Typeset WOTG

Here is the feature layout using the Typeset Workshop on the Go Kit. I didn't make very many changes but I really loved this layout as it was designed.  I also did the bonus layout. Visit my website for tips on the bonus layout and project.

 

Here is the bonus layout:

 

Miracle WOTG

This has got to be one of my favorite paper packs from last Spring/Summer besides Sophia.  I only did the feature layout and changed it up quite a bit.  If you want to check out the bonus projects, be sure to visit my website.  We had just gotten the Cricut Art Philosophy cartridge and I was dying to try out the roses.  This layout is one of the bulkiest layouts I've ever done so I'm considering framing it instead of putting it in a book.  I've left the photos off because I'm saving this layout for Sadie's hospital pics.

Fanfare WOTG

Since I was MIA for a while, I'm feeling the need to go back in time and share a couple of projects I've recently and not so recently done.  I will be sharing these projects over the next few days and some I'll save till January.  So tune in on occasion cause there will be lots of new things to see every few days.

I don't have the bonus projects for these workshops done, but the instructions are on my website. I really loved how this layout turned out.

Rock the Block

You'll love the Rock the Block promotion, featuring the new My Acrylix® Rock the Block E-size stamp set (available only during this promotion) and the My Creations® Collage Cubes (a Spring/Summer 2012 sneak-peek product!), available for just $15 with a qualifying purchase.

When you place a minimum order of $25 from the Autumn/Winter 2011 Idea Book, you can get two valuable new products for just $15: the My Creations^® Collage Cubes (a Spring/Summer 2012 sneak-peek product!) and the exclusive My Acrylix^® Rock the Block E-size stamp set (available only during this promotion). This Rock the Block promotion represents a retail savings of almost $30! You're going to love the collage cubes and the Rock the Block stamp set, which work together for interactive, fashionable fun!  Only available from Dec 19 2011 - Jan 31 2012!

Christmas Gift Box

Close To My Heart products aren't just for cards and scrapbooks.  My mom needed a couple of decorated recipe boxes to give to her sisters for Christmas.  She had gotten a mouse and cheese salt and pepper shakers to put in the boxes and wanted to incorporate a portion of "Twas the night before Christmas" where it talks about "not a creature was stirring, not even a mouse." I came up with the simple design and used our new Holiday pockets for the poem.  Using the Believe paper and Stickease (the red scalloped border), lots of sparkles, ribbon and a button layered under a rhinestone brad, I think it turned out kinda cute.

Holiday with Cricut

I taught a Cricut class a few weeks ago and we made a card, box, and even an envelope.  I used the Holiday Wishes stamp set that was the special in November. And you know me...love my pearls and sparkles!

Timesaving Gift Ideas

The gift-giving season can be an uplifting time of merriment and joy... but it can also feel a bit hectic. It’s nice to know you can count on Studio J^® to help you give meaningful gifts that don’t require a lot of time or money. Here are a few ideas to simplify your life and save time for both the giver and the receiver.

• Make one family layout and print multiple copies for everyone. (Time: 15–45 minutes) With Studio J, printing extra copies of a layout is as simple as changing the quantity on the checkout screen. Or, if you prefer, create one layout, then copy it into a new project as many times as you like and customize it for each recipient.
• Give a Studio J 5-pack along with a Quick Pic™ album. (Time: 5 minutes) Since a 5-pack includes free layouts, free shipping, and free Memory Protectors^®, it’s everything they’ll need to create a finished album!
• Present a loved one with a 3-month Studio J membership. (Time: 5 minutes) A 3-month membership costs just $30 US / $33 CAN and is the perfect way to help someone “get their feet wet” with Studio J and give them complete access to a product you love. Combine it with a 5-pack to make it an extra-special stocking stuffer!
• Give a gift certificate for one-on-one Studio J training. (Time: 35 minutes) With Studio J, you can create two 2-page layouts in just 30 minutes. Give a gift certificate for a 30-minute session of one-one-one training where you help them create two layouts. Once you’ve shown them how fast and easy it is to scrapbook the Studio J way, they’ll be excited to create more pages on their own!

So put on the holiday music, pour yourself some eggnog, and pull out your holiday gift list. Studio J is a great way to help you give the gift of memories—without taking much time!

Buttoned Up Card Set

Lovely, chunky, fashion-forward bling turns your cards from charming to oh-so-fantabulous. Learn the WOW techniques in this how-to video from Close To My Heart, and then send holiday cards that people will be talking about into the New Year!

