Sunday, June 30, 2013

CTMH Retiring My Acrylix® Stamp Sets

Is I mentioned yesterday Close to My Heart just ended their annual convention. During convention the new Autumn/Winter 2013 Idea Book was revealed. Customers will be able to order from the Autumn/Winter 2013 Idea Book starting on August 1, 2013. Watch for previews on our blogs and Facebook pages. With new items coming other items have to be retired to make room in the Idea Book and the warehouse.


layout on the cover of the CTMH Spring/Summer 2013 Idea Book
Yesterday I posted a list of the accessories, albums, organizational and craft items and cardmaking, paper and Workshops on the Go® Kits that are retiring. Today's post is all about retiring My Acrylix® Stamp Sets.

Please note that these items are only available while supplies last (items were still available as of 6/29/2013 at 11:59pm) or July 31, 2013 whichever comes first. Because I am a visual person, I have also created a Pinterest board with all of the retiring products.

A-sized My Acrylix® Stamp Sets:
Item #Item Name
A1132Family
A1133Festival Of Lights

B-sized My Acrylix® Stamp Sets:
B1372Circle Together 
B1395So Grateful
B1396School Rocks
B1405Rugged Dude
B1406Blessings Of Peace 
B1410A Friend Like You
B1414Bonjour

C-sized My Acrylix® Stamp Sets:
C1438Tea Time
C1461Salutation Seals
C1466Instant Memories
C1505Pun Fun
C1507Angelic Blessings
C1508Paisley Flair 
C1511Love Blooms
C1520Christmas Joy

D-sized My Acrylix® Stamp Sets:
D1187For Every Occasion
D1388Card Chatter—Christmas
D1399Dream Big
D1440Everlasting Life
D1444A Little Thanks
D1492Christmas Love
D1517Game On
D1519Abundance
D1521Powder Heaven
D1523Sweet Music
D1528Jardin

E-sized My Acrylix® Stamp Sets:
Item #Item Name
E1010Chocolate Alphabet Large
E1014Posterboard Alphabet
E1015Cocktail Alphabet
E1017Old World Alphabet
E1018Pennant Alphabet
E1019Bohemian Alphabet
E1020Token Alphabet
E1021Trinity Alphabet
E1022Hero Alphabet
E1023Varsity Alphabet
E1024Keepsake Alphabet

K-sized Create Your Own Customized Stamps My Acrylix® Stamp Sets:
Item #Item Name
K900Single Name Stamp
K9012Address Stamp Without Icon, 2 Lines
K9013Address Stamp Without Icon, 3 Lines
K9014Address Stamp Without Icon, 4 Lines
K9022Address Stamp With Icon, 2 Lines
K9023Address Stamp With Icon, 3 Lines
K9024Address Stamp With Icon, 4 Lines

Now for a sneak peek...this is the cover of the Autumn/Winter 2013 Idea Book:

cover of the CTMH Autumn/Winter 2013 Idea Book

Thank you for stopping by today. Please visit my blog periodically in July for additional previews.

If you do not have a CTMH Independent Consultant to answer any questions you may have, I would be happy to assist you and would be delighted if you make a purchase from me. Click the Shop with me link below to place an order or contact me if you have questions about any CTMH product or promotion or to schedule a Home or Online Gathering.


Saturday, June 29, 2013

CTMH Retiring Products - Get them while supplies last!

Close to My Heart just wrapped up their annual convention today. During convention the new Autumn/Winter 2013 Idea Book was revealed. Customers will be able to order from the Autumn/Winter 2013 Idea Book starting on August 1, 2013. Watch for previews on our blogs and Facebook pages. With new items coming other items have to be retired to make room in the Idea Book and the warehouse.


layout on the cover of the CTMH Spring/Summer 2013 Idea Book

Here are the items that are on the retiring list. Since the list is so long, I will post the retiring stamp sets separately. Please note that these items are only available while supplies last (items were still available as of 6/29/2013 at 11:59pm) or July 31, 2013 whichever comes first. Because I am a visual person, I have also created a Pinterest board with all of the retiring products.

Accessories:
PageItem #Item Name
119Z1366Brads Metal Assortment
119Z1410Antiqued Copper Designer Brads
121Z1704Pewter Badge Buttons
121Z1703Wooden Badge Buttons
121Z1821Buttons Black Assortment
121Z1371Buttons Blue Assortment
121Z1370Buttons Pink Assortment
121Z1358Buttons Basic Assortment
121Z1369Buttons Red Assortment
121Z1372Buttons Green Assortment
123Z1773Color-Ready Noted Canvas Shapes
123Z1718Color-Ready Garden Wooden Shapes
123Z1450Color-Ready Alphabets Cork
123Z1719Color-Ready Evergreen Cork Shapes
62X7155CAvonlea Complements Canvas Shapes
46X7167CLater Sk8r My Stickease® Assortment
40X7166CClaire Complements Canvas Shapes
62X7156CClementine Complements Canvas Shapes
63X7157CDakota Complements Foil Images
63X7159CScholastic My Stickease® Assortment
120Z1326Sparkles Red, Pink, & Purple Assortment
120Z1327Sparkles Blue & Green Assortment
118Z1710Just Blooms™ Paradise Paper Flowers
119Z1612Foundry® Pin Clips
118Z1755Posh Journaling Spots
123Z1734Irresistibles™ Persnickety Journaling Spots
117Z1831Buzz And Bumble Assortment
117Z1813Claire Assortment
117Z1810Later Sk8r Assortment
118Z1748Brocade Assortment
118Z1794Cottage Assortment
118Z1766Memo Assortment
118Z1780Wrangler Assortment
119Z1487Mini-Medley Accents Pewter Collection
119Z1697Mini-Medley Accents Smoothie Collection
116Z1489Mini-Medley Accents Olive Collection
122Z1798Black Tulle Ribbon
121Z1088Chocolate Waxy Flax SOLD OUT
121Z1080Black Waxy Flax SOLD OUT
121Z1081Colonial White Waxy Flax SOLD OUT
121Z1096Embroidery Floss Neutral Assortment
131Z670Black Embossing Powder SOLD OUT
131Z1246Cocoa Embossing Powder
131Z1351Dutch Blue Embossing Powder
131Z659Cranberry Embossing Powder SOLD OUT
131Z656Outdoor Denim Embossing Powder SOLD OUT
131Z655Olive Embossing Powder
1301771Waterbrush Medium
132Z13922" Scallop Circle Punch
131Z608Medium Embossing Stylus

Albums:
PageItem #Item Name
128Z134712" X 12" Dark New England Ivy My Legacy® Faux Leather Album

Crafts:
PageItem #Item Name
126Z1827My Creations™ Paper Pouch - Small
126Z1828My Creations™ Paper Pouch - Large

Organization:
PageItem #Item Name
135Z12678 1/2" X 11" Paper/Stamp Organizer
135Z4200Accessories Case
135Z4136Exclusive Inks® Organizer Carrying Case
135Z4134Exclusive Inks® Handle And Swivel Base

Papers (12x12 and cards):
PageItem #Item Name
128Z14746" X 6" Kraft Die-Cut Cards & Envelopes
128Z14246" X 6" Kraft Envelopes
128Z171210-Things Pocket
128Z17224 1/4" X 5 1/4" Kraft Envelopes
128Z17235" X 7" Kraft Envelopes
128Z17213" X 3" Kraft Envelopes
62X7156BClementine Paper Packet SOLD OUT
121X7159BScholastic Paper Packet

Workshops on the Go® Kits:
PageItem #Item Name
128G1061Workshops On The Go® Chantilly Cardmaking Kit SOLD OUT
128G1060Workshops On The Go® For Always Cardmaking Kit
128G1062Workshops On The Go® Canvas Art Kit
128G1053Workshops On The Go® Chantilly Scrapbooking Kit
128G1054Workshops On The Go® Buzz And Bumble Scrapbooking Kit SOLD OUT
128G1057Workshops On The Go® Later Sk8r Scrapbooking Kit SOLD OUT
62G1055Workshops On The Go® For Always Scrapbooking Kit
121G1059Workshops On The Go® Surf's Up Scrapbooking Kit
62G1056Workshops On The Go® Claire Scrapbooking Kit SOLD OUT
121G1058Workshops On The Go® Tommy Scrapbooking Kit

Thank you for stopping by and taking a look. If you do not have a CTMH Independent Consultant to answer any questions you may have, I would be happy to assist you and would be delighted if you make a purchase from me. Click the Shop with me link below to place an order or contact me if you have questions about any CTMH product or promotion or to schedule a Home or Online Gathering.


Sold out items last updated July 24, 2013.

Wednesday, June 19, 2013

Blending Using Alcohol-Based Markers

I have to admit it, I enjoy using watercolor pencils to color in my stamps so I have not used the alcohol markers yet. After watching this video, I am excited to try the CMTH Exclusive Inks® marker sets and blending marker. I'm glad I already have some sets at home.



The CTMH Corp. description of the Better Blending video is "Learn how to make your stamped images stand out with Close To My Heart's alcohol blending marker and Exclusive Inks® marker sets. Watch the tips and tricks in this video for better blending!"

Items featured in the video:
Please note the ink pads used to stamp the base image for this technique (it's within the first minute of the video). You will want to use the Black Stazon® Ink Pad (Z888), Archival Black Exclusive Inks® Stamp Pad (44751) or the black from the Basics Exclusive Inks® Mini Pigment Pads Set (Z2503) (you could use the Brown Stazon® Ink Pad or any color of the Exclusive Inks® Mini Pigment Pads depending on the look you are trying to achieve). You do not want to use dye-based ink pads because they are water-based and coloring with the alcohol-based markers may make the image bleed and your artwork look "muddy".

If you would like more information about the alcohol-based markers, stamp pads or any CTMH product, please do not hesitate to contact me and I'll do my best to answer your questions. If you would like to purchase any of the items, click the Shop Now button.

Monday, June 17, 2013

Magic with Alcohol-Based Markers

This week I have two videos to share to help you feel more comfortable using the CTMH Exclusive Inks® alcohol-based marker sets. I have to admit, I love using watercolor pencils and have yet to give the alcohol-based markers a try, but these videos gave me more confidence and I am looking forward to giving this technique a try.



The CTMH Corp. description of the Marker Magic video is "Coloring has never been so fun! Learn how to use Close To My Heart's alcohol-based marker sets to magically create smooth, even coverage on your colored images."

Items featured in the video:
You will want to use the Black Stazon® Ink Pad (Z888), Archival Black Exclusive Inks® Stamp Pad (44751) or the black from the Basics Exclusive Inks® Mini Pigment Pads Set (Z2503) (you could use the Brown Stazon® Ink Pad or any color of the Exclusive Inks® Mini Pigment Pads depending on the look you are trying to achieve). You do not want to use dye-based ink pads because they are water-based and coloring with the alcohol-based markers may make the image bleed and your artwork look "muddy". Stamp pad selection is discussed more in the video that will be posted on Wednesday.

If you would like more information about the alcohol-based markers, stamp pads or any CTMH product, please do not hesitate to contact me and I'll do my best to answer your questions. If you would like to purchase any of the items, click the Shop Now button.

Wednesday, June 12, 2013

Closure for 3D Projects and more - Hook & Loop Dots

When you looked through the CTMH Spring/Summer 2013 Idea Book if you wondered how you would you the Hook & Loop Dots on page 132, I hope the video I am sharing today will be useful. Today's video, Hoop & Look, shares some ideas for using the product from closing 3D objects cut with the Cricut® Artiste cartridge to mini albums to hiding messages or memorabilia.



The CTMH Corp. description of the Hook & Loop video is "Discover the ease of creating a temporary closure on a papercrafting piece with Hook & Loop dots Velcro adhesive from Close To My Heart. Hook & Loop dots are perfect for enclosing memorabilia, sealing a papercrafted purse or box, and more!"

Items featured in the video:
If you would like more information about the punches or any CTMH product, please do not hesitate to contact me and I'll do my best to answer your questions. If you would like to purchase any of the items, just click the Shop Now button.

Monday, June 10, 2013

Interactive Element for Cards and Layouts: Spinner

Have you been wondering how you might use the Spinner (item Z1832) on page 127 of the CTMH Spring/Summer 2013 Idea Book on a layout? CTMH Corporate produced a video showing how the spinner was embellished for the Oliver layout as seen on page 77 (also in the S/S 2013 Idea Book).



The CTMH Corp. description of the video Project Inspirations: A Different Spin is "Close To My Heart's chipboard spinner is ideal for incorporating in scrapbook layouts for an interactive element. Stamp, cover with paper, or attach as is for a different spin!"

Some of the products shown in the video and used on the layout are:
For a full list of items used on the Oliver layout, please go to my OBA, then select Products > Idea Book and look on the left for Recipes, a PDF file that you can download to refer to later. It lists all of the projects in the Idea Book by Idea Book page number, with the materials you will need to re-create a project. If one of the How-To publications is used, the publication and pattern names are included and if a Cricut cartridge is used, the cartridge name, quantity and size to cut are listed. I love that I do not have to guess what items are used if I want to scraplift a card, layout or home décor item.

If you are unfamiliar with CTMH products, I would be happy to meet with you so you have a chance to try them. If you would like to purchase any CTMH products to create your own projects, just click the Shop Now button. Contact me to set up a meeting or to schedule a Home or On-line Gathering.


Thursday, June 6, 2013

[New] Patriotic Stamp Sets

Let's celebrate and honor those that have or are currently serving our country. Let's promote patriotism as we approach Independence Day where we celebrate the adoption of the Declaration of Independence. For those with Canadian heritage, the My Acrylix® Strong and Free stamp set may be just what you are looking for as you approach Canada Day.


Close to My Heart has released three new patriotic stamp sets that are only availabe from June 1 to July 31, 2013. They are:
Three dollars from each My Acrylix® Courage stamp set and $5 from each My Acrylix® Home of the Brave and Strong and Free stamp set will be donated. In the US, donations will be made to the USO, the leading, most recognized military-support and services organization in the country. Donations in Canada will be made to the Canadian Hero Fund, which supports spouses and children of fallen Canadian military troops by helping provide post-secondary education. Show your support with your own patriotic stamp set!

If you would like more information about the patriotic stamp sets or any CTMH products, please do not hesitate to contact me and I'll do my best to answer your questions. If you would like to purchase any of these stamp sets, just click the Shop Now button.

Wednesday, June 5, 2013

[More] Ideas for using Circle Punches

If you are like me at all you love to learn ways to use tools you already have in different (perhaps new to you) ways so you can get more use from them. Today's video, Packed with Punch, shows us ways to get more use from the 2" Scallop and 1 1/4" Circle Punches.



The CTMH Corp. description of the Packed with Punch video is "Learn how you can use Close to My Heart circle punches to create beautiful artwork. It's a great way to pack some punch into your papercrafting!"

Items featured in the video:

If you would like more information about the punches or any CTMH product, please do not hesitate to contact me and I'll do my best to answer your questions. If you would like to purchase any of the items, just click the Shop Now button.

Tuesday, June 4, 2013

Additional Ideas for Using the My Creations® Mini Banner Pieces

It is a Banner Day! during the month of June 2013.


As I mentioned on the 1st of June, when you place a $25 order that includes one stamp set (A-E sized), you will receive a My Creations® mini banner for free (retail price is $5.95; one free mini banner will be automatically added to your cart for every $25 and at least one stamp set for each $25 on the order; there is no limit to the number of mini banners eligible for each order, as long as minimum criteria are met and inventory remains.). The My Creations® mini banner includes 10 chipboard pennants in 4 different shapes and 9 jump rings to attach the chipboard pieces to each another. The pennants are approximately 4" x 3".



The CTMH Corp. description of the Make It a Banner Day! video is "Make it a banner day with Close To My Heart's My Creations® Mini Banner! Get this banner for free in June when you place a minimum order of $25 that includes stamps!"

Items featured in the video:
  • My Creations® Mini Banner (Z1736)
The video gives ideas for using fabric or baker's twine instead of the included jump rings for attaching the banner pieces together. In addition, this product does not just make banners, you can use the pieces to make a mini album or to embellish a scrapbook page or card.

