Specials!

I've got to say that I am so impressed with Close To My Heart for offering so many specials and being extremely current with the trends!  Not every project appeals to every person so having all of these choices makes it a sure thing that something is going to be right up your alley.  Links to my website are underlined.

If you like getting something for free and doing scrapbook layouts, why not grab one of (or all of) the bundles fore The Best Moments Are Free.  For the price of a stamp set, you also get the materials to make a 2-page layout absolutely free!  Even if you're not a scrapper, you can still use everything to make cards or other types of artwork.  To make things even more interesting, you can save money buy purchasing all of the kits for only $52.95 (actual value is over $107!!!).  You'll need to hurry, though, as this special is only good through the end of June.

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Also ending this month is our You're The Best mini album project.  It's a great gift for that special person in your life or as a memento of a favorite trip or event.  

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Last but certainly not least is the new Share The Joy special.  There are so many ways to use these stamps and Thin Cuts, my head is spinning!  This special is good through the end of July OR while supplies last.  Thin Cuts are a huge favorite so they can and do sell out quickly.  Don't wait too long to order yours!

Phew, I told you it was a lot to take in!  My only problem - if you could call it that - is where to start since I love and have all of them!  

Smiles, Caron

Scrappy Days Studio update!

Every few years I get the urge to shake things up and rearrange my craft studio.  I know I'm extremely lucky to have an entire room dedicated to my hobby/business but I'm constantly trying to improve the setup.  For years now I've held my classes and workshops at the dining room table because I just couldn't figure out a way to comfortably seat everyone in the studio (it's long and narrow).  However, I think I've finally done it - at least for small groups.  The secret was moving all of my sewing gear and fabric into another room (that's a project for another day...have you heard of the Ultimate Sewing Box?!).

So, today I'm sharing pictures of my redesigned studio.  Please let me know what you think!
Smiles, Caron

This is the view from the pass-through window of the kitchen. My creating space is way at the other end.  By the way, you can make any picture bigger by clicking on it.

Then we have the view from the other end of the room. This is where I plan to have my guests come to create now.  I can also move the tables so they're end to end in case I have more than four at a time. Yes, I totally staged this picture just for my blog visitors!  Normally, the tables are left empty as my son loves to come in and do his own scrapbooking while I'm at work and he knows not to touch mom's stuff; something he learned the hard way.

Here's a closer look at my work station.  I need to get a rug under that chair because it keeps catching on the tile grooves.  I've already fallen out of a rolling chair a couple of times and it's not fun!  All of my cardstock, paper collections, albums and really big things are in the Expedit unit to the left.

This is my Workspace Wonders setup.  I love being able to customize it to my needs.  The small containers have my ribbons/twine/larger embellishments.

I keep all my smaller embellishments in these drawer units, separated by color.

Larger items like stickers/complements and such are in a larger drawer unit nearby.

At the other end of the room is where I keep my stamp sets and completed cards.  These mesh drawers came from Bed Bath and Beyond and are a perfect fit.  The cabinets below hold all sorts of craft supplies and other things for projects I'll probably never get to future projects.

And this little area is where I can showcase current classes, upcoming workshops and what-have-you.  It also comes in handy for passing drinks and snacks through the window :)

I've shown this before but it still gives me warm fuzzies when I look at it.  This is my art wall. Rather than spending lots of money on a "system", I designed and installed my own on the cheap using things from Walmart.  I change out the artwork whenever I have new things to showcase.  My Cricut and Cuttlebug are on the rolling cart below which makes it easy to move them close when I need to use them.

And that is my happy place!  Thanks for sticking with me to the end.  I'd love to hear your thoughts. 

The process of creating...

Sometimes, it's very easy and the ideas are just hopping out of my brain and onto my desk.  Other times, not so much.  So what do I do when inspiration just isn't there?  I start by finding the stamps I want to use and then I choose a couple of papers.

