It's Here!!!

We are beyond thrilled to bring you the exclusive Close To My Heart Cricut® Art Philosophy cartridge. Simply plug the cartridge into your Cricut® Personal Electronic Cutter machine (sold at retail stores) and you're ready to cut any of the 700 shapes with the touch of a button! The exclusive images are incredibly versatile, and many are designed to be used with specific My Acrylix® stamps for real eye-popping power!

When you purchase the Cricut® Art Philosophy cartridge, you'll also receive three exclusive D-size stamp sets designed to perfectly coordinate with the images on the cartridge. Plus, we're including three sets of 9" x 12" Dimensional Elements that work in tandem with the cartridge as well. You can mix and match to your heart's content! Stamp on your Cricut® shape; cover your Dimensional Element with a Cricut® shape; or cut, stamp, then cover! You'll be all set to create uniquely beautiful artwork with ease.

 Collection includes:
1 – Cartridge (700 images: font, shapes, and 3-D items)
3 – My Acrylix® D-size stamp sets
3" × 9" × 12" Dimensional Elements (3 sheets of different shapes)
Creative Feature Keys: Layer, Decorative Layer, Tag, Card, Font, Font Layer.
Recommended blocks for included stamp sets: 1" × 1" (Y1000), 2" × 2" (Y1003), 2" × 3½" (Y1009), 3" × 3" (Y1006).
Cricut® is a registered trademark of Provo Craft & Novelty, Inc. All rights reserved.

To purchase this exclusive cartridge bundle, click here!

Stamp of the Month...

August 2011 Wicked

(See this Idea Book) Autumn/Winter 2011 Idea Book

Wicked, set of 9

Recommended Blocks:
1" x 3 1/2" (Y1002)
2" x 3 1/2" (Y1009)
2" x 6 1/2" (Y1010)
4" x 5" (Y1012)

Beautiful Stamps, Amazing Discounts

Each month you can enjoy a new D-size stamp set, available for one month only, for just $5—that’s over 70% off retail! When you place an order of $50 US / $55 CAN or more in Close To My Heart products, you qualify for this special Stamp of the Month pricing.

 

August 2011: Friendship (S1108)

Spend $50 US / $55 CAN and get this Stamp of the Month set for just $5/$5.50.

Plus, a special called "Extra! Extra!"...

 

Shop my Close To My Heart Website to buy these products »

Delightfully Wicked Cards and Box

In love with the artwork we created with this stamp set? Get ready to make it yourself! Purchase the materials listed here along with your deeply discounted Stamp of the Month set to get started!

Materials Needed

1. S1108 My Acrylix^® Wicked
2. X7144B Mischief Level 2 Paper Packet
3. X5913 Light Neutral Cardstock Shade Pack
4. Z1487 Mini-Medley Accents Pewter Collection
5. Z1335 Opaques Licorice Adhesive Gems
6. Z282 Black Hemp

Required Tools

1. Z1647 My Creations^® Card Box
2. Z2105 Black Exclusive Inks^® Pad
3. Z2111 Chocolate Exclusive Inks^® Pad
4. Z2191 Sunset Exclusive Inks^® Pad
5. Z2305 Black Exclusive Inks^® Marker
6. E1016 My Acrylix^® Friendship Alphabet Large
7. Z1311 1 1/4" Circle Punch
8. Z1114 Piercing Tool Kit
9. Z697 Sponge
10. Z341 Mini Glue Dots^®
11. Z1151 3-D Foam Tape
12. Y1002 1" x 3 1/2" My Acrylix^® Block
13. Y1009 2" x 3 1/2" My Acrylix^® Block
14. Y1010 2" x 6 1/2" My Acrylix^® Block
15. Y1012 4" x 5" My Acrylix^® Block

Order the New Close To My Heart Autumn/Winter Idea Book...

The Idea Book is now live. If you'd like to order a copy, just click on the Paypal button below. The cost is $5.00 and will include a $5.00 Gift Certificate toward your first order placed with me only.

Off Topic...

