Open House Giveaway!

Join me

Friday 9/7 from 5pm-8pm and 

Saturday 9/8 from 10am-4pm

for my open house and giveaway! 

Come see our MANY new products and artwork displays! 

Make a free project!

Indulge in free snacks!

Earn FREE products!

We have some fantastic specials going on this month!

At the TOP of my list is our new Artiste Cricut Collection!

This collection is valued at nearly $125, but is available for only $99!

It includes 3 coordinating stamp sets, 3 coordinating chipboard sheets and one cartridge that packs 700 fun basic and theme-based images! That's a fabulous deal!

If you order the cartridge, you will automatically qualify for our Stamp of the Month - valued at $17.95 - for only $5!

In addition, you will qualify for our National Stamping Month Double Stamp Set - It's Your Day - valued at $35.90 for only $5!

So by simply placing an order for the Artiste and adding on the two specials, your retail will be $109 - but you will receive over $178 worth of products!

PLUS you will qualify for my Open House Giveaway! For every $100 in orders you place, you will receive $25 in FREE product*! That means, in the above scenario, you would receive OVER $200 worth of product for only $109 (plus tax and shipping)! That's an amazing deal!!

*free product includes: stamp sets, blocks, exclusive inks, alcohol markers, re-inkers, My Stickease, Complements, My Reflections paper packs, cardstock, Workshops On The Go kits, and Studio J 5-packs.

Can't make it to my open house, but want to participate in this great giveaway?

Click here to shop online - be sure to join my Open House Giveaway posted on my shopping site - then send me your wish list for $25 in FREE product! Note: Your online order must be placed no later than 9/8/12 to qualify for my giveaway.

Southern Caribbean Here I Come!

It's official! I just earned the Southern Caribbean Cruise with Close To My Heart!
I LOVE this company! I LOVE my job!

I want to extend a HUGE thank you to my loyal customers and supportive team! It is because of each and every one of you that I was able to earn this trip! I wish I could take you ALL with me! But alas, Close To My Heart will only allow me to take one other person at NO COST! (Isn't that cool?)

How would YOU like to earn an all expense paid trip for two to an exotic location every year??? Join my team this month and start earning points toward our NEXT incentive trip to an all inclusive resort in Costa Rica!

And today is the very last day to join my team for only $49 and receive this beautiful bag valued at $50 absolutely FREE! There are only a few bags left, so don't delay!

The $49 kit has products valued at $130! So for your investment of $49, you receive $180 worth of products and the opportunity to earn an incentive trip, build a business with the potential of substantial income, or at the very least get a discount on all your crafting supplies every day!

Click here to join my team today!

Just a Little Prayer Card

This is the final card that I created for our new How-To publication above. 

This card features a hodge podge of papers from Footloose and Florentine along with another favorite stamp set of mine called Card Chatter - Sympathy. (Unfortunately, I didn't take a picture of the inside sentiment - "that God will keep you in His care".)

I used the Art Philosophy Cricut Cartridge to create the layered border pieces that I embellished with Pearl Opaques. I also cut the tag from the same cartridge.

I used the Art Philosophy to cut the doily shape under the pleated medallion as well as the flowers on top - embellished with some of our Mocha Opaques.

Get your copy of our latest how-to book here!

Weekend Crop - Final Details

We are busy making the final preparations for a weekend to remember!! 

Have you paid to secure your spot? Don't miss out! 

Click here for final details or contact me for more information today!

Flirty Sympathy Card

Today I wanted to share another card I made that is featured in the new Make It From Your Heart How-To Book. I wanted to create a sympathy card that was visually pleasing without being over-stimulating. Something that would speak "comfort" right out of the envelope.

This card also features our new stamp set Words Of Comfort along with some new Flirty paper. I added some Cocoa and Creme Brulee cardstock under the sentiment, some Cocoa Ribbon and 3-D roses with pearls made with our Cricut Art Philosophy Cartridge.

The sentiment shape is also from the Art Philosophy. To add some interest, I placed the sentiment shape on my piercing pad and pierced holes around the outside edge. It gives a hint of a stitched look without actually pulling out the thread!

Click here to order your copy of this must-have book to create your own cards and layouts with ease!

Love and Hugs Card

Do you have your copy of our new How-To pattern book? This book includes 16 two-page layout patterns, two single-page layout patterns, as well as 12 different card patterns!

Here is another card I created using the pattern on page 46 of the new book.

(The picture is not very good - sorry.)

I used the new stamp set called Words of Comfort along with the Art Philosophy Cricut Cartridge to create the heart shaped 3-D flower wreath. I added a sparkle to the center of each flower.

I added a Creme Brulee mat under the sentiment and wreath with Prisma Glitter on the edges.

The inside of the card has a simple heart with sparkles and paper on the left side to hide the ribbon ends.

Do you have your how-to book yet? It's only $7.95 but it's value is priceless! Click here to order yours today!

Cricut Artiste: One Size Fits All!

I LOVE how this new cartridge is designed!! The cut size is actually the finished size! For example, if I want a 4" card, I set my cut size to 4" - my cricut will cut the card at whatever dimensions it needs to be so that it will be a 4" card when folded. Same with the coordinating envelope. I set the cut size to 4" and it will cut the envelope slightly larger to fit my 4" card! Want a 2" gift box? Set the cut size to 2" and so on....Isn't that brilliant? I love it!! Click HERE to watch this short video to learn more.

If you still don't have your Artiste Collection yet, click here to grab it today so you too can create fabulous projects with ease! Be sure to join my Open House Giveaway for your chance to win prizes too!

Assembly as easy as 1-2-3!

Click HERE to watch this quick video to discover how to make accents, cards, and 3-D projects with the Close To My Heart Cricut Artiste cartridge. It's easy to learn with the simple instructional booklet and assembly booklet - both are included in the collection! It makes assembly of your projects as easy as 1-2-3!

Do you have yours yet? Click here to order today - and be sure to join my Open House Giveaway during check out for your chance to win prizes!!

Only a few days left....

Are you still considering the possibilities of becoming a Close To My Heart Consultant? For an investment of $49 you will receive a kit filled with $130 worth of products! That's a fabulous deal with NO risk!

But there is even MORE you will receive this month! This month only you will receive this heavy duty 17"x17"x6" tote absolutely FREE!

This bag has a retail value of $50! And will be perfect for all of your crafting or business needs! Here's the catch - the supply of these bags is down 22% remaining. I don't know how many that actually is, but if you are still thinking about getting this deal - $180 worth of product for $49 - then you need to act now.

Click here to get your deal now - or contact me if you have any questions.

It's Your Day Video of Ideas!

Between August 15 - September 30, you can get our National Stamping Month double stamp set, It's Your Day, valued at $35.90 for only $5 with your qualifying purchase of only $35!

Watch this video here to see some creative ideas for using this stamp set!

Then head on over to my website to get yours today! Be sure to join my Open House Giveaway as you check out to qualify for prizes!

Love Your Layout - Avonlea

Click here to watch the latest Love Your Layout video showing how to customize and create in Studio J. As you watch the video, you can follow along and pause the video as you complete each step. OR simply watch the video to learn. Does it seem like a lot of work to you? Did you know that our amazing art studio has designed 60 layouts in our Studio J Express Collections with ALL of this customization done for you already! All you have to do is drag and drop your photos and add your own journaling! Be sure to check out the Express Collections on my website here. Or contact me for a hands on tutorial!

It's Your Day - Double Stamp Set!

Did you know that National Stamping Month is September? Yep, it is and we are starting the celebration early! Beginning today, you can get this Double Stamp Set (valued at $35.90) for only $5!!

Simply order $35 in full retail products (while supplies last clearance items do not apply) and you qualify for this set for ONLY $5! This set includes 48 images, including several that coordinate with our new Artiste Cricut cartridge!

Click on the shopping cart below to grab your deal today! Be sure to add your order to my Open House Giveaway as you check out. You can win some fabulous prizes!!

Great Deals...while supplies last!

There are some great deals available in the "while supplies last" section of my shopping site! Check out these 12x12 Quick Pic Albums for only $2.00 each!!!

And that's not all!!! Click here to check it out! And don't forget to add your order to my Open House Giveaway for a chance to win some fabulous prizes! (More details coming soon.)

Make It From Your Heart Publication!

At convention, Close To My Heart announced the release of our brand new How-To pattern book called "Make It From Your Heart". 

When they retired our popular hardback how-to books, we all worried about being without a fresh, new resource. Close To My Heart how-to books are not only inspirational, but very practical too! A must have for cardmakers and scrapbookers!

Well, I have to say that they came out with something even BETTER than before! How is that possible? Here are several reasons:

1. This new book features BOTH layout and card patterns, making it so versatile!
2.  It also features patterns from both the Autumn/Winter 2012 and Spring/Summer 2013 Workshop On The Go Kits. You no longer have to save those loose guides for future reference to the pattern. This book has them all! 
3. With each pattern, you will see a sample of artwork which include fresh ideas and techniques. Some may even include slight variations or tweaks to the pattern to give you even MORE ideas!
4. But best of all, is the PRICE! This softback book is only $7.95!!!!! Our previous hardback books were $21.95!

This amazing book features 16 two-page layout patterns, two single-page patterns, as well as 12 different card patterns.

But there is even more exciting news regarding this publication......three Close To My Heart consultants were asked to create artwork to be featured in this book: Karen Pedersen, Lisa Stenz, and Christine Adams. That's ME!!! What an honor it was to participate, but honestly it was a challenge. I have a MUCH GREATER respect for the in-house artists on staff! Oh my!

Anyway, here is one of the cards I made that was featured in the new book on pg. 46.

I used the Art Philosophy Cricut Cartridge to create all of the borders, scallop squares and hearts! It makes it SO EASY to create by just pushing a button!

What you can't see in the book is the inside of the card.

 Again, I used the Art Philosophy to create my paper pieces, and embossed the sentiment with our White Daisy Embossing Powder. I added a little Creme Brulee Bakers Twine and frayed the ends.

I used a new stamp set called Words of Comfort which I love! It's a must have for card makers. I also used some of our new Clementine papers. I love the "down home" feel of these papers. I feel like I'm sitting in a country kitchen on a farm sipping iced tea!

Stay tuned....I'll have more artwork featured in this new book coming soon!

Click on the links above to see these new products or click here to see ALL of our products!

Trivet & Coasters!

I wanted to share a gift I received from one of my very talented downline - Tina Suchy! She was sick and unable to attend our team meeting, but she sent along a home baked cake decorated in pink frosting and piped with "Close To My Heart" on top!

She also sent along this adorable trivet using the Pemberly paper pack and modge-podge as a gift for me!

She also included a set coasters using the same technique and the Dotty For You papers!

How very thoughtful, and sweet, and CREATIVE you are Tina!

Thank you!! I hope you are feeling much better!

Missing in Action?

Does it seem like I've been missing in action? It feels like it to me! I have so much I want to share with you!! It all started a few weeks ago when my husband's sister passed away and we had to leave town suddenly for her memorial service. Back about a week later, just in time to host my team meeting, when the sewer line backed up and spewed grossness all over my craft room! (Luckily it was AFTER the team meeting!)

We tried to clean it ourselves, but quickly found that the damage was too deep and too great. So we called our insurance company to bring in the professionals!

So a week later and the room is still torn up. Still drying out with industrial fans. Still stinks! Ugh!

But life goes on! I have moved some tables up in the family room and will camp out there until the plumbing, floor, carpet, and walls are repaired.

Stay tuned......I've got artwork to share soon....

MORE Clearance Stamps!

I just realized that I forgot to add about 24 used $5 stamp sets to my clearance sale! Many of these are special favorites of mine. As I was scanning them, I was sad to put them up for sale. But it's time for them to find a new home!

Click here to find some GREAT deals on stamps, including many Holiday stamps!

Recruit for Loot Winner!

Close To My Heart offered an incentive to reward one lucky consultant for their great recruiting and mentoring efforts! At our convention, the winner was drawn and announced - Noreen Petty!

Noreen is a firecracker and an amazing woman! Wait till you see what she won! A 3 minute, timed shopping spree in the Close To My Heart warehouse!! She got to keep all she could grab in that time! Check out the uniform she designed, complete with jumbo pants to stuff products in!!!

Check out this video! I love how Close To My Heart goes above and beyond to pamper us and create amazing experiences! Way to go Noreen! 

 (Not able to view or play the above video? Click here to go directly to YouTube.)

New Clearance Stamps added!

I've just added a bunch of new stamps to my clearance tab. All stamps are either $5 or $10! Click on the tab above labeled "Clearance Stamps" to see what's available or click here.

Happy Shopping!

Space Party using the Artiste Cartridge!

How many of you like to decorate for theme parties? Whether it's formal or informal, the new Cricut Artiste Cartridge can help you decorate like an expert! Check out this Space Party Theme...

Want to get YOUR Artiste Collection so you can have "out of this world" parties too?

Click here to get it today!

*Note: if you can't see the above video, click here to view it in YouTube.

The NEW Cricut® Artiste Collection!

I'm thrilled to announce our newest Cricut®  Collection - Artiste! The Cricut® Artiste collection is a brand new, project-centric cartridge loaded with themed shapes and 3-D items galore, grouped by key for fast and simple creations.

I thought the Art Philosophy Cartridge was the best one on the market - this one is even BETTER!

There are 700 images including:
A font
43 words/phrases
20 cupcake liners
50 card/envelope combos
7 pleated medallions
65 boxes, bags, 3-D items
4 3-D flowers
3 bows
and a TON of other images: tags, borders, banners, clocks, brackets, frames, signs, silhouettes, paisley and flourishes, merry-go-round, ferris wheel, ornaments, snowflakes, puzzles...

There are several themes (parties/celebrations) on this cartridge to make your party planning, gift giving, and decorating even easier:

Valentine
Love
Easter/Spring
Mother's Day
Father's Day
Wedding
Halloween
Thanksgiving
Christmas
Birthday
Baby
Movie Night
Game Night
Space

There is even a Cricut® Workshop on the Go Kit designed to help you decorate for Halloween festivities!

I can't wait to share more projects with you!

Stay tuned for information on my Open House to make a free project AND on an upcoming class on the NEW Artiste Collection as well as a new CLUB to learn a new project each month!

Can't wait? Click here to order yours now!

Studio J is even BETTER!

Studio J is our online scrapbooking tool that makes getting caught up on all of your precious memories fast and easy and affordable! But beyond that, they layouts are absolutely gorgeous! If you are a Digital Diva, you can pour your creative heart into a custom layout of your own. If you are pressed for time, you can choose one of kit mixes, add your photos, title, journaling and you're done!

And effective immediately, there are NO MORE MEMBERSHIP FEES! That's right! Now everyone has access to the previously exclusive patterns and kits! Plus each two-page layout is only $6.95! That's less than $3.50 per page - which is hard to do when you paying for individual papers, embellishments, photo printing and mats, and adhesive!

But that's not even the BEST news! The BEST news is that our extremely talented art studio has created beautiful, artisticly designed complete albums - ready for you to drop in your photos, add journaling and change your title if desired! You have to see these to appreciate them! 

They are called Express Collection Kits and there are currently 6 different themes to choose from. Each theme includes 11 layouts (10 two-page layouts and 1 front/back page layout). You can even mix and match the layouts in each album!

You can log into Studio J to check these out now - or contact me to set up a time to schedule a free consultation or join me in September at my weekend crop for a creative session and a chance to win 10 layouts for FREE!!!!!!

I just used the Little Miss collection for a girl trip! Even though the name indicates LITTLE girl layouts, it was perfect for my photos!!!! I'll share them soon.....

So what are you waiting for! Check out Studio J and our new Express Collection Kits by clicking here right now!