Tag: Close to my Heart

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Get your Valentine’s Memories preserved with a Free Workshop Guide

Did you have a nice Valentine’s Day? Whether you had a fun evening out or enjoyed a cozy night at home, I hope you made some great memories and remembered to take pictures.

In case you have not yet saved a copy, I just wanted to remind you of the free workshop guide for the Oh My Heart special paper suite. This guide has cutting and assembly directions for the the a two page layout and a single page with room for all your Valentine’s Day photos.

Download Guide Now>>

In addition to the scrapbook layouts, the workshop also has directions for making 40 mini (3″ x 4″) Valentine’s Day cards — it’s too late for this year, but you could have them all ready to go for 2021!! If you opt to not make the cards, you’ll have plenty of paper left over for additional scrapbook pages or other projects. 

Download Guide Now>> 

To make all of these projects exactly as shown, you’ll want to order the Oh My Heart workshop kit. This bundle includes paper, stickers, stamp set, stickles cards and envelopes needed for these projects. The Oh My Heart items are also available to order separately.

Download Guide Now>> 

Be aware that the Oh My Heart products retire at the end of February, so get your order in before it is too late!

Keep Creating,

Rebecca

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Overview of the Artfully Sent Cricut Collection for Making Cards and More

I’m so excited that our retired Cricut image collections are now available to purchase using my special Cricut Affiliate link! In this post, I’m going to knock the dust off the a favorite collection, especially for card-makers, Artfully Sent. Join my as to learn all the features of this amazing set of images.

History and Good News

The Artfully Sent Cricut collection was first released by Close To My Heart in 2014 in a physical cartridge bundle. This is was right after Cricut released the Explore, the first machine to use Design Space, but most Cricut users still used cartridge-driven machines like the Expression. The tiny pictures in the handbook, made this collection difficult to use on these older machines but the projects are perfectly suited for today’s Design Space machines. The collection retired a few years ago without being offered as a digital-only collection. When it retired, these images became unavailable to anyone who was unfortunate enough to miss out on getting this cartridge while it was available.

Last year, Close To My Heart began a new partnership with Cricut which allows all of our image collections, including retired collections like Artfully Sent, to be purchased using special links only available from Close To My Heart consultants! This is an exciting development because many of you missed these collection the first time around. This collection has so many fun projects and with the editing options now available in Design Space, the possibilities are endless!

This is the first post in a series focusing on the Close To My Heart Cricut image sets. 

An Introduction to Artfully Sent

To get started, let’s watch the introductory video from 2014. Note that the stamp sets and cardstock are no longer included when you purchase the collection.

Artfully Sent Handbook and Assembly Booklet

Are you excited to see it all? With the Artfully Sent collection, you basically get hundreds of ready to cut cards, plus a full font and envelopes to put your cards in.  Click here to view the complete Artfully Sent handbook >>

The cartridge was originally packaged with an Assembly booklet which is really helpful to know how to put together the cards. Click here to view the Assembly Booklet>>

Thumbnails of Images

Below is a preview of the font and envelopes, plus each of the the five types of cards. I’ve also included a thumbnail of each project, however as I mentioned before, these images are really small and it’s hard to see the details until you open the projects in Design Space. I’ve also includes links to a series of posts that I wrote when the Artfully Sent cartridge was originally released in 2014.

Font

The Artfully Sent font has fun decorative loops which adds a unique whimsical twist to your projects. The collection includes a full font with upper-case and lower-case letters, numbers and basic symbols. Click here for a more detailed look at the font>>

Envelopes

The collection has 13 different fancy envelopes and optional liners. Click here for more information about the envelopes>>

Pop-up Cards

The 50 pop-up card projects have several layers including a card base, liner and icons. These complete projects are grouped which means in Design Space they are added to your canvas as a single layered image. Click here for more information about these cards >>

Build-a-Scene Cards

There are three types of build-a-scene cards: Swing, Backdrop and Tri-panel for a total of 50 projects. Click here for more information about these cards >>

Sentiment Cards

There are a whopping 100 in this set of cards. Each card has icons and/or sentiments cut into the card. For all of these, you can leave the cut outs as windows on the card, or cover the back with paper to add color to the design. You can also use the cut outs to make creative shaker window cards. Click here for more information about these cards >>

Sleeve and Overlay Cards

This next group of cards have tabs that when folded and attached create a sleeve or pocket. These can be used in a wide variety of ways including gift card holders, invitations or photos. Click here for more information about these cards >>

The overlay cards have a solid back and cut outs on the front of the card. Most of these do not have any theme, so you can dress them up to use at any occasion.