Then I look through my idea book or any of our Make It From Your Heart guides and find something that I think will work.  I figured the design below would work with my horizontal sentiment and that I would use the eggplant stripes instead of the yellow and the floral print instead of the white/clouds.

Well, somewhere along the way, I decided I didn't quite like that look so I tried a couple of other things and voila!  My card was complete.  It's funny how I start out trying to copy and end up being creative on my own without even knowing it :)  Same basic card/different look altogether!

And that's how my process works!  By the way, even if you straight up copy a card, it still counts as being creative.  The pieces didn't put themselves together, after all, did they?

Smiles, Caron

Happy Day!

Here's one of the cards I'm offering at this month's card buffet.  The pattern is from one of our design guides in the Make It From Your Heart line.  It's so quick and easy when paired with our paper packs!
Smiles, Caron

Workspace Wonders Sale!

We're having a special flash sale from now until the end of February!  If you need organization for all of your crafting supplies, look no further than our Workspace Wonders which are 35% off!  There are several different pieces you can choose to customize your setup exactly for you!  Don't miss out!
Smiles, Caron

Workspace Wonders!

Going, going...

...almost gone!  There are only 4 more days in the month to grab your Heart Happy items!  There are many options to choose from to make it customized especially for you and your budget so check out my website.     

Smiles, Caron                                   

 Heart Happy

Foreshadowing?

Just two days after my last post, I fell in my house.  What should have been a minor thing turned out to be a lengthy ordeal.  In the fall, I managed to cut open my shin to the point where I had to call 911 and be taken by ambulance to the hospital.  Twenty two stitches and staples later, they sent me home.  Three days later, I didn't think things were looking very good, so I went back to the ER.  They didn't seem alarmed and sent me home.  A week later, I still thought things looked bad so back I went.  This time, they decided I was right and I ended up being admitted.  Unbelievable.  Apparently, my wound wasn't healing properly and my blood pressure was sky high.  From then on, I've been stuck at home with my leg elevated and in a soft cast until it heals.  It's going on two months now!  Never did I ever imagine something like this would happen.  So, there's my explanation of my absence (if anyone noticed).

Because of my limitations, I haven't been able to play with any of the new products in the Seasonal Expressions :(  However, I am having a little "Check it Out" night this coming Tuesday.  I have new idea books and lots of products to show and I'm somehow going to manage a card or two to make.  If you'd like to join us, let me know!

Smiles, 

Caron  

Endings. Beginnings.

Endings
Well, this month was an experience I will never forget.  The first two weeks were unplanned, unexpected and full of sorrow.  My uncle was in the hospital from the 1st to the 5th.  He was discharged home (against everyone's better judgment) and he passed away on the 8th.  It was not an easy time, to say the least.  I tried to get back into the spirit for my son's sake but there was a definite cloud hanging over it all.  Christmas itself was quiet with just the two of us but we did get to experience the chaos of yesteryear when we had a video chat with the rest of the kids/grandkids in Orlando.  And now...I'm ready for the year to end. 
Which reminds me that our current Holiday Expressions idea book will also end on the 31st, along with several of our promotions.  Check my website to see what's what.

Beginnings
2019 brings the promise of new beginnings and there's nothing I would like more!  Starting on 1/1/19, there will be a new Seasonal Expressions idea book :)  The new paper collections and stamp sets are quite inspiring!  January is also National Papercrafting Month and we have a gorgeous home decor project for you!  I'll share a picture of mine on the 1st. 

In the meantime, visit my website daily to see what the Boxing Week specials are.  It starts at 2am EST every day and each day has new deals.  I haven't been up that early but hear that several items were sold out within an hour or two.  Me...I'd rather sleep but here's to the diehard shoppers out there!

Smiles, Caron

MIA

If it seems like I'm missing in action lately, it's because of a family medical issue.  In addition to preparing for Christmas and all that entails, I'm also traveling back and forth to the hospital every day.  It's still the early stages and pretty much everything is a bit chaotic and overwhelming.  I'll be back when things calm down.  May you all have a very happy holiday!
Smiles, Caron

November!

