Cruise Layouts

It's hard to believe that our Cruise to the South Caribbean was over three months ago!  WOW! 

Prior to going on the trip, CTMH sent cruise earners a BIG BOX FULL of supplies!  Most of it was supplies to create our Cruise Scrapbook!  CTMH created 10 layouts, pre cut with instructions for us.  We got an alphabet stamp set, some Chevron Ribbon, and ALL the embellishments we needed to create the 10 layouts.  Plus we got an exclusive stamp set, an album, a Studio J 5-pack and a Cruise Shirt.  SPOILED I tell you!

((What paper pack do you think CTMH used for our Cruise???))

When I sat down to create the layouts myself, I was stunned!  The layouts were BEAUTIFUL!  AND I learned some fun new techniques :)  I started off by following the instructions to a T, and then started veering off on my own.

((Think you know what paper pack they used??))

It's CLAIRE!!!!!  My first thought about Claire is not "cruise, beach, vacation" but see how WELL it works, adding texture and a little pattern to the layouts.  CTMH uses a LOT of cardstock, in various colors, in these layouts and, of course, LOTS of stamping too!

This layout is of all the Cruise Earners- over 100 fabulous Cruise Earners, 20-something First Timers!  The trip was not complete without my fabulous friend (and downline) Keeley!

To create the Bird on the left page:  I sponged pigment ink onto the stamp set, to make one stamp multicolored. 

Our First stop was St. Croix, where we did a bike tour of the coast :)  

Flowers are all stamped using pigment inks, and rock 'n rolled in a second, darker, color.  (Then hand cut)

Second stop was St. Kitts,  so beautiful!
You can create your own patterned paper by stamping images- like I did here with the Lagoon cardstock and randomly stamping flowers in Colonial White pigment ink. 

I'll be sharing some more of my cruise layouts soon.... stay tuned!

Linking to Heart2Heart Scrapbooking Challenge

Product Feature- Organizers

Let's Get ORGANIZED!!!!

CTMH has some fabulous new organizers- small, medium & large.

Check out what you can fit inside of them:

Top left- Large Organizer, Top right- Medium Organizer
Bottom- Small organizers

Small-  2" tall, will hold your Stickease, Alphabet Stickers, Chipboard sheets.  Will fit your acrylic blocks (foam insert available).  Will fit craft boxes (foam insert available).  Will hold blocks and craft boxes- tight fit, but it works!
Medium- 5" tall.  Holds ink pads, sparkles, mini medleys, ribbon rolls, Glitz Glitter Glue, punches, glues.... and so much more!
Large- 7 1/2" tall.  Holds up to 48 stamp sets!!!!  Will also hold blocks, punches, embellishments and lots lots more!
*They stack on top of one another nicely!

I personally have all my embellishments that I use regularly in the Medium case and now I have all my most used stamp sets in the large. 

**May SPECIAL***
Purchase any TWO organizers and I'll give you a set of Craft Boxes (Z4137) for FREE! 
*To claim this special- EMAIL me your order by May 31st!

Mother's Day Cards & More

HaPpY MoThErS DaY!!!!!!

I want to share with you the Mother's Day cards that I have created this week :) 
There are many "mothers" in my life, so I thought I'd celebrate them all!  These cards go out to my mom, mother-in-law, sister-in-law (first time mom!!), grandmother & aunts. I'm also sharing a baby card, thank you card and a gift!




This card was inspired by an older sketch that I used HERE.  I used Lucy & Chantilly papers to make the rosettes and the Perfect Fit Mom stamp set. 


This card uses Freshly Made Sketch #85.  I used my cuttlebug to emboss the Buttercup cardstock and ran hollyhock ink over the dots.  The papers are Chantilly and the sentiment is from Perfect Fit Mom.


 ((Linking to Freshly made Sketch #85))

This card features the Claire paper pack and Perfect Fit Mom.  I added some Colonial White Rosette Ribbon and some Pearl Opaques to this card.


How about some Dream Pop!!!  This card was made on a White Daisy Die-Cut Card with Dream Pop papers & Perfect Fit Mom.



Using another Die-Cut Card, this one features For Always paper that I colored Cotton Candy.  I used the "direct to paper" method to color the paper pink.  Silver Shimmer trim is the perfect embellishment for this card, which also uses Perfect Fit Mom.

((Linking to Color Dare- Pink Week))


Today we are not just celebrating moms, but my (hubby's) cousin finally had her baby girl yesterday, so she gets a special Baby/Mother's day card.  This card uses Dream Pop cardstock with Lucy papers.  I used the New Arrival stamp set along with A Typeface.  I used the masking technique to make the sentiment 2 colors. 

