CTMH's September SOTM

September's Stamp Of The Month is " Thriller", just in time for Halloween!

Want to join an exclusive club? Every month CTMH offers you an exclusive My Acrylix® D-size stamp set FREE or at a large discount. The stamp set is available to qualifying customers for that month only. It’s our way of saying thank you, and your way of getting fantastic deals on our amazing stamps!

One more peek ...

Introducing a carnival of new colors: Gypsy, Pacifica, Sunset, Cotton Candy, Lagoon, Pear, Sky and Smoothie.

CTMH has updated their summer palettes to bring you exclusive new hues, available in cardstock, stamp pads, re-inkers and markers.

Sneak peeks ...

... of CTMH's new Fall/Winter Idea Book that goes live September 1st. Enjoy!

Stop back on Wednesday for an online link to the new Idea Book.

Snail mail ...

Color Me Monday by Jeanette Lynton

Neutral Nirvana!

"Today’s artwork and color combination prove that neutral doesn’t need to be boring—far from it! Today’s rich and earthy palette of Black, Colonial White, Desert Sand and Bamboo is the perfect companion to just about any photo on a layout, any design element in home décor, or any style of card. It’s a guest that’s welcome just about anywhere!"

"A few insider tricks on making artwork like that shown today: our White Daisy and Colonial White inks are pigment-based instead of our classic dye-based, so they behave just a little differently. Pigment will give you a great pop of white, because it works a little more like paint than ink. For my cards today, I used the “Hit the Spot” stamp set (C1406), which is full of all sizes of dots and spots that repeat easily for great backgrounds. After stamping the spots in White Daisy, I made sure to heat set the design—pigment inks will dry more slowly than dye-based inks, so heat setting will keep your project moving along. And because pigment ink is just a little more tenacious, you’ll want to clean your stamp vigorously after using it—the Double Scrubber and Spritz Cleaner work great; just add a little extra elbow grease!"

Jeanette Lynton

Ribbon drop scarf

Off to knit with a friend this morning. I'm starting my first ribbon drop scarf and can't wait to break-in my new Harmony Wood needles from Knit Picks. The scarf pattern is from the Lancaster Yarn Shop BLOG, "designed/'unvented' and pattern copyright Wendy Ellis, 2010". I've chosen a Knit One Crochet Too Tartelette Yarn in their Sea Jewels color that my girls will love (see below).

I'm bringing my favorite zucchini bread and there will be petite tomato-cucumber sandwiches waiting for my arrival. Knitting and snacking, what better why to start the weekend! Look for a later post with my finished scarf.

Eclectic Elegance on Art & Soul

Eclectic Elegance features creative embellishment clusters and gorgeous gathered ribbon techniques.

"Vintage is very now, so we’ll show you how to create an antiqued look with your favorite products—from eclectic embellishment clusters to a plethora of ways to use ribbon. Plus, we show you the secret of tying the perfect bow. Tune in and get ready to learn!"

Celebrate Stamping with a Triple Play!

One’s good, two’s great, and three’s best of all! Celebrate your love of stamping by using stamps to embellish the 3 mini albums in our exclusive National Stamping Month kit, Triple Play. With inks, stamps, albums, and pre-cut accents for stamping, you’ll complete all 3 albums in a jiffy. Since each album has its own color scheme, all 3 are unique and ready for many different kinds of photos. Make one for yourself and two to give away—if you can bear to part with them!

This is a great opportunity to try stamps in scrapbooking if you’re new to it, and an easy way to enjoy the look of hand-trimmed stamped images without even touching the scissors. The three albums are built the same way and come together in a snap, but the three different color schemes make each one unique. Just follow the steps outlined on the full-color brochure included in the kit to create three mini albums you can keep for yourself or give as gifts this holiday season!

In honor of National Stamping Month, you can get huge discounts on the Triple Play kit when you purchase My Acrylix® stamps from your wish list, or get it free when you host a qualifying Gathering or become a Close To My Heart Consultant. Here are five ways to get this outstanding mini album kit: (Note: We’ve saved the best for last, so be sure to read all five!)

