I'm BACK...Time to Get Footloose!

Whew...!! As most of you know, just over two months ago we moved to a new home and my workshop schedule was put on hiatus! I will share pictures of the creation of my new Studio in a couple days, but I simply can't wait to invite you to my first workshop in this fun new space! See all the details below and make plans to get a little Footloose and fancy free!

Footloose Scrapbook Night

Join us as we use the fresh, new Footloose paper packet to create this fun summertime layout perfect for pictures from the beach, the lake, the pool or even just a romp through the sprinklers!

Date: Monday, June 11th (an 2nd date will be added if this one fills before May 25th)
Time: 7pm - 9pm
Cost: Choose your kit from the two options below (tax and shipping/handling not included)

BEST Kit: $29.95 (valued at $32.83)
Footloose Paper Packet 
My Acrylix® Footloose Workshop Stamp Set (C-size) 
White Daisy Cardstock Sheets (2) 
Wooden Badge Buttons 
Instructional Guide 
Featured Colors: Bamboo, Sweet Leaf, Creme Brulee, Lagoon
See the full kit HERE



BASIC Kit: $18.90
Footloose Paper Packet 
White Daisy Cardstock Sheets (2) 
Wooden Badge Buttons 
Instructional Guide 
Featured Colors: Bamboo, Sweet Leaf, Creme Brulee, Lagoon


RSVP and payment must be received no later than May 31st to allow time to order and receive your kits!

Don't forget about our two great add-ons this month...Dotty for You and the Stamp of the Month, Friendship Bouquet!

The Dotty for You paper packet has 24 sheets (2 each of 12 different designs) of oh-so-cute papers with trendy colors and patterns. Each pattern has an adorable dot print on the reverse side! You can add the Dotty for You paper packet to your order for just $5 when you place a $35 order.

The May Stamp of the Month set, Friendship Bouquet is perfect for celebrating all those special friendships in your life! Only available through May 31st, Friendship Bouquet is $17.95 or add it to a $50 order for just $5.

Extravaganza Artwork: First up...Typeset

As many of you know, I was fortunate enough to be selected to teach at this year's Close To My Heart convention! Extravaganza is an event like no other, and truly a highlight of each and every Convention I have attended. I am honored each time to am selected to teach, and while it is a lot of work and a lot of pressure, it is always a lot of fun!

This year, my Extravaganza class was titled "A Splash of Color" and my product focus was one of my very favorites - our Dimensional Elements chipboard die cuts. My job was to demonstrate all the wonderfully creative ways to turn the fabulous white chipboard elements into works of art. Can I tell you, the sky's the limit with these things! Just about any way you would embellish a flat piece of cardstock you could embellish at Dimensional Element die cut and really make your artwork stand out!

Over the next few weeks I will be sharing the artwork I created for my class (using all NEW products) and some of the fun techniques I highlighted in my artwork!

Today, I'll share my favorite of the three kits I received in advance of the new Idea Book release...Typeset! I just love the color combination of Vineyard Berry, Juniper, Creme Brulee and Black with a little Desert Sand and/or Bamboo. Check out this gorgeous artwork featured in the Autumn/Winter Idea Book.

Now on to some Extravaganza creations...

This 12x12 scrapbook page features our new 10-Things Pocket - what a great way to document a list (10 Things I Love About You, 10 Things I Can't Live Without, 10 Things I Do Everyday, and so many more possibilities!). I decided to document my son's 10 favorite things at 10 years old. He made his list which included his favorite color, books, sports, food, place, and more. I let him do the writing on the tags as I knew it would be fun for him to look back at not only his favorites, but his own writing when he is older!

The TEN is created with our new Dimensional Elements Monogram sets - I just LOVE the big letters in these sets. I inked them with Juniper ink and then random stamped small words in black to coordinate with the Typeset look. The word "AT" is done with our new Color Ready Cork Alphabet. These cork letters are perfect the way they come, or can be inked like I did here! Finally, the "top 10" uses more of the monogram sets and the new Dimensional Elements Numbers!

This simple tag us made using the new Dimensional Elements Tags simply covered in B&T paper from the Typeset pack. I also used my very favorite of the Dimensional Elements line, the Irresistibles Ecelectic Alphabet. Simply add ink to the letters and the resist design just pops!

This little gift card is just my style...simple, simple, simple!