((Linking to Color Dare- Pink week))

My brother-in-law and his fiance are hosting a Mother's Day Brunch, so I made this card as a Thank You to them!  They really are fabulous party throwers & hosts :)  I created a starburst out of diagonal shaped Clementine paper strips, then added the Clementine Canvas shape on top!

Last, but not least, I want to share with you the canvas I made for my mom (well parents really) for Mother's Day.  I created it with her, so that she could pick out the colors she wanted.  This canvas was made through Jewel Kade!  This is a gift from my Brother (& family) and myself (& family). 

 ((Create yours at:  roxybonds.jewelkade.com))

Teacher Appreciation Week

Teacher Appreciation Week has never really meant much to me, as a teacher, unfortunately.  I have worked at a Middle School for 12 years, so it's never been a big deal.  We've had the occasional treat from an administrator, or luncheon put on by parent club, but that's it.

Now that I'm a PARENT of a school aged child- Teacher Appreciation Week has become important to me!  I could go on and on about how amazing my son's teacher(s) are, about how ALL teachers are amazing.  The bottom line is, they play a HUGE role in shaping a child's life- academically, emotionally and socially.  In fact, teacher's spend more time with our kids, than we do. 

Teachers are overworked, underpaid and unappreciated!  I know this FIRST HAND!  So I do what I can to show my appreciation for my kids' teachers :)

My son is in First Grade this year :)  Early in the year, we got a list of the teacher's favorite things.  This has come in handy :)  The best thing:  She likes to SCRAPBOOK!  Well well well, the PERFECT teacher!!!

He brought a gift each day of this week.  Most were inspired by Pinterest.

Day 1:
I (Heart) my TEAcher.  Found on Pinterest.
I took a mason jar and filled it with tea.  Placed fabric between the lid and added a tag stamped with Friendship Alpha & Chocolate Alpha.

Day 2:  
Thanks a Latte:
This printable came from eighteen25.  Such an EASY and awesome gift!



Day 3:
You are the HIGHLIGHT of my day.  This one was found on Pinterest :)


Day 4:
An apple for the teacher.  Again, found on Pinterest.
I cut a 2 liter soda bottle and spray painted it red.  I free-hand cut a leaf and attached it to green pipe cleaner.  The candy inside is Hot Tamales & Licorice Bites.



Day 5:
Monogram Notecard Set.  I created a set of 12 notecards, monogrammed with the teacher's initial on them. 
Papers used:  Claire, Lucy & Dotty for You.  Perfect Fit Frames stamp set & Monogram Stamp set.

 Then I used Artiste to cut a "magazine file" to hold the cards.  I used For Always paper, then used the "Direct To Paper" technique to color it Cotton Candy. I gave the teacher the Monogram Stamp Set so that she could create her own in the future :)  I added a note to the card holder- paper is from Dream Pop- and attached it with a mini clothes pin.

Linking to:
Heart2Heart- Teacher appreciation week
Color Dare-   PINK- Blush, Cotton Candy & Hollyhock

Pajama Party- CTMH Style

Big Picture Scrapbooking is having a FREE online class- Pajama Party!  The sponsor is none other than Close To My Heart :)

Join us on May 30th, 6pm PST for a fun time!  SIGN UP HERE




The Featured Project is this "Think Happy Thoughts" Kraft Container.  This project features a sturdy kraft tube, bright papers, an inspiring stamped sentiment, and darling accessories brought to us by one of our favorite partners, Close To My Heart—plus 52 awesome downloadable creativity starters to go inside.

Order your supplies to create one of your own!  CLICK HERE to shop online.  Join the "Pajama Party" gathering and I'll put your name in a drawing for FREE product :) :)  

• My Acrylix® Frame Flair (D1546)
  
• My Acrylix® Happy Thoughts (C1536)
  
• 2" x 3 1/2" My Acrylix® block (Y1009)
  
• 4" x 5" My Acrylix® block (Y1012)
  
• My Acrylix® spritz cleaner (1778)
  
• My Acrylix® stamp scrubber (Z1782)
  
• Cricut® Art Philosophy collection (Z1790)
  
• Whisper Exclusive Inks® pad (Z2172)
  
• Lagoon Exclusive Inks® pad (Z2195)
  
• micro-tip scissors (Z534)
  
• corner rounder (Z578)
  
• paper trimmer
  
• My Creations® kraft container (Z1833)
  
• one sheet of 12" x 12" Crème Brulee cardstock (comes with 24 sheets, X5754)
  
• one sheet of 12" x 12" Lagoon cardstock (comes with 24 sheets, X5762)
  
