September is almost over, but it is not too late to get this month’s Stamp of the Month, Grateful for this Life. This stamp is filled with sentiments that express your gratitude through your projects. Plus, everyone who orders this stamp from me will get a kit in the mail to make this fun shaker Thank You card!
I’m not quite ready for fall and this card let me hang onto a bit more summer. Strawberry season may be over, but anytime is the right time for a cheerful card like this one. The fresh color combination was made using distressed oxide ink and the August Stamp of the Month, Tutti Fruitti Summer.
Yesterday was the first of a series of live virtual workshops Close To My Heart is hosting on Tuesday afternoons. It was an amazing success and I’m looking forward joining the rest of these fun events!
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.
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.
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.
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>>
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.
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>>
The collection has 13 different fancy envelopes and optional liners. Click here for more information about the envelopes>>
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 >>
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 >>
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 >>
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.
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 >>
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 >>
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
Just in time for summer, we’ve brought back a popular paper pack from a few years ago. You can purchase the Seaside paper pack, cardstock and stamp set separately or save 25% when you buy the bundle.
We’ve also created a beautiful workshop to make 4 scrapbook pages and 6 cards. You can download the direction for free HERE!
You can also get a pack of the Seaside paper FREE when you join my team or host a qualifying party in June!
Learn more about becoming a Consultant
Thursday in my August summary post, I shared with you the basics of our new Scrapbooking Subscription Program, Craft with Heart. Today I’d like to share more of the details and show you the layouts for the first four months of the program, September through December.
When the new Craft with Heart scrapbooking subscription was announced our annual convention in June, I was so excited and have been eagerly anticipating sharing it with you. Through this program, ready-to-make “Cut Above” scrapbook layouts arrive directly at your door in a pretty pink box! Now it’s even easier to stay on top of your scrapbooking passion.
When this program is fully rolled out in September you will have the option of receiving your layouts monthly or every 4 months (following our Seasonal/Holiday Idea Book publication schedule). You will also have the choice to pay monthly, every 4 months or annually. You can start your subscription a month early and have your first set of 8 layouts mailed right away.
The annual subscription is the best deal for several reasons.
This subscription is for two page 2-page 12″ x 12″ decorative Cut Above kits. Included in the kits are printed base pages, pre-cut pieces, die-cuts, stickers and photo placeholders. All you need is adhesive and a journaling pen —- and of course your photos. The pages really do come together super quickly.
The pages for each month coordinate with the paper packs in the 2019 Holiday Expressions Idea Book that will go live in September. This is great because if you want to do a series of matching pages, you can also do the Scrapbooking Workshop Your Way kits for a total of 5 to 8 coordinating layouts (10 to 16 pages).
Note that since these kits coordinate with products in the Holiday Expressions Idea Book, these pictures will give you just a little peak at what is to come!
the annual pay subscription that is available in August, these eight layouts are shipped right away. You’ll get the next eight in the first few days of January and the next eight in May. You pay nothing more until September 2019.
These layouts are perfect for anyone who wants to preserve their memories in a beautiful way. If you are already a scrapbooker, I know you will appreciate the beauty of the pages. If you have never scrapbooked, these kits are the perfect place to start!
I subscribed at 1 am Wednesday morning (as soon as it was available) and can’t wait to get my pretty pink box filled with layouts. Want to join me and we can make them together?
Happy creating,
Rebecca
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!
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!
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!
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.
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
If you have been following the Close To My Heart products for a couple years, you may be familiar with our Fundamentals line of products, you’ll want to check out our all new patterns. If are not familiar with the Fundamentals, it’s time to introduce yourself!
These unassuming collections include papers, embellishments and ribbons that go along with our color palette. There is a separate Fundamentals collection for each group of colors: Whimsy (pastels), Adventure (brights), Enchantment (bolds) and Basics (neutrals). The amazing thing about them is each sheet of paper has a pattern that incorporates just one color (plus white). So you can replace any solid cardstock in your projects with these papers to add interest without compromising your color scheme.
With the new Annual Inspirations Idea Book that went live on August 1, we have a whole new set of fundamental products! Today, I have a couple simple cards made with products from this line.
This card could have been made with all solid cardstock and it would sbe ok. But it is much ore interesting due to the Fundamaental papers. Three of the Fundamental paper packs are represented: the Willow watercolor print from Adventure, the Sweet Leaf open circles from Whimsy and the Peacock dots from Enchantment. The banners, stars, heart and sentiment are all stickers straight from the new Happy Momentscomplements pack. So fast & simple!
Recipe:
AdventureFundamental Paper Pack
Enchantment Fundamental Paper Pack
Cardstock (two-toned): Peacock and Willow
Here’s another card where I used Fundamentals instead of solid cardstock. Both pieces of fundamental paper on this card are from the Whimsy pack: Sorbet floral and Flaxen small open circles. Thanks to our new two-toned cardstock, both blues on the card are Sapphire. The only stamping on this card is the words “My Friend” that come from theBeautiful Youstamp set.
Recipe:
Cardstock (two-toned): Sapphire, Flaxen, Sorbet and Poppy
Beautiful You stamp set
If you like easy, yet interesting, the fundamental papers are exactly what you need. Because each side of the paper has just one color (plus white) you can mix them up just as you would solid cardstock. So for your next project, pick your color scheme then decide where to use solid and where to use pattered (fundamental) papers. Your resulting project will have more detail by simply adding a couple of these prints.
Each pack of fundamental paper has a whopping 24 sheets of paper at less than $1 per sheet. Pick up one or all four today!