The scalloped circle is from the Dimensional Elements Mixed Shapes set (which also coordinate fabulously with the new Cricut Art Philosophy cartridge). I simply inked the scalloped dimensional element and added the fun sentiment piece from our new Typeset Compliments Canvas Shapes. I LOVE these compliments! The little canvas star circles are also popped up on chipboard circles from the On Target set.

I love how the Dimensional Element Tag was easily turned into a pocket watch for this card. The pocket watch itself was stamped with images from the Key Moments stamp set.

Need a super quick and easy gift card? This little one uses two pieces from the Dimensional Elements Banners set. I put two of the banners end to end and covered them with one piece of B&T. Stamp a simple sentiment on the banner, add a little ribbon underneath and you have it - a quick and easy gift enclosure card!

This next card features the Remarkable Wreath stamp set and the Dimensional Elements Monograms. Once again, the Dimensional Element transforms when covers with the beautiful B&T papers from the Typeset kit.

Finally, this fun 6x6 card features our Typeset Compliments Canvas Shapes layered perfectly over the Dimensional Elements Stars!

The more I played and created with all of the new goodies, the more I appreciated the coordination Close to My Heart has presented among our products...Dimensional Element shapes coordinate with so many stamp sets and accessories and of course the amazing new Cricut Art Philosophy cartridge!

I hope you've enjoyed these peeks at the gorgeous Typeset kit! Typeset will be the focus of my workshops in December. Check out my Workshops/Events tab above for all of my workshop dates and make plans to join us for a fun evening of creating!

Studio J: Love Your Layout

Now that the kids are back in school, take a few minutes to preserve those summer vacation memories using Studio J. My friend Stacy will show you how to those photos off your computer and into REAL scrapbooks in a snap!

Project Inspiration: "Enjoy" Scrapbook Page

One of my very favorite new stamp sets featured in the Autumn/Winter Idea Book is the Hooray Bouquet set shown on page 86.

Check out this short video which will show you how to use the Hooray bouquet stamp set and the Cricut Art Philosophy cartridge to create the gorgeous flowers shown on the scrapbook page also featured on page 86!

Pure Bliss

Has it been a while since you've had a crafty girls night out? Grab a friend and join me for a fun night of scrapbooking on Monday, August 1st at 7pm where we will create this gorgeous 2 page layout using Close to My Heart's Bliss paper packet!

Bliss is perfect for wedding photos, as shown above, but it is great for so much more...couples, family portraits, heirloom photos, beach photos...a perfectly neutral kit with tons of possibilities! I LOVE adding a pop of color to this Bliss - and just about any color works! The layout above is shown with Sorbet ink, but we will be creating it using the beautiful Tulip ink (a gorgeous shade of red)! Want to use a pink, blue or green with Bliss? No problem - everyone will be able to accent with whatever color they'd prefer!

RSVP and payment must be received by Tuesday, July 26th to allow time to order your kit!

I offer three workshop kits to choose from. Click HERE to see the complete BEST kit (the Basic and Better kits are smaller versions of the BEST).

BEST: $29.95 (plus tax and shipping) - a savings of $2.90

-Bliss Level 2 Paper Packet (you will have lots of paper left over to complete additional projects at home)

-Bliss workshop Stamp set

-Irresistibles-Villa Die cuts

-Bliss Workshop Guide

BETTER: $18.90 (plus tax and shipping)

-Bliss Level 2 Paper Packet

-Irresistibles-Villa Die Cuts

-Bliss Workshop Guide

BASIC: $12.45 (plus tax and shipping)

-1/2 of Bliss Level 2 Paper Packet

-Irresistibles-Villa DieCuts

-Bliss Workshop Guide

Space is limited, so RSVP today! Hope you can join us!

Happy Mother's Day!

Happy Mother's Day to all of you amazing mom's out there! We have a busy weekend celebrating our own mom's this weekend - dinner with Mike's family tonight (a delicious strawberry cake made with FRESH strawberries is done and ready to go) and brunch in Pasadena with my mom tomorrow - but I wanted to take a moment to share with you one of the Studio J layouts I created at Boot Camp this week!

This layout features photos taken last Mother's Day when my sweet hubby and children treated me to brunch at the Queen Mary!

Do you recognize the "paper" kit used in this layout? No? It's my all time favorite, SOPHIA! A few of the more advanced techniques used in creating this layout include:

1. Changing the color of the B&T - that cute polka dot is Pear and White Daisy in the classic line...in Studio J, I can make that polka dot any color I'd like!