Okay, so I began couponing about a month or so ago and yesterday's shopping trip was a success! First, I went to Ralph's and after 3 transactions, I spent $39.05.  Then, I went to CVS. Below are each of the transactions:

RALPH'S Trans #1:

2 – Loreal Kids Detangler - $1.99 wyb 10 participating items

Use 2 - $0.75/1 (should double up to $1.00)

= $0.99 each/$1.98 for 2

3 – Pringles - $0.99 wyb 10 participating items

Use 1 - $1.00/3

= $1.97 for 3

2 – Tombstone Pizza - $2.99 wyb 10 participating items

= $5.98 for 2

3 – Kraft Easy Mac - $0.49 wyb 10 participating items

= $1.47 for 3

RALPH'S Trans #2:

20 – Horizon Vanilla Organic Milk Singles - $0.88

= $17.60

1 – Don Francisco's Coffee - $3.99

2 - Activia 4 pks - $1.88

Use 1 - $1.00/2

= $2.76 for 2

RALPH'S Trans #3:

2 - Activia 4 pks - $1.88

Use 1 - $1.00/2

= $2.76 for 2

CVS Trans #1:

3 - Scott Mega Paper Towel Rolls (6 Big Select-a-Size) - $4.77 ea

Use 3 - $1.00/1 & $10 ECB (earned from a previous purchase)

= $0.58 for 3 pks,

It's definitely some work, but I'm so thrilled with the results so far (and so are my husband and pocketbook) LOL!

Coming Soon...

I know it's been a while since I have posted something related to papercrafting, so here goes...

Coming soon is the New CTMH Art Philosophy Cricut Cartridge! This awesome new product will be available to purchase on August 1st and if you would like to get it at a discount, you can host a Home Gathering and earn it as part of your 1/2 price hostess rewards, or sign up to become a Consultant and order it NOW!

My CVS Shopping Trip - Spent $7.96 / Saved 82%...

Okay, so I just began couponing a few weeks ago and below is a picture of my CVS shopping trip from yesterday. (not pictured is the bottle of AJAX)

Total Out of Pocket - $7.96

You're probable wondering how I managed to spend such a small amount for all of these items, so I will share. On Sunday, I went to CVS and purchased 2 items - G.U.M. PerioBalance for $15.99 and Hersheys Bliss Dark Chocolates for $5.99. I paid $21.98, but CVS gave me 2 ECB (Extra Credit Bucks) coupons back for $15.99 and $5.99, making my purchases FREE.

Now, onto yesterday's transactions....

Transaction #1
PowerBar Energy or Protein Bites, 2.6 to 3-oz. | $2.49
ECB Earned: $2.49 (Limit 1)
Pay: $2.49 | After ECB: FREE!

Transaction #2
Colgate Total Gum Defense, Advanced & Colgate Max Toothpaste | $2.79
ECB Earned: $4.00 ($2 for each tube)
- $2.49 ECB from Trans #1
- $1/1 Colgate Total Advanced Toothpaste 6/12/2011 SS Insert (exp 7/2/2011)
- $0.75/1 Colgate Toothbrushes or Paste 6/5/2011 SS Insert (exp 6/25/2011)
Pay: $1.83 for both | After ECB: FREE!

Transaction #3
Pampers Baby Dry, Swaddlers or Cruisers Diapers ($20) & 2 pks CVS Soft Cloths Baby Wipes, 64 to 72-ct. ($2.50) | $25.00
ECB Earned: $10.00 when you buy $25.00 (limit 1)
- $4.00 ECB from Trans #2
- $15.99 ECB from Sunday Transaction
- $5.99 ECB from Sunday Transaction
Pay: $1.21 | After ECB: FREE!

Transaction #4
AJAX Dishwashing Liquid 16oz $1.77, OH's Cereal (2 boxes) $1.00 each, CapNCrunch Cereal (2 boxes) $1.00 each, ACT 2 Popcorn (3 boxes) $1.00 each, Teddy Graham Cookies (5 boxes of 6 pkgs) $1.00 each and Duncan Hines Chocolate Chip Cookie Mix (1 box) $1.00 each | $14.77 (before tax)
- $10.00 ECB from Trans #3
Pay: $4.92


I am so proud of my savings! It's amazing what you can save when you plan your trip ahead of time, instead of going to the store without a list and any coupons for that matter.


Have a great week!!!

Fabulous 1/2 Price New Consultant Kit & FREE National Scrapbooking Kit!!!

Click on image to view and print

Starting May 1^st, your New Consultant Kit is half price - only $129 $64.50 and includes Business Essentials plus 3 "choose me" product collections of your choice, along with a You & Me scrapbooking kit FREE!

Business essentials includes basic business forms and product information so you can start holding Home Gatherings right away, while "choose me" collections allow you to customize your New Consultant Kit with the products that best fit your business goals. You may purchase additional "choose me" collections for the discounted price of just $40 each, plus tax and shipping. "Choose me" collections are only available during the sign-up process.