• one sheet of 12" x 12" White Daisy cardstock (comes with 24 sheets, 1385)
  
• one sheet of 12" x 12" Whisper cardstock (comes with 24 sheets, X5929)
  
• one sheet Pink B&T Duos® paper from Chantilly paper packet (comes with 6 sheets, X7163B)
  
• two yards Grey Wool baker's twine from neutral assortment (comes with ten yards, Z1701)
  
• three butterflies from Color-Ready Trinkets wooden shapes (comes with 57 shapes, Z1844)
  
• three grey Sparkles from Sparkles black & grey assortment (comes with 108, Z1754)
  
• 3-D foam tape

I can't wait for this online class :)

State of the Scrapbooking Industry

There are many many scrapbook stores across the country, as well as big chain craft stores that are closing & filing bankrupcy.  It's causing a lot of talk of the state of the scrapbook industry. 

Here's what Close To My Heart's founder & CEO Jeanette Lynton has to say about that:

Friday, May 3, 2013

Creativity: Now and Always

Within the past month, paper crafters have heard and seen some hard news—well-known industry names have announced bankruptcy or removed their scrapbooking lines. It may leave many wondering what the future is for our beloved pursuit of memory keeping and creativity. As the CEO and Founder of Close To My Heart, I have many thoughts on the topic and wanted to share a few with you.

First off, preserving our memories is NOT a fad. It's one of the most important things we do in our journey here on earth, and it's as key as breathing and as sustainable as family. In the past few years, we have seen scrapbooking come into the spotlight and many flocked to set up shop and design products to capitalize on it. While we at Close To My Heart have welcomed the focus on scrapbooking over the past few years, we know that even when the hubbub fades, the core and relevance underneath the hype remains. I have been in the industry for nearly 30 years—LONG before it was "trendy"—and plan to be in this essential industry for decades to come.

Because Close To My Heart will be here for the long-term, we have run our business differently than many others. We are not leveraged to the hilt or financed by outside investors. I have always believed in organic, cash-based growth, and the simple provident rule of spending less than I earn. It's a principle I've applied to business and it's ensured that Close To My Heart operates profitably. We have been profitable month after month, year after year. Our credit rating is excellent, and this protects our commitment to delivering a wealth of diverse, beautiful products at competitive prices while providing secure commission checks for our Consultants, employees, and vendors.

Second, yes, the industry is changing. I welcome and embrace that! In my 30 years in business, I have seen many changes and they almost always yield fresh directions, new products, and a new crop of crafters. Change always brings opportunity! I have long said that as long as little girls are born with hands, they will want to create. I am grateful to be a part of such an important contribution to society and know that this will continue.

Ultimately, I invite everyone—whether you are an existing Consultant or customer, a past purchaser, or even if you have never purchased a Close To My Heart product—to get to know us again for the first time. Close To My Heart is strong. Papercrafting, memory keeping, and creativity are more important than ever before and we provide unique, diverse products for every style and ability of crafter.  Close To My Heart is committed to scrapbooking, and if it's a passion you share, then YOU ARE WELCOME HERE.

***
So there you have it!  Close To My Heart is not going anywhere.... and neither am I :)

Stampers with an Attitude Blog Hop- Dream Pop Layout

Welcome to the Stampers with an Attitude Blog Hop!  

If you came here from Pamela's Blog, you're on the right track.  The Stampers with an Attitude are all excited to show you a little Art with an Attitude, so here we go.

Today I have a layout I made with Dream Pop!  I used the pattern "On With The Show" from CTMH's retired Magic How-To Book.  In addition to Dream Pop! I used some Grey Glitter paper, Black Buttons, Washi Tape, Sparkles, A Typeface Alphabet and Artiste to cut the bow & title.

For New Years Eve, I cut out top hats (free handed), Bow Ties (Artiste), 2013 (Artiste) and Mustaches (Artiste).  We used those as photo props ;)

The title was stamped with Black Pigment ink, because I was going across multiple surfaces.  I used the negative space from the 2013 on the previous side.

There were a bunch of pictures I wanted to scrap, but I did not want this to take more than 2 pages-- SO, I used 4x6 Flip Flaps!  Flip Flaps are a great way to incorporate lots of photos on a page.  Maybe you have some blurry photos, or photos that you wouldn't normally scrap- use flip flaps to "hide" them.  I added a button on each flip flap so that they're easily turned. 

Next you'll hop over to Angela's blog....

*Linking to Heart2Heart- scrapbook challenge

Dream Pop is an exclusive paper pack from CTMH that is only available in May 2013!