2. Changing the color of the cardstock - Did you know that you can use ANY of our 60 exclusive colors with ANY kit? That's right, Chocolate isn't a featured color in the classic Sophia line, but through the magic of Studio J, I can add it to my layout!

3. Layering My Stickease - using the "send to back" layering My Stickease, text boxes and more is a snap in Studio J!

Want to learn more about Studio J? Call or email me to set up your personal one-on-one Studio J session...all you need is 5 to 10 photos of two different events, an internet enabled computer and 30 minutes...with that I will help you create you first two Studio J layouts!

Or simply head on over to my website to check out Studio J for yourself - it is absolutely FREE to try!

Simply Irresistible!

I have a new LOVE! Yes, I'll admit it, I am totally in LOVE with Close to My Heart's fabulously fun line of Irresistibles!

Irresistibles have a resist pattern that shows through when covered with ink, chalk, markers or watercolors. Just add a pop of color and these beauties just come to life to add the perfect accent to scrapbook pages, cards or any other special papercrafting project.

This layout of my daughter's school picture features the Eclectic Alphabet and the Miracle chipboard diecuts along with the Magnifique papers.

I scrapped my son's school picture with Magnifique as well, this time paired with Black instead of Cocoa. This layout also features the Eclectic Alphabet. I LOVE the variety of patterns found on the letters in the Eclectic set! The gears on this layout can be found in our recently retires All-out Adventure Rub-Ons pack. Yes, they are retired, however, they are currently listed on my website WHILE SUPPLIES LAST for only $2 - https://beth.myctmh.com/Retail/Product.aspx?ItemID=4513&CatalogID=1702

And for those of you who maybe wondering...YES!!!! On picture day, I did indeed dress both of my kiddos to match the Magnifique papers!

We currently feature four different Irresistibles products:

z1354-Miracle (chipboard diecuts) - $3.95

Z1390-Villa (chipboard diecuts) - $4.95

Z1395-Eclectic Alphabet (chipboard diecuts) - $6.95

Z1261-Lots of Dots Alphabet (cardstock stickers) - $4.95

Aren't they SIMPLY IRRESISTIBLE?!?!?

Lovin' Level 1

My Reflections Level 1 kits are perfect for beginners to seasoned pros. The preprinted pages make preserving your fondest memories a breeze! Now through April 30th, get a FREE Level 1 kit of your choice* when you place a $100 order on my Close to My Heart Website. Now's the time to let everyone know you're Lovin' Level 1!

* Limit one free kit per qualifying order. Select your Level 1 kit from the following (while supplies last): Sweet Home, Passages, Topstitch, Perfect Day, Veranda, Zippidee, Splendor

You Give Me WINGS!

Let your creativity fly with this incredibly GORGEOUS new My Reflections Kit! If this kit looks a little familiar you're not going crazy! Wings was the focus of our January sneak peek of the Spring/Summer Idea Book. Who knew that shades of green and a deep vineyard berry with black would be such a perfect combination? Apparently, Close to My Heart did!

Wings is the featured kit at my workshops this month, but I only have one date left. If you are interested in setting up your own workshop featuring these beautiful papers, just shoot me an email or give me a call!

One more kit to go...check back tomorrow!

Pure BLISS!

The neutral tones of the new Bliss My Reflections kit make it not only gorgeous, but oh so versatile! Keep it neutral with greys, browns and creams for a classic, vintage look or add accents of just about any color you'd like and see your projects POP! Some of the B&T's in this kit have a unique masculine feel as well. I can't wait to play with this one and discover it's true potential!

Bliss will be featured at all of my workshops in August. Check the Workshops tab above for dates and make plans to join us!

Two more gorgeous kits to come - check back tomorrow and Monday!

It's Your LUCKY Day!

A handsome color scheme make LUCKY the perfect kit for scrapbook pages of and cards for the guys in your life...but I bet the girls will like it too! At first, the colors scream "outdoors", but old-time bicycles and a bingo board give it a unique vintage feel too. And of course, the blues and greens will make it a go-to kit for all my "little boy" pages!

Lucky will be featured in all of my workshops is July. Dates can be found in the Workshops tab above. Mark your calendar and make plans to join the fun!

Five down, three to go! Join me tomorrow for another beautiful new My Reflections Kit!

A Whole Lotta FANFARE!

Every celebration deserves a little Fanfare, and no matter what you are celebrating, this cheery new My Reflections Kit certainly fits the bill! With a fun color palette consisting of red, blues and a touch of yellow, it even has a patriotic feel.