Business Essentials (included with enrollment):

Open Me First Brochure
Current Idea Book (qty. 5) 
You Are Welcome Here Brochures (W1151, qty. 25) 
The Rewards Come Now Brochures (W1150, qty. 25)
Customer Order Forms (W1101, qty. 25)
Studio J® Customer Order Forms (W1102, qty. 25)
Studio J® 5-Pack Cards (W1104, qty. 5)
Studio J® Membership Cards (W1103, qty. 5)
Cello Bags (W1152, qty. 25)

Choose 3 (included with your kit fee)

Want more than 3? Select any or all of the remaining collections for the discounted price, plus tax and shipping.

 

Choose Me 3 contents include (Retail Value: $99.00):
12-Month Studio J® Membership 

CHOOSE ME 2

Choose Me 3 contents include (Retail Value: $66.85):

Workshops on the Go™ Mayberry Kit (G1022)
My Acrylix® Summer Days Stamp Set (B1375)
Smoothie Exclusive Inks® Pad (Z2196)
Olive Exclusive Inks® Pad (Z2137)
Brads Pink Assortment (Z1362)
2" × 3 1/2" My Acrylix® Block (Y1009) (not shown)

CHOOSE ME 3

Choose Me 4 contents include (Retail Value: $78.85):

Workshops on the Go™ Lucky Kit (G1018)
My Acrylix® Enjoy Life Stamp Set (C1439)
Outdoor Denim Exclusive Inks® Pad (Z2140)
Desert Sand Exclusive Inks® Pad (Z2118)
Lucky Level 2 Assortment (Z1356)
Kraft Color-Ready Borders (Z1377)
Sponge (Z697)
Edge Distresser (Z1297)
2 1/2" × 2 1/2" My Acrylix® Block (Y1004) (not shown)

CHOOSE ME 4

Choose Me 5 contents include (Retail Value: $73.60):

12" x 12" Dark Chocolate My Legacy® Faux Leather Album (Z1342)
Outdoor Denim Quick Pic® Album (Z1404)
My Acrylix® Ciao Stamp Set (D1461)
Chocolate Exclusive Inks® Pad (Z2111)
4" × 4" My Acrylix® Block (Y1008)

CHOOSE ME 5

Choose Me 6 contents include (Retail Value: $75.05):

Double Scrubber (Z1163)
My Acrylix® Spritz Cleaner (1778)
My Acrylix® A Tulip Stamp Set (A1111)
My Acrylix® Spring Up Stamp Set (B1365)
My Acrylix® Bless This Nest Stamp Set (C1445)
Tulip Exclusive Inks® Pad (Z2166)
Garden Green Exclusive Inks® Pad (Z2120)
3" × 3" My Acrylix® Block (Y1006) (not shown)

CHOOSE ME 6

~

Plus, you will also get this super cute You & Me Scrapbooking Kit in the video below for FREE in your New Consultant Kit when you sign up in May.

You & Me Scrapbooking Kit Includes:
1 – My Acrylix® You & Me Stamp Set (D-size)
1 – 12" × 12" Colonial White Cardstock
6 – 12" × 12" B&T Duos® Papers (New! Cardstock-weight)
1 – 6" × 9" You & Me Irresistibles™ Chipboard Die-Cut Sheet
1 Yard – Chocolate Stripe Ribbon
1 Package – Opaques Mocha Adhesive Gems
1 – Instruction Guide
Featured Colors: Chocolate, Crème Brulee, Olive, Smoothie

~

If you have ever wanted to turn your hobby into a lucrative business...

or

If you have ever wanted to get a great discount on all of your stamping & scrapbooking supplies for you and your friends...

or

If you have ever thought about getting a Studio J Membership...

or

If you'd just like to get a great deal on a TON of fabulous products found in the New Consultant Kit...

May is definitely the time to do it!

Contact me if you have any questions. I will be happy to help you start planning, so that you can be ready to sign up first thing on May 1st and take advantage of this FABULOUS deal!

You can click here to sign up as well.

A Little Box In A Bag...

Here's a little something that I completed today after being inspired by the ever-so-talented Becky Roberts. You can find her version here. I'm thinking that these little bundles would make great Hostess Gifts or a cute workshop. Whatever suits your needs...

Edited to add:
Here are the directions are as follows...

Box Base

Take a 4" x 3 1/2" piece of cardstock and score a 1/2" on all four sides.
Cut a slit in all four corners to 1/2" mark to form box and adhere.

Bag

Take a 4" x 11 1/2" piece of B&T and apply adhesive along the bottom (11 1/2" length) and along the right (4" side) and adhere around the box base.
Take two strips - 1 1/2" x 11 1/2" (top border) and 1" x 11 1/2" (bottom border) and use a decorative edge punch or scissors and adhere to bag.
Punch your holes for your straps (I used ribbon, but don't remember the length. You could also use cardstock) and add to the bag.

The cards are 3" x 3", with a 1/2" B&T bottom border, 2 1/4" olive cardstock square and 2 1/8" colonial white cardstock square.

Enjoy!!!

Papers: G1022 Mayberry Workshop Kit (Large Floral B&T Duos, Olive Cardstock), Z1375 Kraft Cardstock
Stamps: B1380 Mayberry (from Workshop Kit)
Inks: Z2118 DESERT SAND EXCLUSIVE INKS® STAMP PAD, Z2196 SMOOTHIE EXCLUSIVE INKS® STAMP PAD
Accessories: 1514 Tombow® Adhesive, Colonial White Grommets (Retired), Z338 EURO PERSONAL PAPER TRIMMER
Other: Vanilla Grosgrain Ribbon, Scallop Border Punch


Just a reminder, only 10 more days left to take advantage of The National Scrapbook Month Start-Up Special...

Click here for all the details!

My Acrylix® Dreams Come True Stamp Set...

Discover how to create a beautiful banner using the My Creations^® Mix & Mingle album & My Acrylix^® Dreams Come True stamp set. Learn how to use the embossed resist technique for gorgeous lettering, clip away part of a stamped sentence for a whole new meaning, build a card sentiment like a puzzle, and more!

Weekly Warm-Up: Time-Saving Solution For Your Scrapbooks

Did you see the Creating Keepsakes blog today? My upline just informed me that they have some great tips for creating 4 layouts in just 30 minutes by using Close to my Heart's Studio J program! You can check out the article here: Weekly Warm-Up: Time-Saving Solution For Your Scrapbooks

Remember with a Studio J Membership, you can get all of your Studio J layouts at half price, plus free shipping, plus access to all of the great extra membership perks like members-only layouts and papers, special promotions and more.

Want an additional 22% off of your layouts as well? Click here to sign up as a Consultant for 50% off (less than the cost of a 1-year membership) and you can get all of the membership benefits along with an extra 22% discount on every CTMH product, including your Studio J layouts, plus get 2 extra bundles of goodies and the You & Me Kit all for only $64.50! (that's over $300 worth of goodies!) Plus, your friends can enjoy the benefits of Studio J as well, and you will get commission on all of their purchases!

1. Try Studio J for free here.
2. Sign up for a Studio J Membership here.
3. Order your new Consultant Kit and get a bigger discount here.
   
   Contact me if you have any questions.

Happy Mother's Day!!!

Wishing all you fabulous moms a Happy Mother's Day... you definitely deserve it! God bless you all and your families...

Pictured are two cards that I made today after church - one for my mommy and the other for my sister. I hope you enjoy them. Thanks for stopping by!

New Consultant Kit is 50% Off!!!

Now’s the Time!

Join the Close To My Heart family during May and get the new Consultant Kit at 50% off!

If you have ever considered joining Close To My Heart as an Independent Consultant, now is the time. It’s our greatest start-up deal ever. You’ll receive all the business essentials plus 3 “Choose Me” collections for 50% off, that’s only $64.50 US / $70 CAN. Close To My Heart Consultants enjoy something that is often elusive in the working world—flexibility. Besides being paid for doing what you love, Consultants are your own boss—setting your own hours, work around your priorities, and share revolutionary new products unparalleled in the industry. You’ll also receive discounts on the products you love and have the amazing opportunity to touch hearts and change lives through the joy of scrapbooking and stamping!

As part of this limited time offer, you’ll receive your choice of 3 of the following “Choose Me” collections plus the business essentials!
 

Choose Me 2

Use exclusive patterns and papers to create beautiful Studio J^® layouts at deeply discounted prices with a 12-month Studio J membership.

Includes a 12-month Studio J membership. Retail value: $99 US / $110 CAN.
 

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Choose Me 3

The lively paper, sunny ink colors, and cheery stamp sets in this collection will make your heart sing and your artwork shine.

