August Stamp of the Month Blog Hop

Wow! With all the Convention excitement, July simply flew by! I can't wait to share all of the new goodies with you, but for now, it's time to get hoppin'! That's right, it's time for another Stamp of the Month Blog Hop!

If you've arrived here from Lori's blog, you are on the right path. If this is your first stop, I welcome you and invite you to hop along with us. Simply follow the link at the end of this post (and the links at the end of post on each subsequent blog) and you will be inspired by over 60 amazingly creative Close to My Heart Consultants! If at anytime, you get lost along the way or find links not working, you can find a complete list of hoppers on Helen's website.

This month we are featuring Something Splendid - a GORGEOUS set of 13 stamps!

The large flower is perfect for the Base and Shade technique I used on this card - and My Acrylix makes it so easy to line up those images PERFECTLY! The base flower was stamped using Blush ink and the shade image was stamped right over the top using Tulip ink, but truly, the color combos are infinite with a set like this one.

This 6x6 card uses the new Cherry-O Creative Basics along with a little Colonial White Ric Rac and a button from the Winter Cozy Craft Buttons collection. The flower is popped up with Foam Tape for a little added dimension!

Remember, the Something Splendid set is only available in August! Head to my website to see how to get your set at a GREAT discount - or even FREE! And you won't want to miss out amazing online Customer Appreciation sale beginning Wednesday, August 4th - online only! See all the details below!

Thanks again for stopping by! It's time to keep hopping...head on over to Tammy Lea's blog to see what she has created to share with us! Happy Hopping!

$2, $4, $6 for 8...It's YOU We Appreciate!

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! And we think you'll want to shout for joy too!

From Wednesday, August 4 at 8 am (PST) through August 11, while supplies last, you can purchase selected

*My Stickease Assortments for only $2
*My Reflections Level 1 kits for only $4
and
*My Reflections Level 2 paper packets for only $6

Those prices are more than 50% off!

This sale is only available on my Close to My Heart website, and ONLY WHILE SUPPLIES LAST!! Get ready because these deals will go FAST!!! Mark your calendar, then hop online on Aug 4th!

To help you prepare for these amazing deals, I'm including the list of items expected to be offered.