Fanfare will be featured at all of my workshops in June. Dates can be found in the Workshops tab above. Make plans to join me!

Check back tomorrow for the 5th brand new My Reflections Kit!

Welcome to MAYBERRY!

This fun and whimsical My Reflections kit has such a classic, small-town feel it might even have you whistling a little tune! I definitely fell in love with Mayberry as soon as I saw it in the Spring Summer Idea Book - and I think you will too. It is perfect for picnics, park days, lemonade stands and all other outdoor summer fun!

Mayberry will be featured in all of my workshops in May. See the Workshops tab above for dates and make plans to join me!

Check back tomorrow for another great My Reflections Kit!

Sweet, Sweet SOPHIA

Named after the sweet granddaughter of Close to My Heart's CEO and Founder, Jeanette Lynton, the new Sophia My Reflections kit is as sweet as the sleeping baby featured on the front cover of our Spring/Summer Idea Book (that sweet baby just happens to be Sophia herself).

I've already shared a bit of Sophia with the February Stamp of the Month, but wanted to give "her" proper billing in my 8 day showcase of the brand new My Reflections kits.

Sophia will be featured at all of my workshops in April. You can find all of the dates in the Workshops tab above.

Check back tomorrow for another sweet My Reflections Kit!

It's a MIRACLE!

Beginning today, and continuing for the next 8 days, I will be sharing a BRAND NEW My Reflections Kit from the Close to My Heart Spring/Summer2011 Idea Book. You can view the Online Idea Book HERE, or simply call or email me to get your very own copy!

You might recognize this pretty color scheme and fun papers from a recent Close To My Heart promotion. That’s right, Miracle is back and better than ever…that kit that you loved with 2 B&Ts, 1 sheet of stickease, some cardstock and fun Dimensional Elements is now a complete My Reflections Kit.

Miracle will be featured at all of my March workshops, so make plans to join me. You can find the dates in the Workshops tab above!

Check back tomorrow for another new My Reflections Kit!

One Concept...Two Looks!

Those of you who know me well, know I LOVE simplicity! Whether it be a simple card or a simple scrapbook page, I value the beauty of simplicity (of course, if you know me REALLY well, you might be wondering why that only applies to the crafty side of me and not the organizational side of me. Well...me too!!!)!

One thing I love to do to simplify my creating is to take one design concept, be it a card concept from Jeanette Lynton's Originals or Wishes books or a scrapbook layout design from one of our other amazing how-to books, and create it using different papers and embellishments!

I recently did this with my kids' school and class portraits from the last school year. I always like to keep these pages simple with just the 5"x7" portrait and the class photo (which, by the time I trim the somewhat obnoxious border the photographer adds on I am left with another 5"x7" photo). For these two layouts I used the "Charmed" concept from the new Magic Interactive Scrapbook Program (if you don't have Magic yet, you need to get it)!

For Joey's page, I opted for the cool and trendy You Rock papers and My Stickease! I created the fun tye-dye technique on the "3" Dimensional Element with sponge daubers and ink - so simple!
For Jenna's page I chose the Emporium papers to match her outfit (why, of course!). I added some fun elements from our rub-on collections and a Dimensional Element "K" inked to match the papers.
Ironically, as I was typing up this post, my daughter brought me THIS year's school pictures, so I guess I have another adventure in One Concept...Two Looks ahead of me!

Flower Power + Magic = FUN

If you've been around CTMH for a while you are sure to recognize the super cute papers! When we retired the Flower Power kit several years ago, I just couldn't let it go. It took me a while, but I FINALLY got a chance to use it!

When Jenna turned 5 she received her American Girl "Just Like Me" doll and promptly named her Jennafer (she was very specific about how it was to be spelled)! For her 5 year portraits I decided to include Jennafer. In their matching outfits, it is almost creepy seeing just how much they look alike!

This layout is a GREAT concept from the new Magic how-to book by Jeanette Lynton. If you haven't added Magic to your library yet, you must get it! It is filled with fresh, new layouts and lots of ideas and tutorials for interactive elements to add to your pages.

I love that I was able to mix and match the "vintage" Flower Power papers with some of our newest products, namely the Cotton Candy cardstock and the Pear Mini-Medley. The fun Twinkle Brads added a touch of bling too!


More layouts to come over the next few days! Stay tuned! :-)

Happy Scrapping! Happy Stamping!