Close to My Heart October Highlights

Me again!  I just like to keep you all on your toes guessing when I will be back, lol.  I am actually really shocked that it has been a full three months since my last blog post!  Time flies even when you AREN'T having fun.  I heard that on the radio today, and you know, I do believe it really is the truth.

Close to My Heart has some limited time specials this month, so like I always say...if you like what you see, get it before it is sold out.  It happens.  Trust me. 

First is the amazing new October Stamp of the Month, Thanks & Giving.  As always, just spend $50 on any supplies on my Close to My Heart website to receive this size D set worth $18.95 for just $5!  I love what the artists at Home Office have created with this set...

Next up is the adorable Important Things Album (new version!)  This bundle is available while supplies last.  Follow this link to see the other supplies you will need and download the free guide!

My ALL-TIME favorite special this month is the Holiday Sparkle Kit!  Use these supplies to create shaker cards for Christmas!!! I already have this kit in my hands and I LOVE it!

Finally, Close to My Heart has the Advent Calendar Bundle and free workshop instructions available now...use them along with the Season of Joy Digital Cartridge to create this gorgeous little work of art!

Freshly Made Twinkle

I adore the simple-TASTIC sketch that Jen B. came up with over at Freshly Made Sketches this week, so was absolutely thrilled to have a chance to play along today. 

This is a totally foreign style to me, but the trend towards gold has captivated me lately as I think about Christmas coming.  Of course, the mod style of this one is not my usual either, but with a CTMH stamp set called "Twinkle," and a bit of Ranger Princess Gold Embossing Powder, I think I managed to sign my name all over it...

The Fundamentals Embellishments include these darling pre-made bows ready to add to just about anything!

I KNOW that I have said this before, but you guys have got to use this little trick to conserve your glitter paper!  It is absolutely one of my favorite tips!  I also have a separate trimmer for JUST glitter paper.  I don't need to change the blade so often this way.  :)

I used the Close to My Heart Red Glitter Paper.

Thanks so much for the fabulously fun sketch this week, Jen B.!  Thanks for stopping in to see my entry this week!  :)

One more week to get your Twinkle on!

My CTMH Cricut Display Board: Artistry Collection

Let's have another look at my Close to My Heart Cricut Collection Display board, shall we?  We shall!

Today we are zooming in on the upper left side of the board and the newest collection:  Artistry!

The very first thing you need to know about the Cricut Artistry Collection is that it is available WITH or WITHOUT the actual physical cartridge!  CTMH is offering the collection for the first time with Explore and CCR users in mind, and you can purchase it at a discount with no physical cartridge--instead the digital code is provided for online use in Cricut Design Space (specifically for the Cricut Explore Machine) and Cricut Craft Room (for non-Explore users.)

Also available with digital cartridge!

Now, here is a look at my board with a sampling of some of my favorite images on Artistry...

Notice in the middle I used a sample of the written font available to Explore users!  Also notice that darling cup of JAVA!!!  I HAD to use that sweet kitty too!

Alright, I have a confession to make!  This adorable "no-holes" font has grown on me over the past couple of years since first being released in stamp form, the My Acrylix Hopscotch Alpha.

I especially LOVE using it to cut titles for my layouts.  Here is a sneak peek of a project I am currently working on...

Isn't the font FABULOUS!!!?

Artistry also features fantastic versatile overlays for scrapbooks or cards like the tree on my display board and this sweet raindrop background...

Take a peek back at the three stamp sets that come with the Cricut Artistry Collection.  The Life Is Sweet My Acrylix set features several on trend banner shape coordinating stamps.  Let me share this tip I learned while I was playing with mine...make sure you turn your cut the right way before you stamp!  ;)

I am so excited about our new Cricut Collection!  Did you notice ALL the collections come with the white core Close to My Heart Cardstock now?  It cuts like buttah' in the Cricut machines, so I highly recommend it!  I just ink up the edges of the paper when I don't want the white core to show through!  :)

Don't forget that this month's Christmas themed Stamp of the Month, Twinkle, features cuts found on the Cricut Artiste Collection I featured on my blog last week.

Here is a link to my post--and also remember if you order the Artiste Collection through me (contact me here or at mimimyselfandi@outlook.com) this month, I will add the Twinkle Stamp of the Month to your order for FREE!!!

Have a FABULOUSLY crafty week!  :)

My CTMH Cricut Display Board: Artiste Cartridge

It's been a while since I shared another section of my CTMH Cricut Display Board, so without further adieu, HEEEEEEEEEERE'S ARTISTE!

See all those little 3D objects in the bottom right?  ALL from Artiste!  Even the cute little bow on the card!

