September Stamp of the Month Blog Hop: Limited Edition

Welcome to the September Stamp of the Month Blog Hop! This month's Stamp of the Month is Limited Edition, a great set of 21 stamps - journaling lines, decorative corners, fun phrases and a fabulous tag shape that can also be found on the exclusive Art Philosophy Cricut Collection this set can be used for everything from party invitations and favors to the scrapbook pages you create after the big event!

In this month's Blog Hop, we have over 60 talented CTMH consultants sharing their creativity with all of you. You've likely arrived here from Tamytha's blog - thanks for stopping by! To follow the hop, simply click on the link provided at the end of each post to get to the next blog in the list. When you arrive back here (or to your respective starting place), you will be filled with creative inspiration!

This standard sized card is an adaptation File Pocket concept from Jeanette Lynton's Wishes how-to book. I've used the brand new Typeset papers and the fun corrugated Milepost Shapes. The tag image is stamped tone-on-tone on the Creme Brulee cardstock with Bamboo cardstock layered over the top.

Remember, with our newly revised Stamp of the Month program there are TWO simple ways to get your very own set:

1. Purchase the Stamp of the Month for $17.95

2. Spend $50 (before tax and shipping) and add the Stamp of the Month to your order for only $5

In addition, through September, in celebration of National Stamping Month, when you spend $75 (before tax and shipping) you will earn our Pair-a-Phrase set FREE. This great DOUBLE stamp set is valued at over $35 and yes, you get TWO stamp sets in one envelope!

Head on over to my online store to get your "Limited Edition" set and your Pair-a-Phrase set! But don't wait, both stamp sets go away at the end of September!

Time to hop along to Gina's blog to see what she has in store for us!

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!

CTMH + Cricut = One Dynamic Duo!

By now you've most likely heard the news...Close to My Heart and ProvoCraft have taken Cricut creativity to the next level with an exclusive Cricut cartridge that pairs with our clear My Acrylix stamps and Dimensional Elements chipboard diecuts! The Art Philosophy cartridge is simply bursting with images, shapes, fonts, borders, flourishes, banners, flowers, gift boxes and so much more! In fact, it has 700 images just waiting to help you unleash your creativity - and with the versatility the Cricut machine provides with sizing, your possibilities are ENDLESS!

The Art Philosophy cartridge is available only through CTMH consultants for a retail price of $99. However, for your $99, you get so much more than just that cartridge. That's right, you get the entire Art Philosophy Bundle!

The Art Philosophy Bundle includes the following:

• The Cricut Art Philosophy cartridge with 700 images
• 3 exclusive stamp sets that coordinate with many of the images on the AP cartridge
• 3 sets of Dimensional Elements chipboard diecuts that also coordinate with many of the AP images

In addition to the 3 stamp sets that accompany the Art Philosophy cartridge, you will find many stamps throughout the Autumn/Winter 2011 Idea Book that also coordinate with the Art Philosophy images - just look for images outlined in red!

Take a look at all 700 images you can find on the Art Philosophy cartridge and then say good-bye to your punches and cutting by hand...

And take a look at just a few of the possibilities!

Remember, we have TWO amazing specials going on through the end of August and we're letting you double dip and take advantage of both! If you're in love with the Art Philosophy cartridge this is the time to get it!

When you buy the AP bundle before the end of August, you can add the August Stamp of the Month for just $5 and earn the A Typeset alphabet set FREE! And...since you have spent $75 you will also earn the Pair-a-Phrase double set FREE. That is a total of 7 stamp sets, 3 sets of dimensional elements AND the Cricut Art Philosophy cartridge for approximately $126 (including tax and shipping - exact price will vary based on your tax rate!

Head on over to my online store to order yours TODAY!

Go Ahead...DOUBLE DIP!

