Green with Optional Gold (Heart 2 Heart Challenge)

For our first Heart 2 Heart Challenge in March, you are asked to incorporate Green, with optional Gold, in your creation! The possibilities are endless! Be sure to include at least one Close To My Heart product in your artwork.

I had fun creating this sloth card, with an appropriate sentiment. The browns and greens were perfect for the theme and a little pop of gold was a great addition of sparkle. You know...sparkle is always necessary. 

I incorporated some paper distressing by slightly misting the cardstock, crumbling it with my hands and then laying it flat to attach to the card base. It made it look a bit more outdoorsy. Do you agree? 

Here is a close-up so you can see the details.

Head to your creative studio and make something aligned with this theme. Then, link up to us at Heart 2 Heart. We love to see what you create!

Here's to the first week in March! 🍹 Make it a GREAT one!

Holiday Expressions NEW PRODUCT Blog Hop

It's here, it's here! Our NEW Holiday Expressions Idea Book which means...NEW PRODUCT! WOOHOO!

And...not only is it NEW product, it's FABULOUS NEW product that you are going to love! Trust me...grab a notebook and pen as you make your way around this hop where we showcase many of them! I'm sure you'll come across some products that are a must-have so be sure to read through the posts and the supply lists so you don't miss a thing!

Would you like to see the new Idea Book? You can do so by flipping through the digital version on my website, by placing an order, or contact me directly (if you don't already have a Consultant) and I will get one mailed to you ASAP!

If you are coming from Michelle's Blog you are on the right track. If you were to get lost along the way, you'll find the participant list here.

I can't wait to show you what I created!

I'm so in love with the stamp set I used, the paper pack, AND the new Texture Paste we are carrying. All were incorporated into this card I made. I hope you love it too! 

I used the "Oh What Fun" stamp set, and coordinating Thin Cuts - no fussy-cutting for me! I love these fun images and have already made a few other cards I will be sharing at a later time. (You can also choose to buy the stamp set without the Thin Cuts, if you would like.)

The paper pack used is called 'Tis the Season. As you can tell, it has the traditional Christmas colors. 

And the new Texture Paste...❤❤❤ To create Santa, as I did, I actually stamped him three times:

• Once in Archival Black Ink on White Daisy cardstock (the base Santa). Using this ink removes the "bleeding" process. 
• Once in Candy Apple Ink on White Daisy cardstock where I cut out just the red parts you see - his hat and coat. Those were glued on top of the base Santa. 
• Then, once in Black Staz-on Ink on our NEW Stencil Sheets. This allowed me to create a stencil where I cut out the parts you see covered in paste. Fun, right?! 

I used Opaque Texture Paste on this Santa (and am looking forward to playing with the other types).

The stars and bursts were stamped in 2nd-generation Candy Apple, providing for a lighter hue. And a few Bitty Sparkles provided just the right amount of bling. 

Supplies Used: 

• Z4240 Oh What Fun Cardmaking Stamp + Thin Cuts
• X7239B 'Tis the Season Paper Packet
• Z4014 White & Gold Twine
• Z4245 Opaque Texture Paste
• Z4247 Palette Knives
• Z4244 Stencil Sheets
• Z1263 Bitty Sparkles
• Cardstock: Candy Apple, Fern, White Daisy
• Inks: Black Archival, Black Staz-On, Candy Apple
• Markers: Barely Beige, Pastel Peach, Warm Grey 4

If you currently don't  have a CTMH Consultant you are working with, I am showing how I made this card in my VIP Group on Thursday, September 13, 2018. Contact me if you would like me to add you. 

I would love to hear what you think of my card, if you have a moment before making your way around the rest of the hop. Then, please go check out my friend, Melinda's Blog, to see what fun she created!

We are glad you are here! Happy hoppin'!

September 2018 Newsletter

If you aren't subscribed to my newsletter, click on this link and then "Subscribe" in the top, left-hand corner. 