You might have noticed that ALL of the Close to My Heart Cricut Collections now come with a combo pack of Cardstock.  I LOVE the change from the chipboard shapes because now you can see how smoothly the CTMH CS cuts...just like buttah!

Artiste was the second cartridge released by Close to My Heart, and they didn't waste any time adding 3D objects to their line-up!  Artiste is filled with gift boxes, rosettes, cupcake liners, and even 3D pop-up cards!  I LOVE the variety of themes available on this one!

Some of my favorite images on Artiste are very simple...a cloud, a thought bubble, a torn sheet of notebook paper.  Artiste even has a simple font that is super-versatile.

I instantly fell for this little guy...it was PERFECT for my kiddo's October birthday party invitations.

Guess what!?  The Stamp of the Month for October, Twinkle, COORDINATES with Artiste!  YEP!  This crazy-adorable stamp set has images that you can cut with Artiste!  :)

Place your order for Artiste through me this month, and I will send you the Stamp of the Month for FREE!   You MUST contact me to place your order to take advantage of this offer, so shoot me a message at mimimyselfandi@outlook.com OR leave a comment with a way to contact you here--I won't publish it, no worries!  :)

Close to My Heart October Stamp of the Month Layout

Welcome to October!!!

I have been raring to go this month for a couple of different reasons.  But MOSTLY, because I simply ADORE the Stamp of the Month from Close to My Heart this month.  I mean, the set is called, TWINKLE, so how would I NOT love it?  :)

You will notice that it coordinates with the Close to My Heart Cricut Artiste Cartridge!

Anyhow, I wanted to re-create the layout shown with the Stamp of the Month, so I did just that--and added my own little twist of course!

These ornaments can be stamped in any color to match any layout!  I used my Versamark Ink and the Ranger Super-Fine Silver Embossing Powder to make this one really pop!  Then I topped it with a bow from the NEW Fundamentals Assortment Cranberry Embellishments.

This little cluster includes images from Twinkle, Glitter Paper, and one of the White Pines Complements vellum pieces...and behind it is not only a length of Silver Shimmer Trim, but also a piece of Crystal Blue Fundamentals Paper from the Whimsy Assortment...

These lights are soooooo cute!  I added a candy cane border also cut from Artiste at .75 inches, and some leftover letters from a cut found on the NEW Cricut Artistry Cartridge!  You never know when those extra letters will come in handy!  :)

You have all month to get your hands on this super Christmas themed stamp set!  It is regularly priced at $17.95, but you can also get it for just $5 with a $50 purchase on my website!  Just fill your shopping cart with $50 worth of crafty goodness, and the checkout will prompt you to add the Stamp of the Month for the discounted price.

Here is a little video I made that shows you how the ordering system prompts you to add specials like the $5 Stamp of the Month from Close to My Heart...I made the video in July, so the special is different--but the way you add specials to your order is the same!  :)  Thanks for stopping in!

New Month, New Close to My Heart Specials!

Happy October!

I am just popping in to show you the BRAND NEW specials on my website this month...

First of all, if you make Christmas tags for your gifts each year, you are going to want to pick this Stamp of the Month up pronto to get started!  ;)  I just love making all kinds of tags, so these are going to be a great addition to my collection. Here is Home for the Holidays...

Also, when you spend $50 on my website, not only will you be able to get that Stamp of the Month for just $5, you will ALSO receive one of these super chevron ribbons absolutely FREE!  I can't wait to use them on my tags!  :)

Cricut Artiste Slider Christmas Card

Happy Wednesday!  I have been wanting to make a slider card ever since I saw the gorgeous example they had at Convention.  Here is a video for you to see the one they made!

Now, I wanted to make mine with a Christmas theme, so I changed it up a bit.  I cut the card at 3 inches by tricking my E2 into thinking it was working with a 12 x 24 inch mat and rotating the image 90 degrees.  ;)   I used Close to My Heart White Daisy, Sweet Leaf, and Cranberry Cardstock.  Silver and gold together at Christmas with Shimmer Trim and brads. 

I used a sentiment from the October 2012 SOTM for this one.  The set is no longer available to order, but you can win it at my Christmas Workshop on December 1st!  The poinsettias are cut out with the Artiste Cartridge as well.  I used a stylus to create the veins and then folded and inked them with Cranberry Dye Ink.

 Here is the card as you pull out the slider...

Here it is in the inside...I just used the remnant from the White Daisy "holder" on the inside as a base for my sentiment.

I see many more possibilities for this type of card and cannot wait to experiment some more!  Next time, I am going to random stamp some Christmassy images in White Daisy and add some glitz.  :)

Thanks for taking a peek!