Spring/Summer 2012 Idea Book is almost here!

The new Spring/Summer 2012 Idea Book will go live to everyone starting tomorrow, February 1, 2012.

You may have seen sneak peek here and there, but starting tomorrow, you could enjoy its full version.  Click here to browse the idea book.  Let me know if you'd like to have a copy of the Idea Book.  Enjoy!

Rock the Block Valentine's Day Card

Another simple card made by the Rock the Block stamp set.  With a couple of blings and buttons, this "Love you" card is done.  The stamp set is giving me so much fun!

You Rock!

I am participating in this week's Mojo Monday.  This week's sketch looks like this:

This sketch really got me, as I rarely use building blocks on a card.  I had the joy of looking at other participants' artwork and am amazed by their creativity.  I found the You Rock paper from my stash I came up with this card:

Heart 2 Heart Challenge - Photo Inspired Challenge

I am so excited to participate in this week's Heart 2 Heart Challenge because it is a photo-inspired challenge.  The photo carries a strong sense of fall - the dark brown background, the leaves and the vintage feel.  Many of the design team's artwork also carries the theme of fall.  However, what really speaks to me is the transparent ornaments on the right. 

I would love to create a card with a lot of transparent objects.  So I searched through the stash and found the Clear Assortment Buttons.  The buttons, however, are more spring-inclined.  Thus, I used the Sophia paper to cut out a flower to sprinkle some sense of spring.  With some stamped accents and embroidery floss, a beautiful card is done. 

This also reminds me that our Sophia paper is retiring, and so are  the embroidery floss collections except the neutral one.  If you want to grab them before they are gone, you'd better hurry!

Makeover Monday Challenge

I am participating in this week's Makeover Monday Challenge.  In particular, I want to challenge myself to use a  large portion of space in a card for a sentiment because I rarely do it.  I used the Wings Level 2 Paper packet from my stash and gave it a try. 

Sending Happiness to My Friend

I had the joy to catch up with my dear friend yesterday.  She is going through a lot at this time.  To cheer her up I have made her this card, where the layout comes from Wishes, our Card Confidence Program.  I'll also keep her in my prayers.



January Stamp of the Month - Little Reminder

I have made a 5" x 7" card using a template from Originals, the Card Confidence Program by Close to My Heart.  This template is called Medallion.  This card shown below is unfinished - I'll highlight the receiver's birthday by stamping a heart or a star on the month and date. 

Materials used:
1.  Colonial White cardstock
2.  Bamboo cardstock
3.  Chocolate cardstock
4.  Sonoma Level 2 Paper Pack
5.  Chocolate Exclusive Inks Stamp Pad
6.  Little Reminder Stamp Set
7.  For Every Occasion Stamp Set
8.  Bulk Ribbon - Colonial White Grosgrain
9.   Love Letters Rub-On (retired)

Rock the Block Valentine Card

Before the Rock the Block Campaign comes to an end, I'd like to show you another card that I have made with the stamp set.  This time it is a Valentine's card.  I just stamped the sentiments "Love" and "You and me = love squared" onto the Roxie paper.   Voila!  It is a nice Valentine's card.

Does the layout of the card look familiar to you?  You may have seen this layout in our Idea Books or flyers.   I've used a template from Originals, one of the Card Confidence Programs by Close to My Heart.  The book provides the dimensions of each piece and a step-by-step assembly guide.  The book also showcases some finished artwork for each layout for inspiration. 

Materials used:
1.  Black cardstock
2.  Tulip cardstock
3.  Rock the Block Stamp Set
4.  Bulk Ribbon - Cocoa Grosgrain
5.  Dimensional Elements - Hearts
6.  Sparkles - Clear
7.  Desert Sand Exclusive Inks Stamp Pad
8.  Tulip Exclusive Inks Stamp Pad
9.  Roxie Level 2 Paper Packet

Make a Miracle!

Do you want to do something really significant?
Do you want to change a childs' life?
Do you want to create a miracle?



You are invited to participate in the Make a Miracle Challenge by helping raise funds to provide corrective surgeries for children through Operation Smile^®.  Contact me and let me know that you want to donate make a miracle.  You may also round up your order total and contribute the difference.  If you want to learn more about Operation Smile^®, please click here.

Rally your friends and neighbors to participate in this meaningful event.  We can create a miracle in many children's lives!

Heart 2 Heart Challenge - Color Challenge

The Heart 2 Heart Challenge this week is a color challenge.  We are asked to use the colors Amethyst and Crystal Blue.  The first thing that came to my mind was Winter Wonderland - the color packet that features these two colors.

I've used the patterned paper as a background, then use Cricut Art Philosophy Collection to cut out the doily.  On top of the doily was Crystal Blue cardstock with the stamped sentiment and matted with Amethyst.  I've used the zip strip as a ribbon across the card, and put a Rhinestone designer brad in the middle of the bow.

The optional challenge is glitter.  I've put a tiny dot of glitter gel on the florishes.  The glitter gel is like a bottle of two thousand rhinestones, and the best of all - mess free!

Materials used:
1.  White cardstock
2.  Winter Wonderland Workshop on the Got
3.  Cricut Art Philosophy Collection
4.  Designer Brads - Rhinestone
5.  Chocolate Exclusive Inks Stamp Pad
6.  Amethyst Exclusive Inks Stamp Pad
7.  Crystal Exclusive Inks Stamp Pad
8.  Glitter Gel

You are a Star

I am participating in the Makeover Monday Challenge again!

I made this "You are a Star" card using the retired Level 2 paper pack called Hooligans.  It can be used for Halloween but I have used it to make more non-Halloween projects than Halloween items.  The combination of vibrant colors of Sunset, Lagoon and Pear may seem intimidating, but they coordinate so well with either white or black that the neutral colors will make everything balanced out.

The Hooligans paper pack is on sale right now.  If you'd like to try these bold colors, it is the perfect time!  The sentiment comes from a set called "Shining Star," which may no longer be available after January 31, 2012.  However, don't you love Baker's Twine?  Close to My Heart has just added it to our Spring/Summer 2012 Idea Book!

Materials used:
1.  Hooligans Level 2 paper pack
2.  Dimensional Elements - Stars
3.  White cardstock
4.  Sunset Exclusive Inks Stamp Pad
5.  Mini-Medley Accents Collections - Sunset
6.  Baker's Twine - Paradise Assortment

My Hero with Victory

To participate in this week's Mojo Monday Challenge, I have made this 4" x 4" card using some of the new products from our Spring/Summer 2012 Idea Book.

The sketch looks like this:

And my card looks like this:

I have kept the original designs quite intact except that I've substituted the scalloped circle with a badge and the ribbon/strip across the card with the hemp.

The paper packet is called Victory and features some masculine patterns.  I think it will be perfect for a guy's card or layout.  The stamps used come from the set that is part of the Workshop on the Go Kit.  The square studs in the lower right corner and the hemp that goes around the card also come with the Kit.  The only item that comes from my stash is the wooden designer button.  Don't you love Workshop on the Go Kit?  A little kit has everything you need!

Materials used:
1.  Colonial White cardstock
2.  Chocolate cardstock
3.  Victory Workshop on the Go Kit
4.  Designer buttons - wooden
5.  Outdoor denim Exclusive Inks Stamp Pad
6.  Barn Red Exclusive Inks Stamp Pad

Stella card

What was the first thing that I created when my order came in?  The little card shown below!  It is made of one of the new paper sets called Stella.  The vibrant colors are so brightening!  To make it more brightening is the stamp set that comes with the Workshop on the Go.  I've used the images of the lamp and the sentiment "You are the light of my life."  The card is made based on a pattern in Originals, one of our Card Confidence Programs. The images and the sentiments are so neat - what a great card to show appreciation.

Materials used:
1.  Cocoa cardstock
2.  Colonial White cardstock
3.  Stella Workshop on the Go
4.  Sunset Exclusive Inks Stamp Pad
5.  Cocoa Exclusive Inks Stamp Pad
6.  Colonial White Exclusive Inks Stamp Pad
7.  Brad Assortment - Basic Assortment

Spring/Summer 2012 Idea Book is here!

The new Close to My Heart Idea Book will go live to customers in about two weeks.  Are you excited? If you'd like a copy of the Spring/Summer 2012 Idea Book, ask me how!

As a reminder, if you are considering to become a Close to My Heart consultant, you'll always get to review the new idea book and to order the new products before others can.  It is really a nice perk!

I'll share some artwork using the new products.  Stay tuned!

The New Consultant Kit is now available!

Do you want to enjoy Close to My Heart products with a great discount?
Do you want to make extra money with your hobby?
Do you like Close to My Heart products?
Would you want to meet new people who have the same passion in paper crafting as you do?
Have you thought about being a Close to My Heart consultant?

If you answer "yes" to any of the questions above, you will want to know more about the benefits of being a consultant and how to become one.  Please contact me if you have any questions, and you may read more here.

Cherish with Roxie

At the Roxie playshop we made several items using the Roxie paper.  My favorite is the Cherish card shown below, which was designed by Close to My Heart.  This card features one of the patterns in Wishes, our Card Confidence Program.  However, I have given it a little tweak:  instead of using a circle, I have used the Cricut Art Philosophy Cartridge to cut the scalloped circle for the stamped image.  The two patterns actually come from the same piece of paper, just different sides of it.  That's why our new B&T paper is so versatile!

Materials used:
1.  Cards and envelopes (Colonial White)
2.  Roxie paper
3.  Colonial white cardstock
4.  Sparkles - Clear
5.  Flutter Paper Shapes
6.  Love Life stamp set
7.  Smoothie Exclusive Inks Stamp Pad
8.  Desert Sand Exclusive Inks Stamp Pad

Mojo Monday 223 - Typeset card

I am just having so much fun with the Typeset Workshop on the Go that I am using it for the Mojo Monday challenge.  This is the sketch that I based my card on:

And my card looks like:

Instead of using scalloped circles, I have substituted with the two stars that came with the stamp set and I've replaced the bracket with an oval.  Originally I wanted to use the stamp "Let's B friends" included in the stamp set, but I came to realize that I should prepare a birthday card for a young gentlemen, so I have used the sentiment from Card Chatter - Birthday. 

Heart 2 Heart Challenge - use a stamp that has not been used

The Heart 2 Heart Challenge asks us to use a stamp that has not been used.  I was going through my stash and found this stamp set - A Melody.  I bought this immediately after I had seen it in the Idea Book because I am a music lover, but for some reason it was never used.  Thanks to this challenge I found out that it is perfect for a 3 x 3 card!  I am so glad that I have tried one of the patterns in our Card Confidence Program and I have used this stamp set!

You are Special - Typeset Workshop on the Go

I saw the post on Makeover Monday Challenge and I thought I could create a masculine card using the Typeset paper.  This "UR Special" card is made of the same paper as the box yesterday.  The Typeset paper carries the theme of going back to school, but we could always expand its use to something else.  This you-are-special card is one of the expansions.  The stamps come with the Workshop on the Go include stars, button, sentiments such as "UR Special," "Friends 4Ever," "Your're 1 in a Million," "Let's B friends" and "Just the 2 of Us."  The stamp set is exclusive to the Workshop on the Go. With the kit you'll have the Typeset Level 2 Paper packet, an instructional brochure, Milepost shapes, which are shapes made of corrugated paper, and a Create-a-Shade Pearl paint, which gives a shimmering effect and with which you can mix your own glimmer mist!