Includes a Workshops on the Go™ Mayberry Kit (G1022), My Acrylix^® Summer Days Stamp Set (B1375), Smoothie Exclusive Inks^® Pad (Z2196), Olive Exclusive Inks^® Pad (Z2137), Brads Pink Assortment (Z1362), and a 2” x 3 ½” My Acrylix^® Block (Y1009) (not shown). Retail value: $66.85 US/ $74.25 CAN.
 

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Choose Me 4

Cardmakers and scrapbookers alike will cherish this collection of vintage-themed products and versatile tools.

Includes a Workshops on the Go™ lucky Kit (G1018), Lucky Level 2 Assortment (Z1356), My Acrylix^® Enjoy Life Stamp Set (C1439), Outdoor Denim Exclusive Inks^® Pad (Z2140), Desert Sand Exclusive Inks^® Pad (Z2118), Kraft Color-Ready Borders (Z1377), Sponge (Z697), Edge Distresser (Z1297), and a 2 ½” x 2 ½” My Acrylix^® Block (Y1004) (not shown). Retail value: $78.55 US/ $87.45 CAN.

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Choose Me 5

Beauty meets practicality with this collection of two types of albums, ink, stamps, and a block.

Includes a 12” x 12” Dark Chocolate My Legacy^® Faux Leather Album (Z1342), Outdoor Denim Quick Pic™ Album (Z1404), My Acrylix^® Ciao Stamp Set D1461), Chocolate Exclusive Inks^® Pad (Z2111), and a 4” x 4” My Acrylix^® Block (Y1008). Retail Value: $73.60 US / $81.20 CAN.
 

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Choose Me 6

Get ready to create with three adorable stamp sets, two beautiful ink pads, and supplies to clean and maintain them.

Includes a Double Scrubber (Z1163), My Acrylix^® Spritz Cleaner (1778), My Acrylix^® A Tulip Stamp Set (A1111), My Acrylix^® Spring Up Stamp Set (B1365), My Acrylix^® Bless This Nest Stamp Set (C1445), A Tulip Exclusive Inks^® Pad (Z2166), Garden Green Exclusive Inks^® Pad (Z2120), and a 3” x 3” My Acrylix^® Block (Y1006) (not shown). Retail Value: $75.05 US/ $82.90 CAN.

Plus, you'll receive the National Scrapbooking Kit - You & Me FREE! 

 

If you’ve ever thought about owning your own home-based business and would love an exciting career in the booming scrapbooking and stamping industry, you owe it to yourself to take advantage of this opportunity. There’s never been a better time to join Close To My Heart!

What kind of consultant will you be?

Discount Consultant: You like the idea of buying stamps and supplies for your personal use at a 22 percent discount and occasionally selling to neighbors, relatives, friends, etc.

Seasonal Consultant: You work hard for a short period of time or season to earn a specific amount of money or to achieve a specific goal, and then you maintain minimum orders and sales during the balance of the year.

Hobby Consultant: You love doing workshops and earning extra money when it is convenient. You work a lot some months and very little other months. You will do workshops if they are easy to book, and maybe have a regular group that meets together once a month. You enjoy the rewards that being a Close To My Heart Consultant brings, but you don’t plan to make Close To My Heart a career.

Career Consultant: You view Close To My Heart as a viable business with long-term career potential. You pursue a management role, and you want to continue moving up with your Close To My Heart career. You love attending Close To My Heart events and have close relationships with other consultants. You work your business in a consistent and ongoing manner.

Whatever kind of consultant you feel you'd be, I'd love to have you JOIN MY TEAM!  
Enroll Now.

Let’s Celebrate National Scrapbooking Month!

 During our May celebration, you can get the exclusive You & Me scrapbooking kit at a fabulous discount or even FREE*!

When you place a minimum order of $50 US / $55 CAN in Close To My Heart products* in May, you can get the exclusive You & Me scrapbooking kit for the discount price of just $15/$16.50—that’s more than half off the retail value! You’ll create two fully embellished two-page layouts using the new cardstock-weight B&T Duos^® papers, D-size stamp set, accessories, and instructions. You can also purchase the kit at full retail for $34.95/$38.95 with no minimum purchase required. Become a Close To My Heart Consultant during May and we’ll include a You & Me kit for free* as part of your New Consultant Kit.

Click here to get the celebration started.

* Shipping/handling and tax apply to purchased kits but not free kits. Offer valid May 1–31, 2011 only. Products or memberships purchased on a Studio J^® website, even if Studio J is entered via a MyCTMH^® site, do not count toward a qualifying order. While supplies last.