Pocket Cards

The last collection of projects are flat cards that can be put into the pockets of a divided scrapbooking memory protector. These are also great titles for your full size pages or even for the front of a greeting card. I also like that you can punch a hole in the top (or add in design space) and have an instant tag for any occasion. Click here for more information about these cards >>

Posts with additional Artfully Sent Projects

Over the years since this cartridge was first released, I’ve shared several projects on this blog. Click here to see all of the posts featuring Artfully Sent images >>

How to purchase as of February 2020

This cartridge was retired several years ago, but the good news is that it is back! If you never bought the physical cartridge, you can now create with these images in Design Space. You can access them  several different ways. The Artfully Sent images are now available with Cricut Access or can be purchased individually in Design Space for $1.99 for each project and $6.99 for the font. However, the best value is to purchase the full collection which includes all 700 individual images (projects plus font) for just $49.95. When you purchase the full collection, the images are yours forever, regardless of your subscription status. You can subscribe to Access or purchase the full collection on Cricut.com. (If you use the Cricut link in this post for your purchases, I’ll earn a small commission. Thank You!)

Here’s one more video you can watch to see even more inspiring projects made with Artfully Sent.

I hope this post has encouraged you to check out or re-familiarize yourself with this great classic collection of card-making projects.

Keep creating!

Rebecca

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CTMH Convention: It’s like Christmas in July for me!

This week is a very exciting weeks of the year for me and my Close To My Heart buddies. Our North American Convention is when we get together with friends, see new products, get amazing training and basically get charged up for the upcoming fall and holiday season.

At last year’s convention we celebrated Sticky Boy‘s wedding in Las Vegas. This year we are in Provo, Utah which is just a stones throw from our home office. In fact later today, I get to tour this building where all the magic happens!

Two years ago, they opened the doors to convention goers for the first time.

When we entered the building we were greeted by this beautiful paper mobile in the front lobby.

It was fun to see the art room (“where all the magic happens”) and the lovely cabinetry which is the setting for a lot of the videos. 

We even got to visit Jeanette’s beautiful office!

We’ve been told that this year’s tour will be different and will include a new meeting room which will be the location for the next scrapbook retreat. 

After arriving in Provo late last night, I woke up early this morning and couldn’t go back to sleep. Can’t wait for all the fun to begin!

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Create the Rainbow in June!

It’s finally summer time and it’s time to embrace color! During the month of June, you can get 25% off some colorful bundles and order an exclusive rainbow stamp. You can even get a free paper pack!

Start shopping now>>

Let me tell you all about it! I’ll break it down because there are several components to this special and you don’t want to miss any of them.



CUSTOM CARDSTOCK BUNDLES – 25% OFF

Typically you can order cardstock in single color packs or in packs that include every color in a family group (Basics, Enchantment, Whimsy or Adventure). With this special, we are offering new color combinations. Each pack includes 12 sheets of paper (4 of each color) and are just $7.45 each. Stock up now!



Start shopping now>>

INDIVIDUAL FUNDAMENTAL RIBBONS – 25% OFF

Prior to this special, our fundamental ribbons were only available color groups that include 5 types of ribbon. If you had a favorite, you had to order the whole collection. Now each of these ribbons are available individually for just $1.85 each!



Start shopping now>>



VARIETY OF EMBELLISHMENTS – 25% OFF



Take a look at this selection. I bet you see some of your favorites! Sparkles are always my go to, but I’m really loving the gold and white pearls.

Start shopping now>>

FREE PAPER BUNDLE WHEN YOU HOST!


Host a party that reaches $350 in sales or more and you can pick one of the special Create the Rainbow paper packs for free! Learn more about our hostess program>>

We have a lot of flexibility in our party plan. I’d love to get together with you and your friends to create a project and share the CTMH love, but I’ll be honest, the rest of this month is crazy busy for me. So how about a virtual party? You share the Idea Book and shopping link with your friends. We could set up a Facebook to share information if you’d like. Email me today to get it set up>>


FREE PAPER BUNDLE WHEN YOU JOIN!