Ack!  It's November already!  It kind of snuck up on me seeing that it's still in the 80s here in Florida.  Autumn is my favorite season but it never quite feels the same as it did when I lived up north.  Ah well.  I got to visit all four seasons today when I made the cards I'm going to show you.  This is the free card kit you'll receive when you place an order that qualifies you to buy the November stamp of the month, S1811 Seasonal Trees for $5.  As you'll see, this stamp set is good all year round :)
Smiles, Caron

So many specials!

So little time!  Seriously, CTMH has come out with so many options for us, it's incredible!  They're making sure there is something for everyone and that's fantastic!  Let's have a little review.  If you click on the link under each picture, you can see more details about each one.  I can't stress enough that all of these are while supplies last so if you're wanting something, do not wait!  We've had some very popular items sell out very quickly in the past few months.

October is National Breast Cancer Awareness month and we brought back a very popular stamp/thin cut set.  It's called Ribbon Warrior and can be used for all sorts of causes by just switching up the ribbon color.  Good only through October or while supplies last.

Ribbon Warrior

Next up is the Holiday Sparkle card kit.  Shaker cards are a fun addition to your crafting techniques and they're soooo easy!  Good only through October or while supplies last.

Holiday Sparkle

Then we have the new Christmas Blessings card kit with a reverent theme.  This kit makes use of the Season of Joy Cricut cartridge on one of the designs (quite easy to change up if you don't have that cartridge).  Good through the end of December or while supplies last. 

Christmas Blessings

As if that weren't enough, we also have this amazing Advent Calendar.  This also uses the Season of Joy  Cricut cartridge.   This one is also good through the end of December or while supplies last.

Advent Calendar

But wait!  There's more!  This year marks the 15th year that CTMH expanded into Canada so we are celebrating that with not one, but two special workshops!  The Great Outdoors and True North have scrapbook layouts and cards with some wonderful stamp images that aren't just for Canadians!  Take a look! Both of these are available through the end of December or while supplies last.

The Great Outdoors

This one features some great wild animals.

True North

If you're an ice hockey or skating fan, this one's for you!

There is also the Important Things bundle (see the spotlight on the right side of this page).  

Phew!  So many options, right?  I don't know about you, but I can find a use for every single one of these.  Whatever you choose, please know that I am here to answer any questions you may have and to offer help if you want it.  I love crafting with my friends and can't get enough!  

Smiles, Caron

Weekend Warrior!

I've spent most of this weekend creating holiday cards for my upcoming Holiday Card Jamboree!  Wow, once that mojo kicked in, it didn't want to stop!  I had to force myself out to cook dinner and run errands.  The house cleaning can wait :)  Anyway, I wanted to share what I've come up with so far.  There may be more.  Who knows?!
Smiles, Caron

October stamp of the month!

Happy Sunday out there!  I hope it's a good one for you.  I've been creating in my studio and just enjoying the day.  This month's exclusive stamp set is S1810 Thanks & Giving.  It's perfect for any type of gratitude card or layout.  Here are the cards I've designed as my special thank you when you place an order of $50 or more and add the stamp set for just $5.

S1810 Thanks & Giving

And these are the images included in the set.  As you can see, several of these can be used in a variety of ways!  This special is only good through the end of October so don't delay!

Smiles, Caron

Grateful Heart

I love the fall!  Even if I don't get the traditional parts (leaves changing color, cool temperatures, etc), I can still enjoy the feeling.  The Grateful Heart paper collection is a great way to bring Autumn to my steamy part of Florida.  Wouldn't you like to make these cards?  You can when you order this paper suite!  I'll email you a full-color guide to recreate them.

Here is a close-up of the designs.

Grateful Heart

Smiles, Caron

When Adam Smiles

Here is a 6x6 album I made using Stacy Julian's new method of scrapbooking that is featured in our idea book.  The complete line is called Story by Stacy and this particular kit is called Short Story.  It's a game changer!
Smiles, Caron