X7045A-My Reflections Vintage Travel Level 1
X7045C-VintageTravel My Stickease
X7056A-My Reflections Discovery Level 1
X7060A-My Reflections Heirloom Level 1
X7060B-My Reflections Heirloom Level 2 Paper Packet
X7061A-My Reflections Floral Impressions Level 1
X7061B-My Reflections Floral Impressions Level 2 Paper Packet
X7061C-Floral Impressions My Stickease
X7062A-My Reflections Laid Back Level 1
X7069A-My Reflections Just Chillin Level 1
X7069C-Just Chillin My Stickease
X7070A-My Reflections Simple Pleasure Level 1
X7070B-My Reflections Simple Pleasure Level 2 Paper Packet
X7070C-Simple Pleasure My Stickease
X7071A-My Reflections Best Friends Forever Level 1
X7072A-My Reflections School Zone Level 1
X7072C-School Zone My Stickease
X7073A-My Reflections Abundance Level 1
X7073B-My Reflections Abundance Level 2 Paper Packet
X7073C-Abundance My Stickease
X7075A-My Reflections More To Adore Level 1
X7075B-My Reflections More To Adore Level 2 Paper Packet
X7075C-More To Adore My Stickease
X7076A-My Reflections Sonata Level 1
X7076C-Sonata My Stickease
X7077C-Sweet Harmony My Stickease
X7078A-My Reflections Cutie Pie Level 1
X7078C-Cutie Pie My Stickease
X7079B-My Reflections Rough n Tumble Level 2 Paper Packet
X7079C-Rough n Tumble My Stickease
X7080A-My Reflections Route 66 Level 1
X7080C-Route 66 My Stickease
X7081A-My Reflections Majestic Blue Level 1
X7081B-My Reflections Majestic Blue Level 2 Paper Packet
X7081C-Majestic Blue My Stickease
X7082A-My Reflections Expedition Level 1
X7082C-Expedition My Stickease
X7083A-My Reflections Let's Get Together Level 1
X7084A-My Reflections Floral Tapestry Level 1
X7085A-My Reflections Everlasting Level 1
X7085B-My Reflections Everlasting Paper Packet
X7085C-Everlasting My Stickease
X7086A-My Reflections Caprice Level 1
X7086B-My Reflections Caprice Level 2 Paper Packet
X7086C-Caprice My Stickease
X7087A-My Reflections Enchanted Level 1
X7087B-My Reflections Enchanted Level 2 Paper Packet
X7087C-Enchanted My Stickease
X7088A-My Reflections Free Spirit Level 1
X7088B-My Reflections Free Spirit Level 2 Paper Packet
X7088C-Free Spirit My Stickease
X7089A-My Reflections Lifes Delights Level 1
X7089C-Life Delights My Stickease
X7090A-My Reflections Silhouette Level 1
X7090B-My Reflections Silhouette Level 2 Paper Packet
X7090C-Silhouette My Stickease
X7091A-My Reflections it’s a Guy Thing Level 1
X7091B-My Reflections it’s a Guy Thing Level 2 Paper Packet
X7091C-It’s a Guy Thing My Stickease
X7092A-My Reflections Good Times Level 1
X7092B-My Reflections Good Times Level 2 Paper Packet
X7092C-Good Times My Stickease
X7093A-My Reflections Sweet Pea Level 1
X7093C-Sweet Pea My Stickease
X7094A-My Reflections Paper Garden Level 1
X7094C-Paper Garden My Stickease
X7095A-My Reflections Boom-Di-Ada Level 1
X7095B-My Reflections Boom-Di-Ada Level 2 Paper Packet
X7095C-Boom-Di-Ada My Stickease
X7096A-My Reflections Blue Ribbon Level 1
X7096B-My Reflections Blue Ribbon Level 2 Paper Packet
X7096C-Blue Ribbon My Stickease
X7097A-My Reflections Game On Level 1 Kit
X7097B-My Reflections Game On Level 2 Paper Packet
X7097C-Game On My Stickease
X7098A-My Reflections Sarsaparilla Level 1 Kit
X7098B-My Reflections Sarsaparilla Level 2 Paper Packet
X7098C-Sarsaparilla My Stickease
X7100A-My Reflections Perfect Day Level 1
X7100B-My Reflections Perfect Day Level 2 Paper Packet
X7100C-Perfect Day My Stickease
X7101A-My Reflections Magic Moments Level 1
X7101B-My Reflections Magic Moments Level 2 Paper Packet
X7101C-Magic Moments My Stickease
X7102A-My Reflections Notebook Level 1
X7102B-My Reflections Notebook Paper Packet
X7102C-Notebook My Stickease
X7103A-My Reflections Aspen Level 1
X7103B-My Reflections Aspen Level 2 Paper Packet
X7103C-Aspen My Stickease
X7104A-My Reflections Evensong Level 1
X7104B-My Reflections Evensong Level 2 Paper Packet
X7104C-Evensong My Stickease
X7105A-My Reflections Emporium Level 1
X7105B-My Reflections Emporium Level 2 Paper Packet
X7105C-Emporium My Stickease
X7106A-My Reflections Unforgettable Level 1
X7106B-My Reflections Unforgettable Level 2 Paper Packet
X7106C-Unforgettable My Stickease
X7107A-My Reflections That’s Amore Level 1
X7107B-My Reflections That’s Amore Level 2 Paper Packet
X7107C-That’s Amore My Stickease
X7108A-My Reflections Daydream Level 1
X7108B-My Reflections Daydream Level 2 Paper Packet
X7108C-Daydream My Stickease
X7109A-My Reflections Stardust Level 1
X7109B-My Reflections Stardust Level 2 Paper Packet
X7109C-Stardust My Stickease
X7110A-My Reflections Back Country Level 1
X7110B-My Reflections Back Country Level 2 Paper Packet
X7110C-Back Country My Stickease
X7111A-My Reflections Moon Doggie Level 1
X7111B-My Reflections Moon Doggie Level 2 Paper Packet
X7111C-Moon Doggie My Stickease
X7112A-My Reflections Animal Cookies Level 1
X7112B-My Reflections Animal Cookies Level 2 Paper Packet
X7112C-Animal Cookies My Stickease
X7113A-My Reflections Tinkerin Level 1
X7113B-My Reflections Tinkerin Level 2 Paper Packet
X7113C-Tinkerin My Stickease
X7114A-My Reflections Bella Level 1
X7114B-My Reflections Bella Level 2 Paper Packet
X7114C-Bella My Stickease
X7115A-My Reflections Jingle Level 1
X7115B-My Reflections Jingle Level 2 Paper Packet
X7115C-Jingle My Stickease
X7116A-My Reflections Sweet Home Level 1
X7116B-My Reflections Sweet Home Level 2 Paper Packet
X7116C-Sweet Home My Stickease
X7117A-My Reflections Grace Level 1
X7117B-My Reflections Grace Level 2 Paper Packet
X7117C-Grace My Stickease
X7118A-My Reflections Twitterpated Level 1
X7118B-My Reflections Twitterpated Level 2 Paper Packet
X7118C-Twitterpated My Stickease