Happy Nat'l Stamping Month! September not only marks National Stamping Month, it also marks the release of a NEW Idea Book which means NEW products and artwork! There is so much to take in this month so be sure to read below for all the details.  This is the cover of the Holiday Expressions Idea Book with products available through the end of December, while supplies last. Inside you will find 160 pages of FUN! You can page through this beauty right now by accessing the digital version. Want a hard copy? Place an order and you'll get one FREE with your order! Not ready to place an order just yet? Contact me and I'll tell you how I can help you get it in your hands ASAP!   How would you like to see me highlight some of the newest products while in your pjs and without makeup? It will provide you an overview of all the goodness contained inside the pages. I will be doing that through this Facebook Event, starting September 5th! There will be prize drawings and other fun, with active participation! Invite your friends to join us! I look forward to seeing you there! (If you have another CTMH Consultant, please honor your relationship with them and support their business.) I look forward to interacting with you, virtually or in person, this month! Keep reading below for more awesome news! Be blessed! [c] (214) 984-0280 [e] MlisRobinson@gmail.com [w] MlisRobinson.CTMH.com [b] MlisRobinson.blogspot.com Craft with Heart! Our NEW Scrapbook Subscription Program! Close To My Heart has now released a Scrapbook Subscription Program where you can have a beautiful box delivered to your door. When you receive, it you can enjoy creating beautiful 12" x 12" layouts with ease; needing adhesive, a journaling pen and photos to complete them.    The process for signing up is very simple and just requires 3 simple steps: 1) Decide if you want to join the 12-month, 4-month or monthly subcription. 2) Await your delivery with the subscription shipped within 2 to 4 business days. 3) Once it arrives, you can open and create with the goodness included. PLUS, I'll add you to a special group where I will support your layout creations and give you some bonus content I will not provide anywhere else!   The 12-month/annual subscription is the greatest value, as noted in the chart above. You'll see you receive FREE shipping (mailed SmartPost) and get a total of 90 FREE photo prints within the year!      The gorgeous Cut Above layouts will be enjoyable to assemble and will look great with your photos and story! When you are ready to join the Club, you can enroll in the membership on my website. There you can also find details regarding the various options as well as enlarged photos of the finished pages.  Contact me if you have questions!  "Sweet Treats" - Stamp of the Month   I love, love, love all the fun sentiments and images included in this stamp set. It's got potential for a variety of occasions.    "Thankful for sweet friends like you..." That is a totally appropriate sentiment for those of you reading this newsletter. :) This was the first card I made with the stamp set but I have some other ideas on my mind and will be creating and sharing them soon!  You can get this stamp set for just $5, with a qualifying order this month! Details about our Stamp of the Month special can be found on my website - or on my blog, where I share more about how I created this card. (In fact, the blog post is connected to a Blog Hop where you can view other fun artwork using this set.) Be sure to add this stamp set to your order! Memories in the Making Available through September 30th (or while supplies last)   We've got a fun way we are celebrating National Stamping Month and you'll want to be sure you get this fabulous kit in your hands! You can choose to create the 13, 12" x 12" pages and insert them into an album, or put them on a calendar!  I have posted details about this special on this Blog Post. You can also find prices on the pieces and bundles, offered at a discount, on my website. I am hosting a class for this on October 2nd. See that information below! I hope you can join me!  UPCOMING EVENTS The best place to RSVP for these events is on my VIP Page.    BOUTIQUE VARIETY CARD WORKSHOP Tuesday, September 18, 2018 6 pm - Downtown Irving, TX (Virtual kits are available) RSVP/Payment Due: Monday, September 10, 2018   At the conclusion of this workshop you will walk away with 15 handmade cards, 3 each of 5 designs, of various sentiments. Papers will be pre-cut and ready for assemby. There are three kit options available. VISIT THIS LINK FOR COMPLETE DETAILS! MEMORIES IN THE MAKING 13-PAGE SCRAPBOOK WORKSHOP (CALENDAR OPTION) Tuesday, October 2, 2018 6 pm - Downtown Irving, TX (Virtual kits are available) RSVP/Payment Due: Tuesday, September 18, 2018   Join me as we make these gorgeous 13, 12" x 12" pages. Everything will be prepared for you to assemble with ease, as we enjoy a night out with the girls!      You can choose to put them on a calendar - makes a great gift (think Christmas) - or simply insert them into your Album. DETAILS ABOUT THE KIT OPTIONS CAN BE FOUND HERE! Bring Back My Pack! Available through September 30th (or while supplies last)   Make Your Memories Even More Magical! Close to My Heart has brought back the much-loved Magical paper packet, refreshed with new colors, for a limited time! These playful papers feature stars, stripes, hearts, and polka dots. The More Magical paper packet and coordinating products are perfect for use in any craft featuring amusement parks (Disney), adventure, and parties!   You can find complete details in the More Magical area of my website! On that page, you will also find the FREE downloadable instructions - for the three layouts and two cards, which I have made and LOVE. That gives you an opportunity to see them in even greater detail and you can use those designs for your other creative projects.    You've Got Class Available through September 30th (or while supplies last)   This innovative school album earns an A+! Preserve your child's K-12 school progress with this unique project, which includes instructions and materials for 14 single-page scrapbook layouts. This album also includes special folders made for preserving standout schoolwork and other memorabilia, making it the perfect way to preserve your memories of these formative years. The "special folder" is one of our retired products, the True Fit Folios. Do you remember them? They were a very popular product years ago and they are back for this special only!   They do measure 12" x 12", allowing you to design and create a layout as you are used to doing. You can elect to decorate the inside as well, to include additional photos, or simply use that area to store those items you just can't throw in the trash.  The second image shows you the BACK side of the folder, in this case, highlighting Kindergarten of this boy's school years. Isn't it adorable AND purposeful? This last image shows one interactive element, incorporated throughout the pages, Flip Flaps! They provide a great way to add additional photos, journaling, or...what about a private message from you to the individual highlighted? The Folders can be placed in a Memory Protector to safely store the photos and memorabilia.  The You've Got Class Workshop Kit is a great way to preserve anyone's school memories! Do you have any school photos you still need to scrapbook of yourself, your children, your grandchildren?  Do you have a Senior graduating this year or in the near horizon? Do you know you will be invited to a Graduation in the coming year where this would make a great gift? Or...maybe you have someone who is just about to begin school. Wouldn't this be a great way to document the year's highlights without too much work? AND...on Graduation day, in 12 years, you can provide them with it as a gift! You can get the kit for $61.95 (retail value of $83.45)! And, like always, you can elect to purchase individual items. Click on THIS LINK and you will find the You've Got Class Workshop Kit. At the bottom is the FREE and downloadable guide for creating the pages PLUS you'll find thumbnail images of all of the artwork designed for this special.