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| Whimsy Fundamental Paper |
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| Adventure Fundamental Paper |
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| Enchantment Fundamental Paper |
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| Basic Fundamental Paper |
By the way, as part of this week’s Warehouse Special, there is currently a Basic Fundamental bundle at 50% off regular retail value. Although these products are based on the retired Basics color palette, it would be a great addition to your stash to add detail when you add neutrals to your project.
This pack includes a pack of patterned paper, stickers and embellishments in neutral colors. It will only be available until next Tuesday (or when supplies run out). Keep your eyes out for the next set of Warehouse Sales posted every Tuesday in August at 1 am (CST).
Today’s post is brought to you by the Scattered Hearts Team! I’m proud to be a member of this leading team at Close To My Heart. This team is full of amazing artists and I have a real treat for you today: a blog hop of projects made by team members using the Close To My Heart Cricut collections.
If you arrived from Pink Cloud Scrappers with Lori, you are on the right path. My project is this beach layout using images from the You Are Here cartridge and stamp sets.
The hardest part of this project was deciding where to start since this cartridge has 700 images. They are all travel related and I love to travel, but the sand castle really won me over so my first You Are Here page has a beach theme.
If you’d like more information about this project, continue reading. If you are ready to see the another Cricut project, hop on over to Scrappin with Heather to see what she’s made.
One of the things I love about this layout is the use of our new two-toned cardstock. The front of each sheet is the original color, but the back side is a slightly lighter shade. I love how it works for the sandcastle — using two different colors in our palette would have made the contrast too bold. But cutting the layers out of the two sides of our new Toffee paper made it just enough to highlight the details.
You can also see the difference two-toned makes in the Lagoon water. Our paper still has a white core which helped me create the waves in the ocean.
This layout also introduces our new Color of the Year, Bashful. This beautiful soft pink is so trendy and was the perfect addition to my beach layout.
We have a full lineup of Bashful items including Cardstock, dye and pigment inks, reinker, glitter paper, albums and even the pearls.Don’t they add so much to the cute beach bag on this layout? You will also see this trendy color pop up in other products through out the year.
The You Are Here cartridge is part of a bundle that includes a paper pack plus three great travel stamp sets that coordinate with the images on the cartridge. This tag was made from a cut on the cartridge and stamped with one of the includes stamps. Toffee paper and ink were used to get the soft tone-on-tone look which was perfect for this layout.
Click on the link below to open to the Design Space file I used to create this layout. Remember you have to purchase the You Are Here Cricut Collection before you can cut the images.
YOU ARE HERE BEACH LAYOUT DESIGN SPACE LINK
Project Recipe:
Lagoon, Bashful, Toffee and White Daisy Cardstock
You Are Here Cricut Collection (Z3389 for physical cartridge, Z3387 for digital only)
Highest on my wish list for the new Idea Book was a new Cricut Collection. Guess what? They gave us not one, not two,…but FOUR: You Are Here, Hello USA, Hello Canada & Hello AU/NZ! I’m so excited to introduce you to them today. Be sure to scroll to the bottom of this email for exclusive Cricut Collection bundles!
Whether you’re traveling abroad, taking a road trip or enjoying a relaxing “staycation”, this Cricut collection is sure to have everything you need to document your journey. From outdoor escapades and family reunions to spa retreats and holiday outings, you’ll find shapes and sentiments for every pit stop along the road of life!
The cartridge has 700 images including two complete fonts and travel-related shapes, titles, phrases and fonts.
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| Sample of images on You Are Here cartridge |
View the complete image index>>
You can order the physical cartridge or if you have an Explore type machine, you can order the digital-only version. Note that you will not get a handbook with the digital collection. Regardless of whether you order the physical or digital collection, you will also receive three D-sized stamp set and a pack of 20 sheets of Enchantment two toned cardstock!
Hello USA is a must for patriots and travelers. There is a total of 60 layered images including one for each of our 50 states with the name, a local flower, slogan and a state specific icon. We also get a layered image for Puerto Rico! In addition, you’ll get a complete image of the United States with optional layers of state outlines, regional boundaries, slogans and icons. Bonus images of the flag, July 4th star and America the Beautiful Heart.
Note this collection is digital only which means it in only for use with machines in the Cricut Explore family.
The Hello Canada Collection includes 20 layered images. First you get a geographical view of the entire country with optional layers to show the provincial and territorial boundaries, maple leaf and slogans. You’ll also get an outline image for each of the provinces and territories with layers for the name, flower, slogan and icon. In addition, you’ll get the flag, hockey, parliament building and polar bear!
Note this collection is digital only which means it in only for use with machines in the Cricut Explore family.
Hello AU/NZ (Digital Only)
Hello AU/NZ is a collection of 20 layered images is a must if you have traveled to Australia or New Zealand. Full Australia and New Zealand geographical images includes an optional layers marking the state and territory boundaries, slogans, flowers and icons. In addition, there is an image for each individual state and territory as well as a local flower, slogan and coordinating icon. In addition, you’ll get both countries’ flags, plus a dolphin and sea turtle!
Note this collection is digital only which means it in only for use with machines in the Cricut Explore family.
I know you probably want one or more of these cartridges and I’d like to help you get them in your hands so you can start creating right away! The best way to get one of them plus a bunch of other great Close To My Heart products is by joining my team. Only in August, when you join my team, you will have the opportunity to earn your choice of these Cricut collections for free in your first 30 days!
Learn more about the choices>>
For each of the new Cricut Collections, I’ve put together a bundle that includes a free related stamp set! You can order the Cricut collections on my website and I’ll send the bonus stamp sets separately.
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Order You Are Here with a physical cartridge>>
Order You Are Here digital collection>>
Bundle #2: Hello USA PLUS Fourth of July (A1204) FREE
Order Hello AU/NZ digital collection>>
These bundles are only available during August 2017 by ordering on my personal Close To My Heart website.
