It's a Holiday Heyday - With HUGE Savings for YOU! 50-80% Off!!!

Sit back and relax, it's okay to start your holiday shopping a little late this year because the BEST deals start TODAY!!!

Beginning at 8am (PST), you'll want to get in on the amazing deals like My Acrylix stamp sets from $2 and My Reflections paper packets from $5. But that's not all - we have "grab bags" for $30, each filled with over $100 in retail products! Plus get great shipping deals on orders over $100. These products are only available while supplies last, and if you've shopped our clearance sales in the past you know how quickly items sell out, so head on over to my website - http://beth.myctmh.com - and be the first to fill your shopping cart!

For a complete list of items to be offered during this incredible clearance sale, visit the Calendar page of my website and see the post on December 2nd!


*Sale continues through December 17th or while supplies last. Shipping/handling: orders of $100 or more have a flat rate shipping of $5. Tax is charged based on discounted amount.
**Sale items and regular priced items cannot be combined on the same order.
***Limit of 5 of any one item per order.

December Stamp of the Month Blog Hop

Can it possibly be December already? It is, it is, and that must mean it is time for another fabulous Stamp of the Month blog hop with many of my fellow Close To My Heart consultants sharing their artwork.

If you've hopped with me before, you know the routine, but if you're new to blog hopping it's really quite simple. After checking out my submission below, just click on the link at the bottom of my post to get to the next blog. Each blog will link you to another and by the time you end up back here, you'll be full of inspiration! So here we go...

This month, we are featuring the December Stamp of the Month set, Notice the Details. This set of 41 stamps is fun and versatile!

For my creation, I chose the Grace My Reflections papers (possibly my most favorite from the Fall/Winter Idea book). The simple card was inspired by a card share by fellow consultant Amanda DesJardins.

I stamped the weekly calendar image. to create the sentiment, I used the phrase "Celebrate the Everyday" which is a stacked title in the stamp set. By masking it and stamping it three times I was able to get the sentiment situated as shown.

A little ribbon knot and some liquid glass on the flowers in the B&T add the finishing touches to this fast and easy card!

Remember, the Stamp of the Month set is only available through December. Get yours for $22.95 or place and order and earn it at a great discount, or even FREE! Details can be found on my website - http://www.beth.MyCTMH.com.

Now head on over to my friend Michelle's blog to see her fabulous creation - I know she won't disappoint!!! If at anytime you get lost along the way (or find links not working) check out Jena's blog for the complete list of SOTM Blog Hoppers.

Thanks for visiting and Happy Hopping!

Creating with Studio J!

Last summer, at the CTMH Leadership Conference, Jeanette and Close to My Heart introduced Studio J, a tool unlike anything else out there! Simply put, Studio J is an online scrapbooking design software. There is nothing to download, no software to buy, no membership fee to pay...Studio J is absolutely FREE to use and create with! When you are done creating you simply order your gorgeous projects and they are printed and shipped directly to you, ready to slip right into your albums...Studio J is Real Life, Real Scrapbooks, Real Time!

This week, along with the other Leadership attendees, I began beta testing Studio J before its initial release in the Spring. What fun I've had! It really is a snap to create a beautiful layout with Studio J in just a few easy steps...

1. Upload photos

2. Select your Kit - you'll find your favorite classic CTMH My Reflections kits in Studio J as well and an exclusive Studio J kit released with every new Idea book!

3. Select your Layout - if you love using Cherish, Imagine and Reflections, you'll LOVE selecting your layout - simply filter by the number of photos you'd like to use and select the exclusive layout design.

4. Select your Kit Mix - just like when you are crafting with paper, you have plenty of options for different paper combinations within each kit - this is where CTMH has truly done the work for you!!

5. Complete your layout - With a simple drag and drop feature your photos are placed in the designated photo wells where you can enlarge and enhance them in many ways. Pre-set accents are included in the layout and with the simple click of your mouse, you can change the color of your ribbon, brads, buttons and more! Add My Stickease, title and journaling. Distress a little if you'd like and you're done!

This is just the simple run-down. With Studio J, the possibilities are endless when you start rotating layouts, swapping out papers and resizing embellishments!

Here are a couple of the layouts I've created over the past couple days on Studio J.