1. Buy the Triple Play kit for $29.95.
2. Purchase $25 in My Acrylix® stamps and get the Triple Play kit for just $15.
3. Spend $40 on My Acrylix stamps and get Triple Play for only $5!
4. Host a Gathering with sales of $300 or more and get Triple Play FREE!
5. Join CTMH as a Consultant and get the kit FREE!

Triple Play kit contents:
1 – My Acrylix® Love This Stamp Set
4 – Exclusive Inks® Mini Stamp Pads (Desert Sand, Hollyhock, Indian Corn Blue, and Sunset)
9 – 4" x 12" Panels (3 each of 3 color schemes)
3 – 6" x 12" Die-Cut Sheets
1 – 72" Length Colonial White Grosgrain Ribbon
3 – Hook and Loop Fasteners
1 –Brochure

Good Deal: Place a minimum order of $25 in stamps, and for just another $15, receive twice that value in Triple Play kit products to create 3 entire mini albums!
Purchase Price: $25 in stamps, plus $15 Triple Play kit
Total Paid: $40
Total Value: $54.95

Total Savings: $14.95

~~~

Best Deal: Purchase a minimum of $40 in stamps, and for just another $5, receive six times that value in Triple Play kit products to create 3 entire mini albums— that's less than $2 per mini album!
Purchase Price: $40 in stamps, plus $5 Triple Play kit
Total Paid: $45
Total Value: $69.95

Total Savings: $24.95

~~~

When you do the math, you find that an extra $15 in stamps added to your order saves you an extra $10. That’s almost like getting those extra stamps for free!

Click here to shop on my website and grab your Triple Play kit today! Click here to contact me with any questions or email me your order. Happy crafting.

*Qualifying stamps set purchases exclude Stamp of the Month sets, K-size custom stamps, and Workshops on the Go™ stamp sets. Tax and shipping/handling may apply. Offer valid for customers and hostesses August 15–September 30, 2010. Offer valid for new Consultant enrollees September 1–30, 2010. Limit one discount-priced Triple Play kit per order per customer. Offer valid while supplies last.

Color Me Monday: All-Stars, Always!

"CTMH offers a gorgeous palette of 60 amazing colors, and because each one is like a child to me, I love them all! They each have a place, a season, and give something special to artwork.

However, we definitely have a handful of all-stars: colorful players that are always our top sellers in cardstocks and inks, colors that work in virtually any season or theme, and that also have universal appeal. Who am I talking about? The ever-popular Outdoor Denim and his equally versatile teammate, Cranberry. This dynamic duo can best just about any design challenge, and everybody loves working with them whether you’re a consummate artist or a newbie stamper. Today, I’ve partnered Outdoor Denim and Cranberry with Crystal Blue and Bamboo for some great looks."

Jeanette Lynton

"Yarn Ball" wreath

I stumbled upon this adorable "knitting-theme" wreath posted on Peace, Love and Understanding. How stinkin' cute!

BPS's Big Idea Festival

The waiting is over; the Big Idea Festival starts today! The teachers are ready to go and the classroom is overflowing with projects and inspiration. BPS has been hard at work gathering all the giveaways from some amazing sponsors.

Join me for this exciting creativity explosion!

FINAL DAY day to shop ...

Today's the last day to grab some awesome CTMH products at a great price. There's still some incredible paper kits and coordinating Stickease packs available, but don't delay.

Click here to shop on my website and take advantage of the amazing deals.

Jeanette Lynton's Color Me Monday: Getting Schooled!

CTMH's founder, Jeanette Lynton, posts a color combination every Monday and shares gorgeous artwork based on that particular palette. I've decided to stretch my card-making abilities and create a card every Monday using Jeanette's color combo. My intentions are to post my card sometime on Tuesday ... as long as photography, computer and family obligation variables are on my side. Hopefully you will join me, comment and link to your artwork. I'd love to see what you create!

"So I thought I would share my color keys—my wild color experiments from the Close To My Heart “crayon box”—with you. Each Monday I’ll show you a new combination in our wonderful exclusive Close To My Heart colors. I think you’ll find fun ideas for your art projects, and it’ll be a great way to brighten any Monday and kick start a new week."

Jeanette Lynton

"I absolutely LOVE mid-August! The sun still beats down brightly, but we’re all out shopping for sweaters and long pants. We’re riding bicycles but buying notebooks. The kids are watching movies but mom and dad are watching the calendar: it’s almost time for back to school!