Whew!!! Quite a list isn't it!?!?! All I can say is it is a sign of GREAT things to come from Close to My Heart!

***Tax, shipping and handling apply. Offers are valid only while supplies last and available online ONLY!

Happy Mail!

What a special surprise I received in the mail today! This sweet handmade card was sent to me from Close to My Heart as a "thank you" for creating and contributing artwork to our Silent Auction benefitting Operation Smile. Getting a handmade card in the mail always brightens my day, especially if it comes from CTMH.

But Wait...There's More (a little inside joke for those of you who were at Convention or know about the class I taught at Extravaganza)!!! The adorable little stamp set is an exclusive set, only available from Jeanette Lynton herself...and it is signed by Jeanette! What a treasure!

I just LOVE this company! Thank you Jeanette and Close to My Heart!

Still Time to Get "Happy Forever"

Aren't you just loving this cute little hedgehog and his buddies?

I thought I'd share a few more pictures of some fun ideas using the July Stamp of the Month set. Remember, this set is only available through July. Order it today for only $22.95 OR see how you can earn it at a great discount or even FREE! Visit my CTMH website for all of the details!

This first card was created by my dear friend, Sue Laufer (check out her blog HERE). Sometimes I am amazed at how Sue and I can come up with designs that are so similar. In case you didn't see my Stamp of the Month card, you can see it HERE! I love Sue's use of the fun Zippidee papers and the different colored Bigger Brads - isn't this such a cheery card?

Have you tried out new Clear Cards yet? They are so fun, and really quite easy to use! Consultant Karen Barber created this adorable card using the Zippidee papers, the Clear Cards and the cool, new Fancy Fuzz Borders!

Buttons make the cutest balloons, don't they? Consultant Janice Hodgkin's pierced border on this card gives it a fun look. Simply use your piercing tool to make small holes, fairly evenly spaced, around the edge of your cardstock - a quick and easy border technique!

Don't forget, the Happy Forever stamp set is only available through July! Get your sweet hedgehogs today!

Zippidee makes me want to SING!

I don't think there has been a product from CTMH that makes me want to break out in song more than the fun new Zippidee My Reflections kit! My, oh, my what a wonderful kit! These papers will certainly help you create some of the "Happiest Pages on Earth!"

Make plans to join me in August for one of my fun scrapbook nights where we'll create this gorgeous two-page layout.

Your workshop kit will include everything you need to complete this layout - and so much more! You'll also a gorgeous full-color instruction brochure that will give you step-by-step instructions for this layout as well as 6 fun cards - and when you're done you'll still have more to keep creating!

Signing up is simple...just choose your date and then choose your Kit from the choices below. Space is limited, so RSVP today!

Zippidee Scrapbook Nights:
Monday, August 2nd, 7-9pm (RSVP by August 1st)
Tuesday, August 17th, 6:30-8:30pm (RSVP by August 10th to allow time to order your supplies)

Zippidee "Best" Kit: $40.15 (plus tax & shipping)
My Acrylix Ticket to Ride stamp set
Zippidee Level 2 Paper Packet
Dimensional Elements Stars
Holiday Craft Buttons
Black Hemp

Zippidee "Basic" Kit: $25.65 (plus tax & shipping)
Zippidde Level 2 Paper Packet
Dimensional Elements Stars
Holiday Craft Buttons

If cardmaking is more your thing, join me Monday, August 9th for a Zippidee Card Night! We'll make 3 fun cards using the Zippidee papers. Workshop is FREE with a $25 order placed that night! RSVP by Saturday, August 7th.

I hope to see YOU at a workshop SOON!