On Wednesday, while visiting my parents for Thanksgiving, we celebrated Jenna's birthday. After the kids were in bed, I sat down with my laptop, logged into Studio J and had completed this layout in a matter of minutes!

I selected the Magic Moments kit as a great compliment to the photos. The Stars Above layout worked well for the number of pictures I wanted to include. I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE the ability to resize the My Stickease - notice the different sized letters making up the playful title! Jenna was so excited to wake up in the morning and see a this layout using her celebration pictures from the night before!

My next layout used the It's a Guy Thing kit. The colors were perfect for these outdoor photos of my duck huntin' hubby! Notice all of the accents colored to match the layout.
As I continue exploring Studio J, I will be sure to share my creations right here with all of you. Visit the Studio J website for more info and watch for info from me in the Spring about a special Studio J preview I will be holding!

November SOTM Blog Hop

It's that time again! Time for another fabulous Stamp of the Month Blog Hop! If you've hopped with us before, you know the routine. If you're new to blog hopping, it's really quite easy...after checking out my Blog Hop contribution, simply click on the link to the next blogger's website. If you follow the loop all the way back here, you will be inspired by the artwork and creativity of over 60 talented Close to My Heart consultants.

November's SOTM is Around the Block, a fun set of 26 stamps including a large house and some fun sentiments to make anyone feel at home!

The following standard sized card combines the Around the Block stamp set with the Sweet Home papers. The Collage concept from Jeanette Lynton's Wishes book is so easy to follow and creates great cards quickly!

The trio of bricks is random stamped on the Indian Corn Blue card base along with the Welcome to the Neighborhood sentiment. The door is stamped in Garnet ink. A quick wash over with a blending pen filled in the main part of the door.

Remember, the Around the Block stamp set is only available through November. Head over to my Close To My Heart website (or your own consultant's website) to order you set and see how you can earn it at a great discount, or even FREE!

Now hop on over to Misty's site to see her wonderful creation! If you get lost anywhere in the hop, go to Jena's site to find the complete list of blog hoppers!

Happy Hopping!

More Treats!

The Halloween excitement has definitely hit our home! I just finished up the treats for the kids classmates. What a fun afternoon I had creating these simple and fun little treat bags!

With Joey in 3rd grade, I knew he wasn't going to be into the cutesy Jack-o-Lantern stamps I've used in past years. As soon as I saw our new Beware set, I knew it was the perfect Halloween stamp set for my growing boy!!!! :-)

Jenna picked out the goodies - individual packs of M&Ms and little parachute men toys.

The tags were quite simple to create:

Cut or punch two circles - one 2 1/2" and one 3"

Stamp the Happy Halloween image on the 2 1/2" circle

Edge the 2 1/2" circle with Orange ink

Attach the smaller circle to the larger one

Punch a hole in the tag

Tie onto treat bags

So simple...just my style!

Tricks or Treats!

Today I'm working on fun Halloween treats for the kids to take to school for their friends. I'll share my treats later, but I just had to share this adorable little treat from my super crafty customer and friend, Maria!

This Yummy Mummy is so easy to make! Simply get a Hershey's chocolate bar and wrap it with white crepe paper (you know, those fun party streamers). Smudge it with a little Chocolate ink to give it that aged look that all mummies have. Add some google eyes and a simple tag and you have a gift anyone would love!

I might make up a few to take to our neighbors when we visit their homes on Halloween. Thanks Maria - your creativity always amazes me!!

Holiday Card Workshop

It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas...well, maybe we need to get through Halloween and Thanksgiving first, but it's never to early to start thinking about your holiday cards!

Join me for a fun Holiday Card Workshop using our brand new Jingle Creative Basics! We'll create 20 cards (2 each of 10 designs) following one of the fabulous workshop patterns in Jeanette Lynton's handmade card idea book, Wishes.


Date: Saturday, November 21st
Time 2pm - 5pm
Location: My home in Camarillo

Cost: Choose your workshop package from the two options below...
Basic: $22.00
Includes- Complete Jingle Creative Basics pack (12 sheets of B&T and 4 yards of ribbon), 20 card bases and envelopes and all of the fun accessories you need to complete the 20 cards. you'll go home with your 20 cards and plenty of extra paper and ribbon for more creations!

Best: $32.00
Includes-Complete Jingle Creative Basics pack, complete Value Pack of White Daisy Cards & Envelopes (50 per pack), all of the fun accessories to complete the 20 cards. You'll go home with your 20 cards, plenty of extra paper and ribbon for more creations AND 30 extra cards and envelopes for the rest of your cards!

You will love these cards and the Jingle Creative Basics pack. Don't forget, CTMH's Background and Texture papers are double-sided, so you options are endless! Don't want the pretty pink on your holiday cards? Simply flip the B&Ts over when you create and you'll have a whole new look!

Call or email me TODAY to reserve your spot as space is limited! Full payment is required no later than Wednesday, November 11th to allow time to order and prep your workshop supplies!

Memories of the Mediterranean!

Yesterday, I referred to our recent Team Retreat in beautiful Lake Tahoe. Today I thought I'd share some of what I worked on while I was there!

As many of you know, Mike and I were so fortunate to cruise the Mediterranean with Close To My Heart in October 2008. It truly was the trip of a lifetime and not a week goes by that we don't talk about the fun times we had and the amazing the places we visited on this trip.

A year later, I have finally started getting the pictures onto pages and into an album! today, I'm sharing a couple of my favorites with you.

This first layout uses the Perfect Day papers - such great colors to compliment the sites of the beautiful Mediterranean and specifically Park Guell in Barcelona. a little Cocoa ribbon is attached to the right-hand page with Antique Copper Photo Hangers. The Park Guell title is created with Close to My Heart's Color-Ready Alphabets. I LOVE these white alphabet stickers - leave white, sponge with your favorite ink color or stamp a fun pattern on them - the possibilities are endless!

Close to My Heart's Vintage Travel Paper Packet is perfect for any destination and worked well with my pictures from our day in Rome! The bright blue sky of the beautiful day lead me to accent with Dutch Blue cardstock and inks. Once again, I used the Color-Ready Alphabets for the title.

The biggest challenge I've come across thus far in creating my Mediterranean Cruise album is fitting all of my favorite pictures on one page. Many of the places will certainly call for TWO 2-page layouts and we have a ton of photos. We had many great pictures from our walk through The Forum, but not quite enough for two layouts, so I was glad to come up with this design to fit 8 decent sized photos on the 2 pages.

Once again, I used the Vintage Travel papers and the Color-Ready Alphabets.

On a quick side note...if you LOVE the Vintage Travel papers, don't wait! Head on over to my website and order it today. It is on the retired list and is available only while supplies last or through December 31st (whichever comes first).

Watch for more cruise layouts to be shared and I complete more of my album!

One Sweet Gift

What do you get when you combine a 4-pack of Frappucino bottles, M&Ms in several yummy flavors and Close to My Heart's new Sweet Home My Reflections Paper Packet?

A treat too sweet to not share with YOU!

At our recent team retreat in Lake Tahoe, I was beyond spoiled by my scrappin' buddy, Amanda who was my "spirit" for the retreat - our version of Secret Sisters.

Amanda made me this incredible snack pack of M& Ms. She bought a Starbucks Frappucino 4-pack and drank the contents (must have given her plenty of energy to this project done)! After cleaning the bottles and lids she decorated them with Sweet Home papers and filled them with 4 different flavors of M&Ms. Notice the cute little circle tags to designate which flavor is in which bottle. She then covered the holder to match (I'm guessing she had to take the box apart and then re-assemble. I absolutely LOVE the ribbon and ric-rac tied to the sides.

What a fun gift! I have to admit, I think I was the envy of the retreat with all of the fabulous gifts from my Spirit! Thank you, Amanda!!!

And the Winners Are...

Note: If you're looking for the Stamp of the Month Blog hop post, please scroll down to the next post.


A big thank you to everyone who purchased tickets for my Operation Smile Raffle! Together we raised $200 for Operation Smile, THANK YOU for helping to bring a smile to a child's face.

We kept the basket of tickets out on the dining room table and everytime someone would walk by, we'd give them a little shuffle. As you can see from these pictures, Jenna was more than happy to help draw the winning tickets!

Three lucky winners are now the owners of three fabulous prizes!