Did you know that Close to My Heart has TWO amazing specials running right now? And even better than just two specials is the fact that through the month of August you can DOUBLE DIP and take advantage of BOTH of these amazing deals with one simple order! And if it can possibly get even better, if you do decide to double dip on these two specials, you can earn over $40 in FREE stamp sets!

Here's how it works:

1. Place a $50 order (before tax and shipping) and add the spooktacularly fun August Stamp of the Month set, Wicked to your order for just $5 (a $17.95 value).


2. When you add the Wicked set, you will earn the exclusive A Typeset alphabet stamp set FREE ($6.95 value).
3. Then, when you spend a total of $75 (before tax and shipping) you will earn the exclusive Pair-a-Phrase DOUBLE stamp set FREE ($35.90 value). Yes, that's right! This stamp set is actually TWO D-sized stamp sets in one envelope.

So...with one order of $75 ($5 of which can be the Stamp of the Month), you will earn 3 FREE stamp set valued at over $40!

Need a little help putting your order together? Head on over to my online store to view the brand new Autumn/Winter 2011 Idea Book. You can place your order right online or call or email me to order.

Or how about that new exclusive Cricut Art Philosophy bundle? I have to say this product has lit up the crafting world, and if you love your Cricut (or have ever even contemplated getting a cricut) THIS is the cartridge you need. More about it in my next blog post (coming this afternoon with any luck), but here's what you get in this amazing bundle of goodies.

And through August, when you order the Art Philosophy cartridge and you "double dip", you'll spend approximately $126 (tax and shipping INCLUDED, exact price varies based on your tax rate) and you'll get a total of SEVEN stamp sets, 3 sets of Dimensional Elements AND the oh so versatile Art Philosophy Cricut cartridge!

So, what are you waiting for? It's time to DOUBLE DIP!!!

August Stamp of the Month: Wicked

It's August and at Close to My Heart that means so many exciting things...a new Idea Book filled with amazing new products, lower prices, lots of inspiration, an EXCLUSIVE Cricut cartridge, TWO phenomenal specials (can you say THREE free stamp sets in August?!?! Wow, wow, wow!!), and of course a brand new Stamp of the Month!

I will certainly be sharing all about the other fun things VERY soon, but in the meantime, it's Blog Hop time! If you've arrived here from Helen's blog, you are on the right track. If this is your first stop, simply follow the link at the bottom of this post to get to the next blog and continue following the links until you arrive back here. We have over 60 talented consultants sharing their creativity this month, so you are sure to be inspired!

I know it's only August, but it's never too early to begin thinking about Halloween! Now you can begin creating all those tricks and treats with our August Stamp of the Month set, Wicked.

Wicked is just the type of Halloween stamp set I love - a touch of spooky mixed with a touch of whimsy!

I happen to be a huge fan of musical theater, and as soon as I saw this set songs from the show "Wicked" began running through my head, so I just knew I needed to create a "Wicked" themed card using my new Wicked stamp set. So...here was my inspiration...

I decided to use the Black and Grey Wool damask B&T paper from the brand new Mischief kit along with Pear cardstock to create this wickedly simple 5x7 card! And yes...I sang the soundtrack the entire time I created it!

The red sparkle above the "i" on the sentiment piece is from the Red, Pink & Purple Sparkles Assortment and adds just that pop of red that is so eye-catching in the Wicked logo.

Do you like the shape of the sentiment piece? It was as easy as pie with the brand new Art Philosophy Cricut Cartridge, available exclusively through Close to My Heart. Don't worry, you'll see lots more on the new Cricut cartridge from me in the coming weeks!

Are you ready for some more exciting news? Close to My Heart has introduced a new and improved Stamp of the Month program and now all of the Stamp of the Month sets, like Wicked, are now easier than ever to add to your collection. There are now two ways to get Wicked (and all other upcoming SOTM sets when they are available):

1. Purchase is for the new LOW price of $17.95 (yes, that's a $5 price drop - LOVE it!)
2. Add it to your order for only $5 when you spend $50 (before tax and shipping)

As if that wasn't enough of a deal...to celebrate our new SOTM program, when you spend $50 to add the Wicked set to your order for $5, you will also receive the exclusive A Typeset stamp set FREE (a $6.95 value)!