Dreamin' Workshop On the Go

November's kit was Dreamin'.   I LOVE this paper!!!  The layout is about "Fall" but it doesn't have to be.  Here is the feature layout:

Wait...there's more!!! Here are the bonus projects:

Click here to see instructions for the bonus page. 

Want to do the cards?  Click here for instructions. (To do the bonus cards, you will need to get Z1352 Colonial White Circle Cards and Z1617 Dk Chocolate Striped Grograin Ribbon in addition to the WOTG kit)

Want to take it up a notch?  Here is a quick tutorial on how to use the Cricut Art Philosophy Cartridge to upscale your layouts and cards. 



I want to share with you another version of this layout. This gorgeous layout was created by Karen Pederson.

And if this layout isn't enough, she designed two more fabulous layouts using this paper.

Handmade Holidays...Faster, Simplier, Easier!

Gift tags are a must-have year-round in every home and even more so during the holidays. Learn how to turn out classy, custom gift tags in assembly-line style in this Close To My Heart video. It's one more way to tell your gift recipient, "You're worth it!"




When you pair the Close To My Heart Cricut® Art Philosophy cartridge with some of our delightful new My Acrylix® stamp sets, you'll find yourself making an armful of holiday cards in just one sitting! Watch this video to discover even more tips for streamlining your holiday card creation session.

Miss me?

It's been a while since I last posted and I have a really great excuse....I'm pregnant! Yes, it's true...this old bird after almost 12 years is starting over.  Greg and I are so excited to be having our first baby girl.  Sadie Camille Brooks will join our family sometime in January (hoping the 22nd to be induced).  We couldn't be more thrilled.  As you can imagine, I've been rather sick and tired and tired and sick, but all is well and the baby seems to be very healthy and her kicks are crazy strong at times.  The nursery is almost ready. We just have a couple more bigger purchases to take care of...like car seat...they tell us that is a must have.  We've taken the prenatal courses and had lots of fun freaking out the first time moms. We did learn a few things ourselves believe it or not. Things have definitely changed for the better.


My awesome cousin and sister threw a baby shower for me and I couldn't resist but do some of the invites myself. Can I just say, I LOVE our Cricut cartridge?  The Pear green frame around the "Baby Shower" and the Pear scalloped circles were also cut from the Cricut.  The babies, flower and "Baby Shower" title are all stamps.  And as I always say...you can't have enough sparkles!!!!  Those sparkle guys are only $2.95 a pack and you get LOTS.  The opaque pearls are also one of those embellishments that you can't have too many of.  I stock up on sparkles and pearls like the world is ending.  


Anyways...I'm taking some time today to set up blog posts for the next couple of months.  Stay tuned as I have lots of great ideas to share for the holiday and more....

Krafty, Kool & Kolorful!

This month, we are playing with the Kraft Color-Ready Borders at my workshops.  We will be using "Miracle" paper.  Let me know if you would like to join me for this workshop.  Space is limited.  Check my calendar for dates and details.

Almost GONE!

I really wanted to be sure that you knew there are many items that are being retired by Close To My Heart at midnight on July 31. Below you'll see a list and a few links to help you quickly make your purchases for anything that is going, going, almost gone that you just MUST have before it's gone. You can order them 24/7, until midnight on July 31, on my website. I promise you that as you say goodbye to these items, we have many amazing new products and programs that will blow you away August 1st!

ACCESSORIES:

Z1289 Block Buddy
Z185 Block Organizer
Blocks:
    Y1001  1" x 1 1/2"
    Y1005  1" x 6 1/2"
    Y1007  2" x 11"
    Y1004  2 1/2" x 2 1/2"
    Y1011  4 1/2" x 6 1/2"
    Y1500  MyAcrylix Block Starter Kit
Ribbon Rounds Collections: 
    Z1125 Sweet Leaf
    Z1154 Buttercup
    Z1209 Cranberry
Rub-Ons:
    Z1265 Primavera 
    Z1231 Across the Board
Dimensional Elements: 
    All Dimensional Element Monograms
    Z1156  Borders
    Z1140  Framed Fun
    Z1223 Booksmart
    Z1312 Stars