Congratualtions to the following winners...
Grand Prize-Rolling CarryAll - Paddie Hawkins
1st Prize-Tickled Pink Project Pack - Jennifer Rollo
2nd Prize-Just Because Card Kit-Bree Janowski

October Stamp of the Month Blog Hop

Yep! It's that time again! Time for another fabulous Stamp of the Month blog hop! We've changed things up a bit this month and hopefully it will make it easier to check out the blog hop in a few sittings. For October, we have THREE different blog hop loops each with over 20 participants. At the bottom of this post, you'll find links to the other two rounds!

This month we are featuring the October Stamp of the Month, Holiday Warmth (D1376). This whimsical set is made up of fun images and sentiments to create a merry greeting!

Of course, nothing says holiday like the new Jingle My Reflections Paper Packet and the Jingle Creative Basics. What a perfect compliment to the Holiday Warmth set!

The following fast and easy card was created using the Jingle Creative Basics and Tulip cardstock.

Hmm...it seems I'm on a Prisma Glitter kick lately. Yes, I've created yet another card using my favorite touch of bling! On this one I added Liquid Glass to the swirls on the sentiment and stamped in the corner. While the Liquid Glass was still wet, I sprinkled a little Prisma Glitter on top - so simple! Did you know you can create your own Twinkle Brads in ANY color? Here I used silver brads and added a drop of Liquid Glass to the top of each brad. Sprinkling a little Prisma Glitter on the Liquid Glass gives those brads that extra little twinkle! FUN technique!

To see even more great ideas using the Holiday Warmth set, head on over to the next stop on our blog hop - I know my friend Brae from Canada has something GREAT to share with you on her blog! Click HERE for her post!

Once you've checked out the first round of the blog hop (and ended up back here at my site again), be sure to head over to the other two rounds of the hop for even more inspiration!

Round 2: Check out Michelle's creation HERE and then follow the link to go through Round 2.

Round 3: To get into Round 3, head on over to Pam's site by clicking HERE - and then, of course, follow the links to see everyone's artwork.

A Raffle for Smiles!

Just four days left to get your raffle tickets benefitting Operation Smile and your chance to win one of THREE fabulous prizes!

As most of you know, Close to My Heart is an active supporter of Operation Smile. This amazing organization provides corrective surgeries for children born with cleft palettes and other facial deformities. They literally create smiles for thousands of children worldwide! When you allow me "round-up" your orders, you are helping. Additionally, anytime you purchase a My Acrylix stamp set, you are helping as a portion of every stamp set sold is donated to Operation Smile.

This month I am holding a raffle to benefit Operation Smile! Tickets are $1 each or 6 for $5. The fabulous prizes are as follows:

Grand Prize: Rolling Carryall (retail value $129.95)
1st Prize: Tickled Pink Project Pack (retail value over $34.95)Everything you need to create 4 gorgeous pages (2 two-page layouts) including a D-sized stamp set, Mini-Medley Accessory pack and detailed instruction brochure
2nd Prize: Just Because Card Kit (retail value $34.95)Everything you need to create 16 beautiful cards including a D-sized stamp set, card bases and all pieces precut, mini inks, accessories and a detailed instruction brochure

Tickets will be sold through Friday, September 25th. Winners will be announced in my October Newsletter.

Call or email me to buy your raffle tickets today and enter to WIN!!

More Treasures inspiration!

Did you love the Stamp of the Month Blog Hop? If you haven't checked it out already, be sure to scroll down to the next post where you can click through almost 70 blogs with amazing artwork using the September Stamp of the Month set, Treasures!

And just in case that isn't enough, today I have even more Treasures inspiration for you! All of the following cards use the brand new Grace paper packet - simply GORGEOUS!

This great card created by Amy Raimy uses the Originals concept, Message Secured. Amy also used our new Soft Set Eyelets and Soft Set Eyelet Setter - what a great new tool! It is truly the easiest eyelet setter I've ever used!

Janice Hodgkin created this elegant card. I love her tone-on-tone stamping the on the Twilight B&T paper.

This fun 4 1/2' x 4 1/2" card was created by Gayle Luker. Gayle used her paper trimmer and embossing stylus to create embossed lines on the Twilight cardstock and then sanded the embossed lines to get those cool stripes. LOVE it!