Rock the Block Gift Box

The Rock the Block stamp set is really versatile.  I can't help but reiterating it.  I've made two small gift boxes with the stamp set, along with other Close to My Heart products.
The box measures 2" x 2" x 2", just fit for Ghiradelli chocolate pieces, which make it a perfect gift for Valentine's Day!  I've used white cardstock and Tulip cardstock for the feminine version and the Typeset paper for the masculine version.  They are both cute.  What do you think?

Feminine version of Rock the Block box:

Musculine version of Rock the Block Box:

This stamp set is only available this month and won't be available anywhere else.  You'd better get one before it is gone.  When you place a minimum order of $25 from the Autumn/Winter 2011 Idea Book, you get the stamp set and the My Creations Collage Cubes for $15!  It is a discount of $30!

Rock the Block card - Simple Birthday card

The Rock the Block stamp set is so versatile!  Not only is it good for the My Creations Collage Cubes, it can also be used to make other projects.  I have made this simple one-layer masculine birthday card in two versions.  They are essentially the same, just different orientation.

I'll share other projects I made with the Rock the Block stamp set.  Stay tuned!

A Perfect 10!

If you have taken a ton of pictures over the holiday season, you probably want to download them from the memory card and make them alive in your scrapbook pages.  This month, Close to My Heart is offering a special called A Perfect 10.  If you are a Studio J member or become one in this month, you will enjoy one free layout for every 9 that you purchase. 

Not sure if you want to become a member?  Try it out!  It is FREE.  You'll see the magic of digital scrapbooking where you can finish layouts in a short time.

2011-2012 Close to My Heart Retiring List

Sadly, some of the Close to My Heart products may no longer be available after January 31, 2012.  The retiring products are listed below.  To order your favorites before they are gone, click here.

I.              Paper Collections

a.    Level 2 Paper Packs (8):

                                          i.    Believe

                                        ii.    Dreamin’

                                       iii.    Fanfare

                                       iv.    Lucky

                                         v.    Mayberry

                                       vi.    Mischief

                                      vii.    Sophia

                                     viii.    Wonderland

b.    Workshops-on-the-Go (8):

                                          i.    Believe

                                        ii.    Dreamin'

                                       iii.    Elemental

                                       iv.    Mischief

                                        v.    Roxie

                                       vi.    Sonoma

                                     vii.    Typeset

                                    viii.    Wonderland

II.            Embellishments

a.    MyStickease (8):

                                          i.    Believe

                                        ii.    Dreamin'

                                       iii.    Fanfare

                                       iv.    Lucky

                                         v.    Mayberry

                                       vi.    Mischief (Rub-ons)

                                      vii.    Sophia

                                     viii.    Wonderland

b.    Mini-Medley Accents (2):

                                          i.    Antiqued Copper

                                        ii.    Colonial White

c.    Brads & Eyelets (4):

                                          i.    Colonial White Brads

                                        ii.    Pewter Decorative Brads

                                       iii.    Black and White Daisy Soft Set Eyelets

                                       iv.    Chocolate and Colonial White Soft Set Eyelets

d.    Dimensional Elements (2): 

                                          i.    Flurry

                                        ii.    On Target

e.    Ribbons (6):

                                          i.    Colonial White Ribbon Collection

                                        ii.    3/8" Cranberry Grosgrain Ribbon

                                       iii.    3/8" Cocoa Grosgrain Ribbon

                                       iv.    3/8" Colonial White Grosgrain Ribbon

                                         v.    3/8" White Daisy Grosgrain Ribbon

                                       vi.    Wings Level 2 Assortment

f.     Embroidery Floss (3): 

                                          i.    Blue/Purple

                                        ii.    Green

                                       iii.    Red/Pink

g.    Waxy Flax (4):

                                          i.    Cranberry

                                        ii.    Crystal Blue

                                       iii.    Juniper

                                       iv.    Sorbet

h.    Various Accessories (11):