JOIN MY TEAM! We've got a new Consultant Kit that is NOW AVAILABLE! It contains NEW products that just released! There are so many benefits of being a Consultant! It costs just $75 to join my team, the Heartfelt Sentiments, and you get much more than what you invest, including opportunities to achieve other milestones and obtain FREE products! I welcome any and all to my team, whether you want to simply save money on your purchases or want to make it a full-time business. All are welcome here and I'll support you where you are. Contact me with your questions or for more information! HOST A PARTY! EARN FREE PRODUCTS! What kind of party does it have to be? It doesn't matter! In-person events are the best, in my opinion, because you get to touch, feel and play with the products, as do your guests. However, if you'd prefer not to have to clean your house (LOL), or you don't live near me, we can do a catalog or Facebook party. You will reap the same rewards, regardless of the format! Why host a party? You can earn a minimum of $25 in FREE products (select Hostess Rewards) when your party reaches just $150 in sales!  But...as the sales increase, so do your rewards and I will do all I can to get you as many FREE products as possible! Notice that once you achieve the $250 level, you get one item at 50% off (ANY product) and at $350...Exclusive Items kick in!    This is just one of the bundles you have to choose from at Level 3 and higher; this one with three of our new Craft Organizers! Check out that low price you would pay! Isn't that fabulous?! If you would like to host a party, CONTACT ME TODAYso we can get it on the calendar! Mine is filling up and I don't want you to miss out! You invite the guests...I'll do the rest and ensure a great time for all! Complete details about ourHostess Program can be found here or let me know if you would like me to send you the information.  Join My VIP Group The best way to stay informed of special offers, new products, artwork creations and upcoming events is to be a member of my VIP group on Facebook. It's the first place I post exciting information and artwork I have created. If you would like to join the fun there, click on the link and I will accept your request for Membership.

"Just Treats" - September Stamp of the Month Blog Hop

Happy September! While I can't believe it's September 1st, I'm THRILLED today is September 1st! LOL Why, you ask? Well, today is the day our NEW Holiday Expressions Idea Book went live to the public. Why do I mention that disclaimer? Well...Consultants got to see them at Convention in June and were able to order them beginning August 1st. I've had fun creating with someof them and will be sharing them here and in my VIP Group. 

You can view a digital copy of the NEW PRODUCTS by flipping, virtually, through the book found on this link. Want your own hard copy so you can highlight products and make your wish list with ease? You can get it FREE when you place an order! (If you aren't ready to place an order, you can get one sent to your mailbox for just $6.45. You will receive a $5 credit from me when you place your order. More details about this option when you contact me.)

Today, in this Blog Hop, we are featuring this CA-UTE stamp set, "Sweet Treats". It has fun sentiments and images for everyday use and also for upcoming holidays. I have no doubt you will get to see it used in various ways as you make your way around the hop. 

If you aren't familiar with our Stamp of the Month special, you can find complete details here. In quick summary, you can purchase this D-size stamp set (valued at $18.95) for $5 when you place a $50 order! It's such a great value and a wonderful way to add a bonus to your monthly product purchases. And wait until you see those for the upcoming months! 😉

If you are coming from Michelle's Blog, you are on the right track. Should you get lost along the way, you can find a complete list of participants here.

For my creation,  I couldn't help but incorporate the cute polka dot pattern paper (top left) from the Oh What Fun paper pack. Yes, it is my favorite and I bet those who know me could have guessed that easily. The patterns are so cheerful and fun!

The simplicity of this card, with the BRIGHT colors and images, are sure to put a smile on anyone's face. Don't you agree? A few simple elements makes this perfect for anyone.

I used the Turquoise Blue and Cherry Pink Shin Han Markers to color in the letters on the stamp. So the stamped images didn't bleed, I used the Archival Black Ink Pad. Raspberry and Ballerina (a new color) were used to stamp the swirls in the candies. I also add a bit of the Bashful Shimmer Brush Pen to add some glitz to the candies (which is challenging to see). It was a fun simple addition to give them a bit of a sparkle. It's on sale for just $2, by the way! I also incorporated some White Twine.

Take a moment to let me know what you think of this stamp set and/or the card. Then, head on over to Wendy's Blog. There's no doubt you'll feel the need to get this stamp set in your hands when you're done. :)

Wishing you a great September and an enjoyable Labor Day weekend!