prints and a couple of cardstock pieces that coordinate and off you go! I used the August Stamp of the Month for the words and cake and the colors Clover Meadow, Dutch Blue, Tulip, and Sunflower. The printed paper is from the Animal Cookies Creative Basics Kit. I added some Liquid Glass to the candle flames for a bit of dimension and shine. The pattern is CTMH.

Hey, let's see what you can create. E-mail a picture of your card and you may win a prize for sharing!

What's Up Wednesday-Personalized Plaque

When I asked my daughter what her Kindergarten teacher may like as an end of the year gift, she said "Quality Work!" Well, who could argue with that. I had to think about it for awhile but this is what we created. These plaques are so easy and are a great way to use up those scraps of precious paper and ribbon you just can't seem to throw away. Here's what I used:

• 1 wood plaque (purchased at a dollar store)


• scraps of paper to cover plaque and to cut out letters (I used my Cricut but you could also stamp them)


• Mod Podge-a little goes a long way and it comes in matte or glossy finishes


• scrap of ribbon to replace the twine the plaque came with

I just traced the plaque and attached the paper with Mod Podge between the paper and plaque. Be sure to let it completely dry. I then attached my letters with adhesive runner and coated everything with Mod Podge. After it was completely dry, I added a final coat. The Mod Podge helps to protect the paper, giving it a clear, hard finish that can easily be dusted. You can sign the back with a marker.

Next time you are in need of a personalized decoration or quick and easy gift, consider a personalized plaque. You can decorate it with names, sayings, scriptures, quotes, pictures, or images of a favorite object like horses or airplanes.

I'd love to see what you create. Please e-mail me picture of your creation.

It's National Stamping Month (Almost)

September is National Stamping Month and CTMH has started the celebration early. Our ever popular, all included card kits are available starting today! Each kit includes everything you need to create 16 cards including mini inks,a stamp set, papers, embellishments, card bases, envelopes, and directions. These kits sell out quickly. You can order yours today for $39.95 or get it for FREE with a purchase of $60 or more of My Acrylix stamps. Check out the details and order today at stampandcrop.myctmh.com

Also, in September, hostesses with a sales of $400 or more and new consultants will get a card kit for FREE too! Contact me today at juliedecker@comcast.net to find out more.

Upcoming Weekly Features

I have heard back from many of you and have decided to do my best to post 3 types of features weekly.

What's Up Wednesdays-Check out a fun, easy project every Wed.
Fast and Easy Fridays-I'll post a simple layout, card, or organization idea.
Sunday Special-Information about the latest special offers and discounts from CTMH or myself.

I'll also be including info. on upcoming workshops, classes, crops, etc. throughout the week.

Keep those suggestions coming. I hope this becomes a fun and helpful place for us all!

Check out the blog Wednesday for the first What's Up Wednesday project.

Tight Budget? Lots for under $7

At the leadership conference, I learned that nearly 50% of the items we sell are $7 or less! What are some of my favorites?

Chocolate ink pad (z2111) $5.25-my favorite shade of brown (of course)
Black dual tipped marker (z2305) $2.95-something you always need
Distressing Inks (z1296) $3.95-mini ink pads in black and chocolate
Edge Distresser (z1297) $2.50-rough up those edges, not your fingers
Memory Protectors Flip Flaps-pack of 15 (z4114) $3.95-great for layering photos on your pages
Journey Journaling Spots-pack of 34 (x1409) $2.95-quick and beautiful journaling spots

You can explore our Idea Book and browse all of our products at http://stampandcrop.myctmh.com

We are off camping this weekend-looks like the weather will be great. I've got to download my camera now so I have room for more pictures!

Thanks for visiting-please become one of the first followers of my blog. :)

Bella Workshop on the Go

Thursday Aug. 27

7-9 PM

$28

Come and join me as we create this beautiful 2 page layout. You'll learn some new techniques, enjoy some good company, and I'll provide some tasty treats.

Your workshop fee includes a Level 2 Paper Pack (22 sheets so you'll have lots of leftover for more projects), My Stickease, Foundry Tabs, full color workshop guide, instructions from me, and light refreshments.

This is a great way to dive into a paper pack and get the creative juices flowing.

Contact me by Aug. 17th to register.

You can see all of my upcoming events at http://stampandcrop.myctmh.com/.

Highlights from the Leadership Conference

I had the opportunity to attend the 2009 CTMH Leadership Conference in Long Beach CA at the beginning of the month. It's nice to be a "real" adult and take a business trip-plane ride and all. I also love meeting consultants from all over the US and Canada. My roommates were all from Canada in fact. Since I live near Canada and travel there several times a year, I was used to their "eh?". They are an awesome bunch of women.

A perk of going to CTMH conferences is I get to see the new products for fall. I love all of our new papers and we have some very cute new stamp sets. Usually there is one paper I don't love at first, but this time they are all winners in my book. I can't wait for some time scrap with them.

I am most excited about Studio J, CTMH's new online scrapbooking program which will launch in 2010. It uses CTMH papers and patterns and is super easy to use. While I will always enjoy "classical" scrapbooking, I can't wait to scrapbook with my laptop while sitting on the couch. :) If you're curious, you can check out the intro. video at http://www.studioj.com/

The new Fall/Winter Idea Book goes active Sept. 1st. If you would like to see it, you can access it Sept. 1st on my website http://stampandcrop.myctmh.com/ or contact me for your own copy.

Hope you have a great weekend!

Thanks-a-bration

It's a Thanks-a-bration! From now through August 17th, when you order $100 you will get the August Stamp of the Month AND a Level 2 Paper Pack (22 sheets of 12x12 paper & cardstock) totally FREE. You can browse our products and shop 24/7 at my website http://stampandcrop.myctmh.com This is a great time to stock up on your favorites, retiring products, and gifts.

It Begins...

I have decided to jump into the world of blogging. We'll see how this all develops but I am excited about the possibilities. I hope it will be a great way for me to share about the Close to My Heart products I love, my Close to My Heart (CTMH) business, and a bit about my life as well.