Sue Laufer created this pretty 5x7 Thank You card. Isn't it a fun design? Sue used the Medallion concept from Wishes and the NEW Basic Craft Buttons.

This little treasure came from Linda Taylor. The 3"x6" card uses the Long Layers concept from the Wishes book. What doesn't show up wel in the picture is the touch of Prisma Glitter Linda added to the dandelions. Fun!


Linda Taylor also created this pretty card using the Sentiment Secured concept from Wishes. The Prisma Glitter added to the Twilight flower has taken on the Twilight color underneath to look like blue glitter - very cool!

September Stamp of the Month Blog Hop!

Welcome to the Stamp of the Month Blog Hop! September's SOTM is Treasures, a great set filled with images and sentiments for all your dandelion wishes!

If you've arrived here from Wendy's site, you're on the right track. If you're just getting started, simply click on the link at the bottom of each blog hop post to follow the path until you end up back here. Once again, we have over 60 Close to My Heart Consultants sharing their creations!

This month, I have two fun cards to share with you.

This simple 5x7 card uses the midpoint concept from Wishes. The Prisma Glitter adds a little sparkle and just the right finishing touch.

Stamp set: Treasures (September SOTM)
Papers: My Reflections Level 2 Paper Packet - Grace
Exclusive Inks: Honey, Cocoa
Accessories/Tools: Colonial White Ribbon Rounds, Prisma Glitter, 3-D Foam Squares, Sponge Daubers

The next card, a 4 ½” x 4 ½” design, is inspired by the Matchbook concept, also from Wishes.

Stamp set: Treasures (September SOTM)
Papers: My Reflections Level 2 Paper Packet – Grace
Exclusive Inks: Honey, Cocoa, Twilight
Accessories: Antique Copper Brads, Prisma Glitter, Sponge Dauber

Now "Hop" on over to Barbra’s blog to see her work! Enjoy the blog hop – you’re sure to get lots of great new ideas and inspiration! Remember, the September SOTM is only available until September 30th!

Still Cupcake Crazy!

Like so many of you, I fell in love with Close to My Heart's Cupcake Sprinkles stamp set (D1336) when it was released in the Spring 2009 Idea Book!

I was recently able to pull it out and use it again for Amy's Cupcake Buffet themed Home Gathering! Amy sent out fun custom invitations, served delicious homemade cupcakes to all of her guests, and we played with the Cupcake Sprinkles stamp set! Such a sweet night it was!

It is always fun to pull out a stamp set and match it with NEW papers! Yes, that's right, this card is made with Close To My Heart's new Twitterpated papers. The colors are a perfect compliment to Fall, but work well with so many other themes!

Speaking of NEW...the Fall/Winter Idea Book will be available to view online on Tuesday, September 1st. Just head over to my website to see it (remember, it won't be there until Tuesday!). Want your own copy, just drop me an email (I offer a great subscription rate where you just pay for shipping and the books are FREE)!

And of course, keep checking back here to see lots of the new goodies in the coming weeks!

Come Sneak-a-Peek!

You’re invited to the annual SNEAK-a-PEEK!

Fall/Winter Catalog Kick-Off & Open House

Thursday, August 20, 2009
4pm – 8pm
At my home in Camarillo

Mark your calendar and plan to join us for all the fun! This will be your first chance to see the incredible Fall/Winter 2009 Idea Book and Catalog and many of the NEW scrapbooking products.

♥Free Fall/Winter 2009 Idea Book for all who attend
♥Enter to win a fabulous basket filled with amazing CTMH products and support Operation Smile at the same time!
♥Make & Takes
♥Current and “Retired” Products for Sale
♥Door Prizes
♥Refreshments and MORE!!!

HOW TO EARN DOOR PRIZE TICKETS:
♥RSVP before August 17th -- 1 Ticket
♥Be one of the first 5 guests to RSVP (and attend) -- 2 Tickets
♥Bring a ”fresh face” with you (someone who is “new to me”!) -- 3 Tickets
♥Place a $35+ Order (before tax and shipping), join a club or book a home gathering -- 4 Tickets
♥Bring a friend who places an order, joins a club, or books a gathering -- 5 Tickets

Click here to RSVP by August 17th so I can have a catalog and make-n-take supplies ready for you!