Today’s color scheme is a great blend of fall color and summer sunshine—which perfectly captures the feeling of that first day of school, doesn’t it? I’ve used Black, Cranberry, Honey, and Olive (in sturdy cardstocks with a touch of Honey B&T paper pulled from the “Zippidee” kit... A song we’ll all be humming when the kids return to school.)

My featured layout uses basic and versatile patterns from Reflections, including a Main Frame and Bottom Border variation. Reflections are always among my favorite patterns to work with—they’re easy, dramatic, balanced, and always put a lot of emphasis on the photos.

The color combo also works wonders in cards, whether you’re creating a card for a new teacher, or celebrating a bounteous and shared harvest, as shown in my “Garden of Delight” card. The palette is a reminder of the summer still lingering and the promise of a warm autumn just around the corner. I can almost hear the school bell ringing now!"

Jeanette Lynton

CTMH's Retiring Product List

CTMH just released the 2011 Retiring Product List. We are in for some awesome changes because there are a ton of things retiring, including ALL but four of our upcoming paper packets! If there is anything that you would like that is on the list, be sure to get it now because these items are only available WHILE SUPPLIES LAST until December 31, 2010.

Click here to download the 2011 retiring list.

Click here to start shopping.

CTMH's National Stamping Month kit

CTMH has outdone themselves again! September is National Stamping Month and our exclusive mini album kit is available starting August 15th. Mark your calendars, make your wish list and come back to place your order in 7 days.


Create 3 mini albums with our National Stamping Month kit, Triple Play. With 4 Exclusive Inks® mini stamp pads, a versatile C-size stamp set, 3 mini albums, ribbon, an instructional brochure and pre-cut accents for stamping, you'll complete all 3 albums in a snap!
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Buy it at a huge discount with a qualifying purchase of My Acrylix® stamps or purchase it at the full retail price of $29.95. Better yet, earn it for FREE buy hosting a qualifying Home Gathering or Idea Book party! As always, offers are while supplies last.

Knit Picks Harmony Wood Needles

I love Knit Picks Nickel Plated Interchangeable Circular Knitting Needles, but have decided to try a set of the gorgeous Harmony Wood Needle Tips. I need a size 10" needle for a scarf pattern a friend has shared with me and the Harmony Wood might work great with the ribbon yarn I have chosen to use.


"Of course the waves of color are what first catch your eye. But, the beauty is more than skin deep. The layers of laminated birch give the needles a strength that is missing in regular wooden needles. The stability allowed us to shape sharp points- particularly nice for lace knitting. It also made small sizes more durable and resistant to breakage. Being wood, the burnished surface has a slight grip so slick yarns like mohair and angora don’t slip off at the wrong time. This quality also makes them an excellent choice for beginning knitters, who often have trouble keeping stitches on the needles."

Now I must wait for the package to arrive!

That's Life

I purchased "That's Life: Finding Scrapbook Inspiration in the Everyday" and it was delivered to a friend's house while I was on vacation. Heading-out to pick it up today and I can't wait to dive in.

Here's Amazon's info on the book and author:

"This book's unique day-planner format, and light-hearted, quirky voice will set it apart from other scrapbooking titles. Nic Howard is a recognized name and personality in the industry, both domestically and internationally, and is prominently featured in a variety of scrapbook magazines on a regular basis. With its fresh, humorous approach to the seemingly mundane, That's Life offers scrapbookers insightful ways to depict their everyday lives through their art. Divided into chapters dedicated to each day of the week, this day-planner-inspired format offers up endearing anecdotes, unique prompts, and charming ideas as well as example pages that will inspire the reader to create scrapbooks that are more authentic, organic and genuine than ever before.

Nic Howard is a 2005 Memory Makers Master and internationally recognized authority on scrapbooking. She has contributed to numerous industry publications, including Memory Makers magazine and books, Creating Keepsakes, Simple Scrapbooks, Scrapbooks Etc. and Australia's For Keeps. Nic Howard is an instructor over at BPS."

I first discovered Nic Howard over at BPS and was thrilled to find her book for such a great price at Amazon. I love her style and look forward to taking one of her classes.

Let the shopping begin ...

