My Apologies

Hello-thanks for stopping by my blog today.  I apologize for not posting anything this week.  I have been busy with some family matters, and this blog (along with the laundry) have been sadly ignored.  Things should improve this weekend so please check back for a "What's Up Wednesday" post on Oct. 21st.  A perk of CTMH as a business is that I'm my own boss so when I need to step back for awhile, I can.

I miss posting and look forward to getting some new ideas out to you next week.

Thanks for understanding!  Have a great weekend!

Sunday Special-Sign up for Studio J Updates and Win!

Close to My Heart will launch it's online scrapbooking program in early 2010.  Once it is active, you will be able to access this awesome program for FREE through my website.  You can see a preview at http://www.studioj.com/ .  While there, be sure to sign up for the e-mail updates.  Once you register, every week your name will be entered into a drawing for a 12x12 Dark Cocoa Album from CTMH!  Winners will be notified via e-mail.  Check out Studio J today and good luck!

I have seen a preview of Studio J in person so if you have any questions, please ask!  It really is a great way to scrapbook your digital photos while using as many classical supplies (paper, stamps, embellishments) as you like.

Fast and Easy Friday-Check out Jeanette's Blog!

Jeanette Lynton is the founder and President of Close to My Heart.  She has an awesome blog filled with ideas, color challenges, and more.  Take some time to check it out at http://www.jeanettelynton.com/ and be inspired.  There are some great Halloween creations and cards using our new home themed stamp sets.  If you see something you like, you can order 24/7 at http://www.stampandcrop.myctmh.com/ .

What's Up Wednesday-6x6 Album

Want a quick and easy project to make for Grandma or your child's teacher or coach?  Consider creating a 6x6 album.  The 6x6 size is great since it can accomodate standard size pictures and you can get 4 pages out of just one 12x12 piece of paper!  CTMH offers traditional 6x6 albums in a variety of colors and also the My Creations Display Album (pictured here) which has 12 spiral bound page proctectors.  The cover can be stamped or covered with paper.

If you would like to create one or more of these albums for yourself or as gifts, contact me today to arrange a personal workshop or "to go" kit.  I would love to make this project "Faster. Simpler. Easier" tm for you!  I have a template that can be used with any My Reflections Kit and is easy to reproduce.  So the next time the idea of creating a 12x12 album is too much, consider a 6x6! 

Sunday Special (Belated)-October Stamp of the Month

Every month, Close to My Heart offers an exclusive stamp set available for just that month.  For every $25 you order, you earn 25% off the price of the Stamp of the Month.  Once you spend $100, it's FREE!  This month's set "Holiday Warmth" is perfect for the upcoming Christmas season.  You can also feel warm about purchasing the Stamp of the Month since a portion of every CTMH stamp set sale goes to Operation Smile and they are made in the USA!  Click here to order yours today.  Will you host a gathering this month so you and your guests can enjoy this special too?  Let me know a date that works for you!

Fast and Easy Friday-Gift Card Holder

Here is a quick way to make a nice gift card holder.  Make several of these now and tuck them away for those crazy days before Christmas when you remember you need a gift for the sitter or Cousin Susie and want to add a personal touch to the gift card you just picked up at 7-11 (been there, done that!)  Simply add an inch strip of cardtock to the inside of a card and place a thin strip of adhesive around the 3 outside edges.  Presto-a handmade gift card holder.  Now that's fast and easy!  Remember, Close to My Heart offers coordinating papers, stamps, and embellishments to make a project like this Faster. Simpler. Easier. tm

And the Winner Is...Terrie!

Congratulations Terrie!  You are the winner of the Become a Follower during September contest.  An Everyday Celebrations Card Kit is yours.  The winning name was drawn by my husband, John. Thanks for the help, honey.

Thank you to all who have joined my blog.  Keep those comments coming so I can improve and tell your friends!

What's Up Wednesday(Belated)-Clippy Board

Here's a cute and easy project.  Take a drink coaster and binder clip and cover them with coordinating paper or stamped images.  Next, take some memo paper or Post-It Notes and put them onto your new clippy board.  Feel free to distress the edges, stamp images onto the memo paper, or add extra embellishments.  You can add a ribbon to the top or a magnet to the back for easy hanging.  Have fun using up your leftovers on this fun project.

Sunday Special-Print Ten Studio J Layouts for FREE

Close to My Heart will be launching Studio J in the spring 2010. It is an awesome online digital scrapbook studio that will allow you to create 2 page 12x12 layouts using CTMH layouts, papers, colors, and embellishments. Studio J will be free to use and you pay only for the layouts you order. If you would like to get a sneak peek and be able to print 10 layouts for free, consider joining my team as an independent consultant in October. For just $99, you'll receive our awesome consultant kit with over $300 in CTMH products and credit for 10 FREE Studio J layouts you'll create using Studio J. That is a $130 additional value! If you enjoy digital scrapbooking or have friends that do, this is an awesome time to join CTMH. All consultants will have access to Studio J and will receive commission on all Studio J layouts that are created through their website.

You can check out Studio J at http://www.studioj.com/

If you have questions or would like more information, contact me today at juliedecker@comcast.net. I would love to help you be one of the first to play with Studio J.

Fast and Easy Friday-Check Out My Stickease Backside

If you have brain dead moments like me when the creative juices dry up, consider flipping over your My Stickease sheets for inspiration. On the back you'll find layout ideas and tips for enhancing your pages. Of course, the stickers on the front will help you too! CTMH offers My Stickease for every paper pack. You can view them all on my website.

So the next time you need inspiration, just flip your Stickease!