In addition to our already generous consultant package, everyone who joins in June will receive one of the Create a Rainbow cardstock packs free! Learn more about my team, the Treasure Keepers>>

However you slice it, June is looking like a lot of fun! It’s a great time to stock up on some basics. Start shopping now>>

Keep creating,

Rebecca

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August Trifecta: Separate deals for purchases, hosting and becoming a consultant

I’ve been procrastinating. It’s already August 5 and I’m just now getting my “first of the month” blog post up. Occasionally, I get this opening post late because life is busy and I just don’t get it done. But this time, it was because I had serious writer’s block!

There is so much to tell you and seriously, I just couldn’t get my head wrapped around how to get it all summarized in a single post. There are three Close To My Heart specials (one for purchases, one for hostesses and another for new consultants). As usual, I have a Collection of the Month bonus and I’ve created bundles with the new Cricut cartridges. Plus there is the  August Stamp of the Month. All together 6 great deals to tell you about today.

So rather than let this become really long, I’m going to just bullet point each item with links to where you can find more information.

  • Online Warehouse Sale – Each Tuesday morning, a new collection of discounted products and bundles will be posted on my website. Learn more>>

  • Jump for Joy – August hostesses can “jump” up a level on the rewards table. Learn more>>

  • Rewards Your Way – When you join my team, you will have the opportunity to earn a free Cricut collection, Thin Cut Alphabet or get $99 in product! Learn more>>

  • Collection of the Month: Jack – Order this workshop (or other qualifying Jack items) and I’ll give you a free stamp set! (Must email your order to me.)Learn more>>

  • Cricut Bundles – Get free items when you order the new Cricut collections! Learn more>>

  • August Stamp of the Month, School Year – This stamp set is exclusively available during August 2017. You can pay full price ($17.95) or add it to an order of $50 or more for just $5. Learn more>>

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8 Steps to Update Your Stamps in Evernote with the New Idea Book

Last week, I posted informationabout how I use Evernote to keep my stamp sets organized. If you waste time looking for your stamp sets or forego stamping all together because they are in too much of a chaos, I’d encourage you to check it out. This post is for those who use this system and update with my populated notebooks. For more information, go to my Evernote Resource Page.

As we retire an Idea Book and have a brand new one come on the scene, there are a few steps that I do to make sure my Evernote notebook matches my stamps and the physical stamps are stored nice and tidy. Start this season organized and everything else will be easier!

Step #1 

If you have not already, copy the stamps from the prior Idea Books shared notebooks (from me) to your personal notebook. If you have not already created a personal notebook, watch this video to learn how.

Step #2

Use the links embedded in the notes to access the stamp images online. Copy and paste these images into your personal copy of the notebook before they retire because the links may no longer work after July 31!  (CTMH has requested that I not include images in my shared notebook, but you can copy them into your notes for personal use.) 

Step #3

Review the retiring stamp sets from the 2016 Annual Inspirations Idea Book and order any “must haves” (shop now) before August 1.  Remember stamp sets are currently buy 2 get 1 free! To maximize your savings check out the stamps in the Seasonal Expressions 2 Idea Book which will retire on August 31. Get them while they are on sale!

Step #3

Add a tag to the notes in your personal notebook for all the stamp sets you own. My tag for this is simply “OWN”.  I also tag them based on what box they are stored in “Box 1, Box 2,…”

Step #4

Tag the retiring stamp sets in your personal notebook. I also make “retired” labels for the envelope of my physical stamp sets. As a consultant, I try to use current stamp sets for blog projects so this helps remind me which stamp sets are still available.

Step #5

If you are not a subscriber, order the updated Evernote notebook! Consider the new Annual Subscription to receive timely updates for a full 12 month Idea Book cycle.

To order, do ONE Of the following:

  • Join my Close To My Heart team
  • Place an order of $25 or more on my Close To My Heart website ($60 to get a year long subscription)
  • Place an order of $50 or more in Consultant-only Workshop Samples ($120 to get a year long subscription)
  • Make a donation of $25 toward a CTMH order ($60 to get a year long subsciption). I use these funds to purchase CTMH products for local not-for-profit entities. (This option is great if you live outside of the US.)

Then fill outthis form. 

Step #6

Once you get the email from me with links to the update, copy these new stamps into your personal notebook.

Step #7

Add any new stamp  you have purchased to your large organizers in alpha-numeric order by item number. In Evernote, add a “OWN” tag to any new stamps and “WISH” to any still on your personal wish list. 