Like any great sale, you may experience "crowds" of other bargain hunting shoppers. This may cause some delays in loading pages, and sold-out items. To make your shopping experience as smooth as possible, here are some helpful tips:

1. If you do not have an account set up to shop on my website, do this first, so you can check out quickly.

Click here to set up your account

2. Once you place an item in your cart, continue to shop and check out as quickly as possible. The items in your cart are not guaranteed until you comlete your checkout process and may sell out before you can complete your order.

3. You will be able to order non-sale items with this order.
If you have a CTMH catalog, use the item numbers to enter your order, it's a much faster way to shop and you won't have to wait for pages to load.

4. Your entire order will qualify you to receive the Stamp of the Month for a discount or even FREE!

CTMH's AMAZING Customer Appreciation Sale

I'm back from vacation ... and just in time to announce an amazing CTMH sale that starts tomorrow!

"Amazing deals at more than 50% off to show our thanks to you! 2, 4, 6, 8, who do we appreciate? It’s YOU, of course! We are shouting from the rooftops how much we love and appreciate you! It only makes sense to pass along our appreciation with amazing deals. So for 8 days, August 4 through August 11 (while supplies last), you can purchase select My Stickease® Assortments for only $2, My Reflections® Level 1 kits for only $4, and My Reflections® Level 2 paper packets for only $6 online. Visit my website starting tomorrow (8/4) to see these amazing deals for yourself. You’ll want to shout for joy, too!"

This is a fabulous way to stock-up on your favorite CTMH papers, or to try some new patterns, all at a great price. Starting tomorrow, orders can be placed on my CTMH website and will ship directly to you.

Here's a list of the sale items (while supplies last):