For only $10 (with a $35 order) this paper pack can be yours!!!

With Dream Pop, you'll get: 12 exclusive B&T Duos^® papers (2 each of 6 designs), 12 coordinating UV cardstock sheets (2 each of 6 kit-exclusive colors), an artwork idea insert.

*What is UV cardstock???  The cardstock has glossy (embossed looking) patterns on one side that coordinate with the B&T patterns for a pop of shine on the colorful cardstock.

This paper pack features new, exclusive specialty colors: Banana, Grey, Mint, Raspberry, Strawberry & Tangerine.  Makes me want to go out for ice cream....

Here's how you can get yours:
*Place an order of $35 or more in May, and get a Dream Pop pack for $10.  Get one $10 Dream Pop paper packet for every $35 spent in an order.
*Host a party (online, catalog or in home) with $400 or more in sales and you'll get one Dream Pop pack FREE!
*JOIN MY TEAM in May and you'll get a Dream Pop paper pack in your kit for FREE!! 

Happy National Scrapbook Day!!!

 

What are you doing on this fabulous day???  

Today I am hosting my NSD All Day Crop!!!  I'm so excited about this event :)  I have so many things planned for the ladies and it's going to be a blast!

To celebrate NATIONAL SCRAPBOOK DAY--- how about a SPECIAL!?!?!?!!?
(Good May 4-May 5)

*Place an order of $30 -$59 = FREE Ink Pad of your choice

*Place an order of $6 - $89 =  FREE A or B sized stamp set of your choice

*Place an order of $90 or more = FREE C or D sized stamp set of your choice

*Here's what you do..... Go to my WEBSITE, click JOIN - NSD SPECIALS gathering listed at the bottom of the home screen. 
*Place your order.
*I will contact you by Sunday night to see what your choice of FREEBIE is!
*Orders ship straight to you :)

Don't forget about the DREAM POP special going on:

Dream Pop is an exclusive paper pack from CTMH that is only available in May 2013!

For only $10 (with a $35 order) this paper pack can be yours!!!

With Dream Pop, you'll get: 12 exclusive B&T Duos^® papers (2 each of 6 designs), 12 coordinating UV cardstock sheets (2 each of 6 kit-exclusive colors), an artwork idea insert. 

*What is UV cardstock???  The cardstock has glossy (embossed looking) patterns on one side that coordinate with the B&T patterns for a pop of shine on the colorful cardstock. 

This paper pack features new, exclusive specialty colors: Banana, Grey, Mint, Raspberry, Strawberry & Tangerine.  Makes me want to go out for ice cream....

Here's how you can get yours:
*Place an order of $35 or more in May, and get a Dream Pop pack for $10.  Get one $10 Dream Pop paper packet for every $35 spent in an order.
*Host a party (online, catalog or in home) with $400 or more in sales and you'll get one Dream Pop pack FREE!
*JOIN MY TEAM in May and you'll get a Dream Pop paper pack in your kit for FREE!!

Stamp of the Month Blog Hop- Pinwheel - May

Welcome to the Close To My Heart Stamp of the Month Blog Hop for May 2013- featuring Pinwheel

Pinwheel, a set of 10, is a fun, fun stamp set!   If you have come here from Mary's Blog you're on the right path.  If you get lost along the way, you'll find a complete hop list at Helen's Blog!

I recently learned how to make this double pocket card, and have since made several :)
I love that you can fit a gift card, tag, or decorative element in the pockets!




For this card, I used the Claire Papers.  I love how neutral this particular sheet is, it will go with anything!  I cut one of the large pinwheels (stamped in Cranberry with Crystal blue middle) and one of the medium sized pinwheels (stamped in Crystal Blue with Sunset middle) with Artiste.  I then stamped two more of the smaller pinwheels (one in Honey and one in Sky Blue).  To make them two-toned, I cut and paper pieced them together.  I added some old Fanfare brads to the center and Colonial White Ric Rac as the stems of the pinwheels.  The largest one, is in the big pocket :)  On the inside I added the sentiment "You make my world go round"

  

I also showed this card (on the right) the other day, made with Dream Pop & a sentiment from Pinwheel!  

The May Stamp of the Month is available the 1st-31st.  With any $50 purchase, this set is yours for $5.  Head over to my website to start shopping :  http://roxybonds.ctmh.com/

Hop on over to the lovely Fancy Melissa's Blog for more inspiration! 

Dream Pop Sneak Peek #3

Dream Pop is an exclusive paper pack from CTMH that is only available in May 2013! 