If you would like more information about any CTMH product, please do not hesitate to contact me and I'll do my best to answer your questions. If you would like to purchase any of the items, just click the Shop Now button.

Monday, June 3, 2013

Cleaning your CTMH My Acrylix® Stamps

In the Spring/Summer 2013 Idea Book Close to My Heart introduced a new My Acrylix® Stamp Scrubber. I had the old version, but heard such great things about the new My Acrylix® Stamp Scrubber that I had to give it a try. And I LOVE it! Now it does not matter how large my stamps are, this scrubber can clean all of them.




The CTMH Corp. description of the Stamp Scrubber video is "Learn how to use the My Acrylix® stamp scrubber from Close To My Heart to clean My Acrylix® stamp sets and keep them in tip-top shape."

Items featured in the video:

I hate to bang the same drum, but I want to remind you that CTMH made a stamp set from Autumn/Winter 2013 Idea Book available for immediate purchase the to aid with tornado relief in Oklahoma. Please visit my online business address (OBA) to view the A True Thank You - Oklahoma Tornado Relief Campaign stamp. One hundred percent of profits from sales of this stamp set from May 23 to June 30, 2013 will be donated to the American Red Cross to aid tornado victims in Oklahoma.



Recommended My Acrylix® Blocks:
2" × 2" (Y1003)

Thank you in advance to assisting with this very worthwhile cause. If I learn the amount raised for the American Red Cross via sales of this stamp, I will post the figures here in July.

If you would like more information about the stamp scrubber, spritz cleaner or any CTMH product, please do not hesitate to contact me and I'll do my best to answer your questions. If you would like to purchase any of the items, just click the Shop Now button.

Saturday, June 1, 2013

CTMH June 2013 Stamp of the Month: A Flowering Bunch and June News


The Close To My Heart June 2013 Stamp of the Month is A Flowering Bunch



This is the third month in a row where the SOTM coordinates with the CTMH Exclusive Cricut® Artiste Cartridge. The SOTM is an inexpensive way to add stamps that coordinate with your cartridge.

To obtain a list of products used to create the above items and suggested techniques, please see the current Stamp of the Month page (ideas for previous months can be found on the left side of that page).

A Flowering Bunch is an exclusive D-size stamp set of 10 stamps that you can only purchase during the month of June 2013. The stamp set can by yours for $5 when you place an order of $50 or more in qualifying Close To My Heart Products (or you can purchase it for $17.95).

Recommended CTMH My Acrylix® Blocks: 1" x 1" (Y1000), 1" x 3 1/2" (Y1002), 2" x 2" (Y1003) 3" x 3" (Y1006) and 2" x 6 1/2" (Y1010).

Make It a Banner Day Promotion

 

Also during the month of June is the CTMH Make It a Banner Day promotion. Throughout June, when you place a $25 order that includes one stamp set (A-E sized), you will receive a My Creations® mini banner for free (retail price is $5.95; one free mini banner will be automatically added to your cart for every $25 and at least one stamp set on the order; there is no limit to the number of mini banners eligible for each order, as long as minimum criteria are met and inventory remains.). The My Creations® mini banner includes 10 chipboard pennants in 4 different shapes and 9 jump rings to attach the chipboard pieces to each another. The pennants are approximately 4" x 3".

A True Thank You - Oklahoma Tornado Relief Campaign


CTMH made a stamp set from Autumn/Winter 2013 Idea Book available for immediate purchase to aid with tornado relief in Oklahoma. Please visit my online business address (OBA) to view the A True Thank You - Oklahoma Tornado Relief Campaign stamp. One hundred percent of profits from sales of this stamp set from May 23 to June 30, 2013 will be donated to the American Red Cross to aid tornado victims in Oklahoma.

Recommended My Acrylix® Blocks: 2" × 2" (Y1003)

Thank you in advance to assisting with this very worthwhile cause. If the amount raised for the American Red Cross via sales of this stamp set is published, I will post the figures in a July blog post.

If you do not have a CTMH Independent Consultant yet, please consider making a purchase from me. Click the Shop with me link below to place an order or contact me if you have questions about any CTMH product or promotion or to schedule a Home or Online Gathering.