Abundance My Stickease $2

My Reflections Abundance Level 1 $4

My Reflections Abundance Level 2 Paper Packet $6

Animal Cookies My Stickease $2

My Reflections Animal Cookies Level 1 $4

My Reflections Animal Cookies Level 2 Paper Packet $6

Aspen My Stickease $2

My Reflections Aspen Level 1 $4

My Reflections Aspen Level 2 Paper Packet $6

Back Country My Stickease $2

My Reflections Back Country Level 1 $4

My Reflections Back Country Level 2 Paper Packet $6

Bella My Stickease $2

My Reflections Bella Level 1 $4

My Reflections Bella Level 2 Paper Packet $6

My Reflections Best Friends Forever Level 1 $4

Blue Ribbon My Stickease $2

My Reflections Blue Ribbon Level 1 $4

My Reflections Blue Ribbon Level 2 Paper Packet $6

Boom-Di-Ada My Stickease $2

My Reflections Boom-Di-Ada Level 1 $4

My Reflections Boom-Di-Ada Level 2 Paper Packet $6

Caprice My Stickease $2

My Reflections Caprice Level 1 $4

My Reflections Caprice Level 2 Paper Packet $6

Cutie Pie My Stickease $2

My Reflections Cutie Pie Level 1 $4

Daydream My Stickease $2

My Reflections Daydream Level 1 $4

My Reflections Daydream Level 2 Paper Packet $6

My Reflections Discovery Level 1 $4

Emporium My Stickease $2

My Reflections Emporium Level 1 $4

My Reflections Emporium Level 2 Paper Packet $6

Enchanted My Stickease $2

My Reflections Enchanted Level 1 $4

My Reflections Enchanted Level 2 Paper Packet $6

Evensong My Stickease $2

My Reflections Evensong Level 1 $4

My Reflections Evensong Level 2 Paper Packet $6

Everlasting My Stickease $2

My Reflections Everlasting Level 1 $4

My Reflections Everlasting Paper Packet $6

Expedition My Stickease $2

My Reflections Expedition Level 1 $4

Floral Impressions My Stickease $2

My Reflections Floral Impressions Level 1 $4

My Reflections Floral Impressions Level 2 Paper Packet $6

My Reflections Floral Tapestry Level 1 $4

Free Spirit My Stickease $2

My Reflections Free Spirit Level 1 $4

My Reflections Free Spirit Level 2 Paper Packet $6

Game On My Stickease $2

My Reflections Game On Level 1 Kit $4

My Reflections Game On Level 2 Paper Packet $6

Good Times My Stickease $2

My Reflections Good Times Level 1 $4

My Reflections Good Times Level 2 Paper Packet $6

Grace My Stickease $2

My Reflections Grace Level 1 $4

My Reflections Grace Level 2 Paper Packet $6

My Reflections Heirloom Level 1 $4

My Reflections Heirloom Level 2 Paper Packet $6

It’s a Guy Thing My Stickease $2

My Reflections It’s a Guy Thing Level 1 $4

My Reflections It’s a Guy Thing Level 2 Paper Packet $6

Jingle My Stickease $2

My Reflections Jingle Level 1 $4

My Reflections Jingle Level 2 Paper Packet $6

Just Chillin' My Stickease $2

My Reflections Just Chillin' Level 1 $4

My Reflections Laid Back Level 1 $4

My Reflections Let's Get Together Level 1 $4

Life Delights My Stickease $2

My Reflections Life Delights Level 1 $4

Magic Moments My Stickease $2

My Reflections Magic Moments Level 1 $4

My Reflections Magic Moments Level 2 Paper Packet $6

Majestic Blue My Stickease $2

My Reflections Majestic Blue Level 1 $4

My Reflections Majestic Blue Level 2 Paper Packet $6

Moon Doggie My Stickease $2

My Reflections Moon Doggie Level 1 $4

My Reflections Moon Doggie Level 2 Paper Packet $6

More To Adore My Stickease $2

My Reflections More To Adore Level 1 $4

My Reflections More To Adore Level 2 Paper Packet $6

Notebook My Stickease $2

My Reflections Notebook Level 1 $4

My Reflections Notebook Paper Packet $6

Paper Garden My Stickease $2

My Reflections Paper Garden Level 1 $4

Perfect Day My Stickease $2

My Reflections Perfect Day Level 1 $4

My Reflections Perfect Day Level 2 Paper Packet $6

Rough n Tumble My Stickease $2

My Reflections Rough n Tumble Level 2 Paper Packet $6

Route 66 My Stickease $2

My Reflections Route 66 Level 1 $4

Sarsaparilla My Stickease $2

My Reflections Sarsaparilla Level 1 Kit $4

My Reflections Sarsaparilla Level 2 Paper Packet $6

School Zone My Stickease $2

My Reflections School Zone Level 1 $4

Silhouette My Stickease $2

My Reflections Silhouette Level 1 $4

My Reflections Silhouette Level 2 Paper Packet $6

Simple Pleasure My Stickease $2

My Reflections Simple Pleasure Level 1 $4

My Reflections Simple Pleasure Level 2 Paper Packet $6

Sonata My Stickease $2

My Reflections Sonata Level 1 $4

Stardust My Stickease $2

My Reflections Stardust Level 1 $4

My Reflections Stardust Level 2 Paper Packet $6

Sweet Pea My Stickease $2

My Reflections Sweet Pea Level 1 $4

Sweet Harmony My Stickease $2

Sweet Home My Stickease $2

My Reflections Sweet Home Level 1 $4

My Reflections Sweet Home Level 2 Paper Packet $6

That’s Amore My Stickease $2

My Reflections That’s Amore Level 1 $4

My Reflections That’s Amore Level 2 Paper Packet $6

Tinkerin' My Stickease $2

My Reflections Tinkerin' Level 1 $4

My Reflections Tinkerin' Level 2 Paper Packet $6

Twitterpated My Stickease $2

My Reflections Twitterpated Level 1 $4

My Reflections Twitterpated Level 2 Paper Packet $6

Unforgettable My Stickease $2

My Reflections Unforgettable Level 1 $4

My Reflections Unforgettable Level 2 Paper Packet $6

Vintage Travel My Stickease $2

My Reflections Vintage Travel Level 1 $4

My Scrapbook Contest at Tueday Morning

Click here for full info and to submit an entry.

Please post a comment to my blog if you enter. I'd love to see your creation!

CTMH's August SOTM - Something Splendid

Want to join an exclusive club? Every month Close To My Heart offers you an exclusive My Acrylix® D-size stamp set FREE or at a large discount. The stamp set is available to qualifying customers for that month only. It’s our way of saying thank you, and your way of getting fantastic deals on our amazing stamps!