Step #8

Tell your friends and team members who have Close To My Heart stamps about my Evernote stamps notebook! Sending them a link tolast week’s blog post is a great place for them to start. (THANKS!)

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New products plus a few price increases coming on August 1

I’m very excited about the new Annual Inspirations Idea Book that will go live on August 1! This is preview month for the Close To My Heart consultants and I am really enjoying playing with the new stuff. Can’t wait to show you more!!!

However. in this new catelog there are also a few price increases due to manufacturing and supply cost changes. So here’s your heads up that if any of these items are on your wish list, be sure to place your order by July 31 to get the current LOWER prices.

For example, all of the existing Workspace Wonder pieces are going up $1 or $2 each! 

The prices on other organization items are also going up by up to $5!

Here’s a list of the other items that are going up. Note that I’ve included handy links (see the underlined words) to help you shop.

  • Exclusive Ink Reinkers: going up $1 each (White Daisy going up $1.45)
  • Glitter Paper (Red, White, Gold, Silver and Black): going up $1

  • Red or Grey Enamel Gems: going up $1

  • Sponge Daubers 3 pack: going up $1.45 (12 pack also going up $2)

  • Rub & Remove Eraser: going up $2

  • Micro-tip & Non-stick Micro-tip Scissors: going up $2 

Remember all these increases go into place on August 1, so be sure to submit your order by midnight July 31. 

Before you place your order, be sure to pick out a few stamps. During July, they are buy 2 get  1 free! 

This includes these bonus retro stamps that are available only this month:

Finally, if you have $50 or more in your cart, you can add the Stamp of the Month for just $5!

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An Invitation to a Special Journey with Close To My Heart

I’d like to invite you to start on very special journey this month. But first, I’d like to tell you about my Close To My Heart journey which started almost six years ago. As you will read, this was not something I was particularly looking for, the timing wasn’t really that great, but I’m so glad I took that first step. I have gained so much!

So my story starts on a lonely November evening while my husband was on a work trip to China. The week had been hectic (as most were those days) and I was wishing some of those “let’s get together” conversations with friends would actually get off the ground.

Like most of my friends, I was busy with a full time job, keeping up with house stuff and chasing my daughter around town. (OK, actually driving her, but it seems like I was doing a lot of chasing.) Late that night, I started Googling scrapbooking supplies because I certainly didn’t have the energy to actually DO any scrapbooking.

I happened upon the Close To My Heart website and discovered the most beautiful papers!

CTMH’s Magnifique collection, circa 2010

These were not just pretty papers, they were pretty COLLECTIONS of paper and COORDINATING embellishments! As I was exploring the Close To My Heart website, I discovered that the best way to get a lot of great product at a great price was to buy the Consultant kit. After carefully reading the agreement to make sure I wasn’t signing away my first born. I didn’t see any red flags, so I signed up. 

My kit arrived just before Thanksgiving and my 10 year old daughter and I spent every minute not consumed by family obligations creating. We watched videos to learn to stamp and other fun techniques. We also watched the business training.  To this day, she continues to be my partner in creating and probably knows more about the products than I do. It has been such a fun adventure to do with her.

My creative partner, December 2010

When I heard about the convention at Disneyland the next summer, I begged my husband to let me go on a solo vacation — actually, he encouraged me to go. I didn’t know what to expect, but I was completely overwhelmed and blown away starting with the team meeting on “Convention Eve”. I’ll admit to being way out of my element when everyone came dressed as princesses! That was when I realized, I was not among actuaries any longer.

Tina Sutton, the “Queen of (Scattered) Hearts”

This was about as different from what I was used to in my world as an actuary as possible. What amazed me at that team meeting was that along with the laughter and craziness, there was also a celebration of successes. Awards were given for sales, teams and longevity. Although many of the women were hobbyists like me who just wanted great products at a discount, there were also business women who were raising their families, paying bills and earning real money through Close To My Heart.

Once the convention started, it was a blur of experiences —- seeing new products, learning new tricks and techniques, being inspired by the founder Jeanette Lynton and other leaders, meeting new people and much more.

Since that first convention, I have continued to be blown away by this company. Every new Idea Book is full of beautiful new products that are 100% on trend. I swear, we are trend setters because once something is introduced by Close To My Heart you start seeing it everywhere. I’ve met so many amazing people — fellow consultants at Close To My Heart events and scrapbookers at local crops. They have become a second family to me.

My journey with Close To My Heart started with a little mouse click to order some fun new products to use for my memory albums. But from small beginnings, big things come. I can’t imagine walking away from Close To My Heart now. 