                                          i.    Bliss Level 2 Assortment

                                        ii.    Fanfare Level 2 Assortment

                                       iii.    Foundry Metal - Bookplates

                                       iv.    Harvest Charms

                                         v.    Holiday Pockets

                                       vi.    Just Blooms Spring Blossom Paper Flowers

                                      vii.    Just Blooms White Daisy Variety Pack

                                     viii.    Lucky Level 2 Assortment

                                       ix.    Lucky Level 2 Journaling Spots

                                         x.    Midnight Felt Shapes

                                       xi.    Sweetheart Level 2 Assortment

i.      Color-Ready Alphabets (2):

                                          i.    Hodge Podge

                                        ii.    Oxford

j.      My Creations Mini Albums and Paper Crafting Items (3):

                                          i.    Board Book

                                        ii.    Journal

                                       iii.    9x9 Memory Showcase

k.    Top Coats (1): 

                                          i.    Top Coats Icing Overlays

III.           Supplies/Tools (4):

a.    Rubber Brayer

b.    Soft Set Eyelet Tool

c.    Eyelet Tool Replacement Punches

IV.          8 1/2 x 11 Cardstock (3):

a.    Black

b.    Colonial White

c.    White Daisy

V.           Stamp sets

1.    A Hop

2.    A Little Buzz

3.    A Little Everything

4.    A Love

5.    A Paisley

6.    A Posey

7.    Adoption

8.    Adorning Corners

9.    Always In My Heart

10. Ambiance

11. Around The Block

12. Baby Love

13. Backgrounds & Borders

14. Beary Best

15. Beary Busy

16. Beautiful Butterflies

17. Beautiful Things

18. Believe In Your Dreams

19. Beloved

20. Birthday Blast

21. Birthday Boy

22. Bless This Nest

23. Blooming Layers

24. Bon Appetit

25. Boom!

26. Bunny Love

27. Campin' Fever

28. Carefree

29. Catching Waves

30. Charmed

31. Cherished Flourishes

32. Ciao

33. Circle Around

34. Circle of Love

35. Circle Together

36. Connections

37. Cruisin'

38. Cupcake Sprinkles

39. Daydream

40. Down By The Sea

41. Dream Big

42. Dreams Come True

43. Enjoy Every Moment

44. Extreme Happiness

45. Family

46. Family Ties - Adult

47. Family Ties - Children

48. Family Ties - Pet

49. Fill In The Blank

50. Flower Pot

51. For Every Occasion

52. Friendship Blessings

53. From My Heart

54. Fun Times

55. Happy Holidays

56. Happy Moments

57. Hero

58. His and Hers

59. Horizon

60. Hot Diggity

61. Howdy

62. In The Month Of April

63. In The Month Of February

64. In The Month Of July

65. In The Month Of June

66. In The Month Of March

67. In The Month Of May

68. It's A Zoo

69. Just For Boys

70. Just For Girls

71. Just The Ticket

72. Kanji Phrases

73. Let's Go Camping

74. Little Princess

75. Love Always

76. Love Birds

77. Love Ya

78. Magic Tabs

79. Makin' Waves

80. Ms. Chillin'

81. Ms. Scrapbook

82. Notice The Details

83. One Of A Kind

84. On The Edge

85. On This Day

86. Over The Rainbow

87. Paisley Praise

88. Piece of Cake

89. Play Day

90. Post Card - Travel Series

91. Precious Love

92. Priceless Love

93. Recipe Box

94. Retro Tech

95. Royal Birth

96. Salutation Seals

97. Shining Star

98. Smiles

99. So Lucky

100.              Soul Mates

101.              Springtime

102.              Star Power

103.              Summer Breeze

104.              Summer Days

105.              Sweet Baby

106.              Take Luck

107.              Tasty Treats

108.              Tea Time

109.              Thank You

110.              Thrill Ride

111.              T.L.C.

112.              Togetherness

113.              Treetops

114.              Trellis

115.              Two-Step Backgrounds

116.              Unity

117.              X-Treme

118.              You Did It

119.              You Rock

120.              You're Great

121.              You're Sweet