 

 

Jen's Dream Pop Card Workshop
((coming soon))

*Create 50 cards with Dream Pop for less than $2 a card!
*Your kit will come pre-cut, with color instructions
*Optional pre-stamped kit available.
*All materials needed to create 50 cards included
*Email me today if you'd like to get more information on this workshop!

You have seen 8 different cards so far.... here's a sneak peek of a couple more of the cards that you can make with this workshop:

(You'll be able to make FOUR of each card!!!)
For only $10 (with a $35 order) this paper pack can be yours!!!

With Dream Pop, you'll get: 12 exclusive B&T Duos^® papers (2 each of 6 designs), 12 coordinating UV cardstock sheets (2 each of 6 kit-exclusive colors), an artwork idea insert. 

*What is UV cardstock???  The cardstock has glossy (embossed looking) patterns on one side that coordinate with the B&T patterns for a pop of shine on the colorful cardstock. 

This paper pack features new, exclusive specialty colors: Banana, Grey, Mint, Raspberry, Strawberry & Tangerine.  Makes me want to go out for ice cream....

Here's how you can get yours:
*Place an order of $35 or more in May, and get a Dream Pop pack for $10.  Get one $10 Dream Pop paper packet for every $35 spent in an order.
*Host a party (online, catalog or in home) with $400 or more in sales and you'll get one Dream Pop pack FREE!
*JOIN MY TEAM in May and you'll get a Dream Pop paper pack in your kit for FREE!!



Also coming soon..... Dream Pop Scrapbook Workshop!!

Dream Pop Sneak Peek #2

Dream Pop is an exclusive paper pack from CTMH that is only available in May 2013! 
For only $10 (with a $35 order) this paper pack can be yours!!!

With Dream Pop, you'll get: 12 exclusive B&T Duos^® papers (2 each of 6 designs), 12 coordinating UV cardstock sheets (2 each of 6 kit-exclusive colors), an artwork idea insert. 

*What is UV cardstock???  The cardstock has glossy (embossed looking) patterns on one side that coordinate with the B&T patterns for a pop of shine on the colorful cardstock. 

This paper pack features new, exclusive specialty colors: Banana, Grey, Mint, Raspberry, Strawberry & Tangerine.  Makes me want to go out for ice cream....

Here's how you can get yours:
*Place an order of $35 or more in May, and get a Dream Pop pack for $10.  Get one $10 Dream Pop paper packet for every $35 spent in an order.
*Host a party (online, catalog or in home) with $400 or more in sales and you'll get one Dream Pop pack FREE!
*JOIN MY TEAM in May and you'll get a Dream Pop paper pack in your kit for FREE!!

Jen's Dream Pop Card Workshop
((coming soon))

*Create 50 cards with Dream Pop for less than $2 a card!
*Your kit will come pre-cut, with color instructions
*Optional pre-stamped kit available.
*All materials needed to create 50 cards included
*Email me today if you'd like to get more information on this workshop!

Yesterday I showed you 4 cards.... here's a sneak peek of a couple more

of the cards that you can make with this workshop:

(You'll be able to make FOUR of each card!!!)


Also coming soon..... Dream Pop Scrapbook Workshop!!

Dream Pop Sneak Peek #1

Dream Pop is an exclusive paper pack from CTMH that is only available in May 2013!  

With Dream Pop, you'll get: 12 exclusive B&T Duos^® papers (2 each of 6 designs), 12 coordinating UV cardstock sheets (2 each of 6 kit-exclusive colors), an artwork idea insert. 

*What is UV cardstock???  The cardstock has glossy (embossed looking) patterns on one side that coordinate with the B&T patterns for a pop of shine on the colorful cardstock. 

This paper pack features new, exclusive specialty colors: Banana, Grey, Mint, Raspberry, Strawberry & Tangerine.  Makes me want to go out for ice cream....

Here's how you can get yours:
*Place an order of $35 or more in May, and get a Dream Pop pack for $10.  Get one $10 Dream Pop paper packet for every $35 spent in an order.
*Host a party (online, catalog or in home) with $400 or more in sales and you'll get one Dream Pop pack FREE!
*JOIN MY TEAM in May and you'll get a Dream Pop paper pack in your kit for FREE!!

Jen's Dream Pop Card Workshop
((coming soon))

*Create 50 cards with Dream Pop for less than $2 a card!
*Your kit will come pre-cut, with color instructions
*Optional pre-stamped kit available.
*All materials needed to create 50 cards included
*Email me today if you'd like to get more information on this workshop!

Here's a sneak peek of a couple of the cards that you can make with this workshop:

(You'll be able to make FOUR of each card!!!)




Also coming soon..... Dream Pop Scrapbook Workshop!!