In summary, I was looking for PAPER, but I found SO MUCH MORE!

So here’s the invitation I promised earlier:

There has never been a better time to join because during June, you get a preview of two of our new products that are coming out next month. You get to pick one of the new Fundamental paper packs and coordinating complements pack — total value of these bonus items is over $30!

These bonuses are on top of our already fully loaded Consultant kit which includes everything in the picture below PLUS $50 in PRODUCT CREDIT!

The total retail value of this kit is over $230, but you pay just $75! Please consider taking advantage of this amazing deal!

Start your journey now>>

You can learn more about being a consultant and a member of my team, the Treasure Keepers, on my website. If you have any questions, please email me. I’d love to discuss how Close To My Heart may fit your life.

Rebecca

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Art Philosophy Cricut Star Cut-out Window Card

Tired of the same boring flat cards? You can easily turn any Cricut shape into a Window Card using the Slice feature in Design Space.

The card I made uses a blank card base and star from the Art Philosophy Cricut cartridge. This cartridge is amazing with 700 images including two complete fonts, tons of basic images, cards and fun stuff like 3D roses and borders. 

If you don’t have it, order yours today because it is retiring at the end of the month! 

As Independence Day approaches this year, it seems like there are a lot of reasons to have fear and doubt. But I choose to have HOPE! We live in an amazing country filled with incredible people. Will you join me? As this card says, I wish for you to “Have a day filled with….Hope!”

To make this card, I “sliced” together a scalloped card base and the star image to create a window. The stamping is from one of the stamp sets from the Art Philosophy Collection. 

You could use this same technique with the heart, leaf or other images on the stamp set. In fact, you can do this with any Cricut image. Watch this video to see how surprisingly simple it is to create these custom window cards. 

In addition to Art Philosophy, the Artiste and Artfully Sent Cricut cartridge collections are also retiring on July 31. Each of these collections include the cartridge, handbook, 3 coordinating stamp sets and 24 sheets of cardstock! These are my go-to cartridges!

We will also be saying good-bye to a lot of stamp sets that coordinate with the Cricut cartridges and tons of other paper-crafting goodies that are available only while supplies last.

Shop all the retiring products>>

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Baby, I’m Worth It! April Special starts Friday, but act today for BONUS!

Have you ever tried to explain something so big that you don’t know where to start? I am so there right now!

There is so much to say about our April Special that I’m struggling with how to tell you all about it! 

***Before I begin, just a heads up that there is aLimited Time Offer at the end of this post. Be sure to read about the action you must make by theend of day tomorrowto get a special bonus.***

Because it is bigger than what I can cover in one post, the information below will provide the basics of our new consultant program and the special deal for joining in April. Click on the “learn more” links to get all details. As always, feel free toemail mewith any questions you have.

LOWER PRICE + MORE FLEXIBILITY

First, theconsultant kitis being revamped starting in April with a significantly lower price tag and more flexibility. (How does $75 for a kit that includes $50 in product credit sound?) Did I mention that you can use that credit to buy brand new products that customers can’t buy until May?

Learn more>>

FREE CRICUT BUNDLE

Second, when you join in April, our already generous fast start program will include the opportunity for you to earn your choice of $100 in additional product credit or a free Cricut bundle!

Learn more>>

TREASURE KEEPERS EXCLUSIVES

Finally, I’m adding two special incentives.

#1 – Let me know via email by midnight tomorrow (Thursday, 3/31) that you plan to join my team, the Treasure Keepers in April and I’ll send you the NEW Magical paper pack pictured below when you join!

#2 – Meet all of theStraight To The Top targetsand I’ll send you a Shoulder Tote!

***Remember to get the bonus paper pack, you must contact me before tomorrow night at midnight. Everything else outlined above is available throughout the month of  April. ***

This offer is universal to anyone who loves creative products and/or would like to earn an income. Close To My Heart consultants come in many shapes and sizes including:

  1. The Business Builder who leads gatherings, crops and classes to earn a full time income.
  2. The Part-Timer who works a few hours each week or month to cover the cost of her personal supplies and earn a little spending money.
  3. The Hobbyist who meets the low quarterly minimums through her own purchases and maybe a friend or two.

There are many other options between these definitions. You can learn more by watching these videoson my website. I’d love to chat with you about how Close To My Heart would fit your life! Email me>>