One thing that isn't changing it the time they are available, so you won't want to wait! The Wicked set is only available through August 31st.

Time to hop along and see what other trick and treats my fellow CTMH consultants have in store for you. Head on over to my friend Brae Montgomery's blog to see what wicked fun she has up her sleeve!

Be sure to check back here this week for all the exciting announcements that come along with the Autumn/Winter 2011 Idea Book!

Out with the OLD...

As we prepare to WOW you with the new Autumn/Winter Idea Book, I wanted to share with you a detailed list of the goodies that will no longer be available on August 1st, when the new Idea Book goes LIVE! Check out the list below then head over to my CTMH website to get your favorite stamping and scrapbooking products before they are gone!

I also wanted to remind you about our Annual Autumn/Winter Idea Book Celebration...if you haven't RSVP'd yet, send me a quick email to let me know you'll be here so we have enough make-n-takes prepped!

DATE: Tuesday, August 2nd
TIME: 4pm - 8pm (Open House - stop by anytime)
LOCATION: My home in Camarillo

RETIRING/UNAVAILABLE as of August 1st (order before July 31st):
*My Reflections Kits*
ALL Level 1 Kits will retire! If you love these fast,simple, and easy kits, stock up now! CTMH will no longer carry Level 1 Kits on August 1st!
In addition to the Level 1 Kits, the following kits (Level 1, Paper Packets & My Stickease) will also retire: Magnifique, Hooligans, Olivia, Mistletoe, Bliss, Wings, Sweetheart & Miracle

*Cardstock*
If you love our 24 packs of single-color cardstock, now is the time to stock up! Beginning August 1st, most of our colors will not be available in single color packs. We will still carry many of the neutrals and some of the more popular seasonal colors in single color packs, but the price is going up to $14.50). So, if you have a favorite color you use A LOT and like those 24 packs, get them now! Most colors will still be available in smaller color-shade packs or seasonal packs.

*Ribbon Rounds*
Sweet Leaf, Buttercup & Cranberry

*Dimensional Elements*
Borders, Booksmart, Framed Fun & Monograms (our current Monograms are being replaced with a new set of Monograms featuring 6 new fonts)
Irresistibles-Villa & Miracle

*Other Accessories*
Kraft Borders
Mini-Medleys-Pear, Lagoon, Outdoor Denim
Rub-Ons-Across the Board & PrimaVera
Sophia Journaling Spots

*Envelope Flats*
ALL Envelope flats are retiring...if you love being able to customize your envelopes, stock up today! Our envelope flats are being replaced by regular envelopes in a variety of sizes!

*My Acrylix Blocks & Block Organizer*
Check your stamp sets and blocks!!! Some of our blocks are being retired as is the great Block Organizer! As of August 1st, the following block sizes will no longer be available:
-1x1 1/2
-1 x 6 1/2
-2 1/2 x 2 1/2
-2 x 11
-4x4
-4 1/2 x 6 1/2
Complete your set while these sizes and the organizer are still available!

And LOTS of stamp sets! As a general rule, stamp sets will be available for TWO Idea Books...so, if a stamp set in the current Spring/Summer Idea book it will still be available through January 2012. If it is in the Autumn/Winter 2010 Idea Book, it will no longer be available. If you have any questions on specific stamp sets, let me know!

Don't forget...if you order $50 of product from the current Spring/Summer Idea Book, you will get more Bang for your Buck!! Orders of $50 or more qualify for one of 5 favorite products for just $1! Click HERE for all the details and then head to my website to shop online!

I simply can't wait to share the new Idea Book with you! Hope to see you on the 2nd where ALL in attendance will receive a FREE copy of the Autumn/Winter Idea Book! RSVP today!