Gift of a Smile!

As most of you know, Close to My Heart is a big supporter of Operation Smile. This amazing organization brightens our world by literally creating smiles on the faces of children through corrective surgery. You can find out more about Operation Smile here.

Like last year, CTMH sponsored a Silent Auction to benefit Operation Smile and invited a number of CTMH Consultants to contribute. I was honored to be invited to participate, but honestly, a little stressed over what to create. Many, many ideas crossed my mind and were started at my crafting desk, but in the end I opted to create this fun home decor piece!

Using coasters (yes, the coasters you get at your favorite bar and grill!), our gorgeous Grace papers, Dimensional Elements Monogram letters and some fun accessories this "coaster frame" was born!

Unfortunately, I missed the very end of the Silent Auction, so I do not know the winning bidder, but I hope she will enjoy adding her family photos to it and displaying it in her home.

Thank you CTMH for giving my another opportunity to bring a smile to the face of a child!

Splendor Card Night!

CTMH's new Splendor My Reflections Kit just screams SUMMERTIME! The cheery colors and patterns are the perfect mix of nature and whimsy!

Join me Monday, July 26th at 6:30pm for a fun night of card-making using the Splendor papers! We will make 3 cards (one of the cards shown in the picture here and two others) and learn a couple new techniques!

The Splendor Card Workshop is FREE with a $25 order placed that night! All attendees will receive a complimentary Summer 2010 Idea Book and the opportunity to win a door prize.

Space is limited so call or email me today to reserve your spot. RSVPs must be received no later than Saturday, July 24th to allow time to prep your projects!

Picture This! Convention 2010

Picture This! Over 1,000 Close to My Heart consultants converged on the gorgeous Gaylord National in National Harbor, MD - just outside Washington DC. We laughed with friends old and new. We cheered (and yes, occasionally even squealed) over the announcement of new products and programs. We even cried at hearing the story of one man whose life was changed forever by the good work of Operation Smile. Over the course of 4 days, we were entertained by our incredible corporate staff, inspired by amazing artwork, and motivated by the successes of fellow consultants. Convention 2010 was an event none of us will soon forget!

The "main event" so to speak, of Convention is the unveiling of the Autumn/Winter 2010 Idea Book! On Thursday morning, we headed to the beautiful Potomac Ballroom where we eagerly found our seats, danced to the music and awaited the BIG announcements! An energy filled the air like nothing I've ever experience - this is like Christmas morning for a CTMH Consultant!
Our corporate staff always does their best (without fail) to entertain us and this year was no excpetion. They used spoofs of some of our favorite TV shows to introduce new products and programs. We were treated to spoofs of The Brady Bunch ("The Gathering Bunch"), The Apprentice, The Ellen DeGeneres Show, and the Sham-Wow infomercial; but I think everyone's favorite was our very own Beyonce and The Scrappin' Ladies! Click here to watch a You Tube video of these fun women in action!

The rest of Convention was just as fun and entertaining with unforgettable performances from pianist Jon Schmidt and comedienne Anita Renfroe and of course, more products and programs!

So, I am home now and still glowing from the excitement in DC! I have so much to share with all of you, but alas, the Autumn/Winter Idea Book goes live on September 1st! Mark your calendars for my Annual Idea Book Sneak Peek and Open House on Thursday, August 26th - more details to follow!

But I DID want to share just a snippet of new goodies with you! As many of you already know, I was honored to be selected, along with 31 other amazingly talented consultants, to teach a class at Convention. I was treated to a box of new goodies back in May and got to work creating 6 display boards for my class! Here are two of those display boards...

This first one features the adorable new Hooligans My Reflections kit. I am absolutely CRAZY over this kit and know you will love it too! If you like the layout shown on this board be sure to watch my upcoming workshop announcements as we will complete this layout in one of my monthly workshops!
Isn't this kit gorgeous? It is the new Olivia My Reflections kit - absolutely gorgeous Fall colors, but VERY versatile at the same time. Wait until you see what else I was able to do with this kit!

You might have noticed a few new colors in these two boards, and if you did your eyes did not deceive you! Our Summer color palette has been revamped and we are introducing 8 beautiful new colors in September! Stay tuned for more info.

There is so much more to share, so keep an eye out for more announcements right here on my blog! And of course, you won't want to miss the Sneak Peek on August 26th - come join the fun!