I hope you'll Grace me with your presence at my Sweet Home. You'll get a chance to see the latest and greatest from Close to my Heart and you'll be so Twitterpated you'll certainly Jingle all the Way Home!

Gotta love FREE goodies!

Don't you just love getting FREE scrapbooking goodies? I do! and I LOVE the Thanks-a-bration special offered by CTMH right now!

Between now and August 17th simply place a minimum order of $100 and you get not only the fun Stamp of the Month set, It's your Day for FREE, but CTMH will throw in a My Reflections Level 2 paper packet as well (a total retail value of $35.90). To make it an sweeter deal, CTMH will also cover the tax and shipping on both of your free items.

Thanks-a-bration only lasts until August 17th, so don't wait! Head on over to my website...http://beth.MyCTMH.com and shop online. Of course, you can call or email me with your order as well!

*Free paper packet will vary by order and will be hand selected by CTMH. Limit of one free paper packet and one free SOTM set per order (but you're welcome to place as many qualifying orders as you'd like!).

Cards for Operation Smile

As many of you know, Close to My Heart is an active supporter of Operation Smile. Operation Smile is an amazing children’s medical charity whose network of global volunteers are dedicated to helping improve the health and lives of children and young adults. Since its founding, Operation Smile volunteers have treated more than 130,000 children born with cleft lips, cleft palates and other facial deformities. Did you know that only $240 can pay for a surgery which will bring a beautiful smile to a child's face? Last year (July 2008 - June 2009), through your donations and simple "rounding up" of your orders. we were able to donate almost $650 to Operation Smile. Further, through all consultant contributions and purchases of My Acrylix stamp sets, Close to My Heart donated $150,000 to this incredible cause.

At our Leadership Conference last week, we held a Silent Auction to benefit Operation Smile. A handful of consultants were asked to create something to donate to the auction which also included items made by our amazingly talented corporate Art Department. I was honored to receive a phone call asking me to contribute to this fun Silent Auction.

I chose to create a Magic Moments Card Set! Cutting and designing 20 cards was a snap using the one of the three workshop guides in the new Wishes book. Embellishing each of the cards took a little more time as no two cards in the set are alike. All 20 cards were put into a fun altered tin complete with dividers to keep the cards organized by theme.


The bidding on my item was beyond my wildest dreams! Thank you so much to everyone who bid on my card set. A special thanks to Marie for your very generous donation to Operation Smile - enjoy those cards!!

I've shared some of my favorite cards from the set below.

For this fun card, I cut the paisley accent out of the paisley print B&T paper from the Magic Moments paper packet.

A simple little Sparkle can make a big difference! That cute flower and the sentiment are both found in the Dainty Thoughts stamp set (C1350).
Liquid Applique and a touch of Prisma Glitter on the Sunflower star really makes this card shine. Stamp sets used are Thoughtful Seasons (D1299) and Magic Moments (B1318).
For this card, I stamped the cute paisley from the Magic Moments stamp set (B1318) in three different colors (Hollyhock, Indian Corn Blue and Sunflower) and then pieced together the elements to create a multi-colored paisley! An Antique Copper Brad adds the finishing touch.


Super simple card! I used the Thank You stamp set (D1361) and the Magic Moments set (B1318). After stamping the sentiment, I covered it with a Circle Window Charm and placed it on the card with a foam square - love that dimension!
Two more simple cards! The Celebrate card uses two stamp sets; Magic Moments (B1318) and It's a Party (D1182). The simple knotted ribbon adds a great finishing touch! The Thank You card uses Thank You (D1361) and lots of fun buttons!

Once again, I paper pieced the fun paisleys for these two cards. For a little extra kick, I added Liquid Applique to the dots in the center of the paisleys. FUN!
Who doesn't love flowers?!!? I use the Big Pinks Just Blooms for this card. Notice the Hollyhock and Garden Green brads in the center of the button. Such a simple card! If you love flowers how about a whole garden of them? This last card was created using our White Daisy Just Blooms paper flowers and Sweet Leaf Ric Rac for the stems and leaves. The centers of the flowers were created by cutting out circles from the circle print B&T paper in the Magic Moments paper packet and covering them with Circle Window Charms.