Mini-Medley:
    Z1243 Pewter
    Z1277 Outdoor Denim
    Z1339 Pear
    Z1340 Lagoon
Irresistible:
    Z1354 Miracle
    Z1390 Villa
Embossing Powder:
    Z647 Heavenly Blue
    Z648 Baby Pink
    Z664 Pansy Purple
    Z671 Clear
    Z678 Silver Pearl
Z1211 Top Coats Framed In
Z1357 Sophia Journaling Spots
Z1377 Kraft Color Ready Borders
Z1141 My Creations 3-Ring Binder
Z1166 3"x3" Cream Mini Album
3501 Red Eye Pen
Z1009 Pivot Point Stapler
Z1090 Foam Brushes
Z263 Fun Flock White

All Ink Pad Sets (individual still available)
All Marker Sets (individual still available)

PAPERS:

All Level One Kits

Bliss Level 1 Scrapbook Kit
Bliss Level 2 Paper Pack
Bliss MyStickease
Miracle Level 1 Scrapbook Kit
Miracle Level 2 Paper Pack
Miracle MyStickease
Sweetheart Level 1 Scrapbook Kit
Sweetheart Level 2 Paper Pack
Sweetheart MyStickease
Wings Level 1 Scrapbook Kit
Wings Level 2 Paper Pack
Wings MyStickease
Magnifique Level 1 Scrapbook Kit
Magnifique Level 2 Paper Pack
Magnifique MyStickease
Olivia Level 1 Scrapbook Kit
Olivia Level 2 Paper Pack
Olivia MyStickease
Hooligans Level 1 Scrapbook Kit
Hooligans Level 2 Paper Pack
Hooligans MyStickease
Mistletoe Level 1 Scrapbook Kit
Mistletoe Level 2 Paper Pack
Mistletoe MyStickease
8 1/2" x 11" Vellum Paper

Cardstock:   

Close To My Heart will not be discontinuing any colors of cardstock, but they will be selling only select colors in individual color packs. All colors will still be available in combo packs.

The colors that will continue to be sold in 24 sheet packs of one individual color are:
Black, White Daisy, Colonial White, Vanilla Cream, Chocolate, Cocoa, Desert Sand, Bamboo, Sweet Leaf, Pacifica, Smoothie, Creme Brulee, Olive, Cranberry, and Outdoor Denim. All other colors will now only be sold in combo packs. Cardstock prices are also going up so order your bulk cardstock today!


Envelope Flats:
 
2 1/2" x 3 1/2"
3" x 3"
3" x 4 3/4"
4" x 4"
4 1/2" x 4 1/2"
5" x 5"
5" x 7"
5 1/2" x 4 3/4"
6" x 6"
8" x 3 1/2" 

STAMP SETS:  There are about 100 sets being retired.  Instead of listing them here, email me for a pdf of the complete list.  Here is a little slide show dedicated to many of these out going sets.  You will be missed but will remain in our hearts forever.

Bonus Workshop "Bliss"

We aren't doing this workshop as a group.  However, if you would like to order it and do it on your own, here's the details for ordering. 

 Click here to see the bonus layout and cards.

Bliss Workshop Kit:

G1020 Retail Value: $34.15 / You Pay: $29.95

My Reflections® Bliss Level 2 Paper Packet
My Acrylix® Bliss Workshop Stamp Set
Irresistibles Villa Chipboard Die-Cuts
Workshop Guide

Create Your Own Best Kit: (Choose 2 items)
12 FREE cards/envelopes with purchase of Best Kit

 D1195 The Works Alphabet

Z2164 Sorbet Ink

Z726 Sponge Daubers

Y1000 1 x 1 Block

Y1002 1 x 3 1/2 Block

Y1004 2 1/2 x 2 1/2 Block

Click here to start shopping!

IT’S SIMPLE. SPEND $50, THEN CHOOSE A BONUS ITEM FOR $1
(five products to choose from). Because everyone loves more bang
for the buck!
Eligible $1 Bonus Items:
• Creative Basics® Mistletoe Collection (original retail: $8.95)
• Creative Basics® Animal Cookies Collection (original retail: $8.95)
• My Originals® Bits & Pieces Card Kit (original retail: $12.95)
• My Originals® It’s Your Day Card Kit (original retail: $12.95)
• My Originals® Around the Holidays Card Kit (original retail: $14.95)

Lucky WOTG Projects

Featured layout:

 

Bonus Layout:

Featured Cards:

 

Bonus Cards: