I am still alive . . . really!

Hi all! Sorry it has been a while since I have updated or posted anything. As I may have mentioned before I suffer from chronic migraines and sometimes they get the best of me. This month has been particularly bad and I have been in the "migraine dungeon" as I call it for most of the month. Sad to say I haven't accomplished one creative thing. Hoping to change that in November though.

Please save November 17th for me if you can. I would like to hold an all day workshop (if you can't make the whole day don't worry -- you'll have options) . . . my plan is to have last minute Christmas/Holiday gifts for you to make for those special people in your life. I will firm up the details over the weekend and keep you posted. I will donate the full cost of one item you make as well as my portion of the profit of any order in November to the Red Cross to benefit the victims of Hurricane Sandy. Hopefully together we can give those around us a reason to be thankful.

More information to come!
Melissa

P.S.: If anyone has a lead on a good large space that would be available for that day please email me!

Let's Play Cards Workshop Featuring Clemintine

Join me September 25th at 6:45. We will make 6 cards (2 each of 3 designs) featuring the paper pack Clementine and designs from Make It From Your Heart. As a bonus I will give a brief introduction on using our Cricut Artiste Cartridge. All cards include envelopes. Class is $10. Please RSVP to mahisslp@yahoo.com by September 22nd.

This is just one of 3 designs we will be making. Hope to see you there! Let's play cards :).
Melissa

Learn about the new color families, cardstocks, and papers from Close To My Heart that can spruce up any design. Adding color to your crafts is simple, easy, and beautiful!

Weekly Crafting Tip

First of all . . . is that not the cutest thing you've ever seen? When he looks like that it can make me forget the time he chewed the drapes, vomited under my bed, ran away multiple, multiple times  . . . well no need to get worked up. At  three, Leo says he would never do anything so undignified (unless the lawn care guys leave the gate open again, then all bets are off).

What does the pooch have to do with paper crafting you might ask? Well, this week's tip is so simple that even a puppy knows it, but so profound it will set your crafting free (or at least give you a whole new source of crafting supplies). I used to be known for this saying by a few of my early customers, but I think it occasionally bears repeating, so here goes:

Paper has two sides. 
Think you didn't hear me correctly?
Let me repeat:
Paper has two sides.

Now, before you send me back to paper crafting preschool, hear me out. Sometimes we (myself included) get so caught up in doing things in such an exact manner or the "right" way that when we make what we perceive as a mistake we find it difficult to get past it to find a solution to our creative dilemma. Salvation could be as simple as turning your paper over and stamping a new image (the source of my loving, if slightly tongue-in-cheek reminder to someone that paper has two sides). Other solutions could include, but are in now way limited to:  a different color of ink or paper,  or covering your "oops" with a bow (sometimes a really, really big bow - LOL!).

Just don't be afraid to be open to inspiration. If your creation doesn't look exactly like someone else's (including the class instructor's wink! wink!). It's okay! Some of the most beautiful creations were born from "mistakes".

Get out there & get krafty!
Melissa

Less is More with Baroque Borders & It's Your Day

A dear friend and I used to always joke with one another that in design -- Less is more. It kind of became one of our paper crafting catch phrases. I, in particular really struggle with "thoughtfully editing" (Thank you Tim Gunn!) my designs and not over embellishing, over sponging (I really need to learn to tolerate white space) or just in general over thinking a design. Sometimes more is better (a post for another day), but simplicity is also beautiful.

So, in honor of my friend's birthday this month, I gave myself the challenge of designing some cards using one to three stamps, one color of ink and stamping on only a white background. I did give myself a little wiggle room with sentiments and embellishments, but otherwise I was pretty faithful at keeping with the plan.

Stamp sets featured are: the August Stamp of the Month Baroque Borders, the National Stamping Month Special It's Your Day, For Every Occasion and Card Word Puzzle.

How about you? When do you say less is more?

Avonlea Layout

I haven't posted any creations in a bit. Here is a layout I created with Avonlea paper, the August stamp of the month, Baroque Borders and Artiste.

Here is a close up:

Hope you are enjoying some crafting this weekend!

Melissa

Artiste Box

This is the make-and-take we did for the Idea Book Launch Open House this afternoon/evening. Didn't it turn out cute? I am still loving the Stella paper packet. All pieces are cut with the Cricut© Artiste Cartridge and the stamped sentiment is from one of the stamp sets included in the collection.

Thanks to everyone who came out. I enjoyed re-connecting with people I hadn't seen in a bit and meeting a few new people. Leo also enjoyed all the human attention! He is now sacked out in the corner. Being the social director is hard work you know ;-).

Until next time!

Melissa

Open House/Idea Book Launch

First of all, please forgive my schizophrenic blog designing. The yellow and black damask-like pattern was too much for me. I've decided clean and simple is much better. Hope you agree!

My Idea Book Launch Open House is Tuesday, August the 7th either between 1:30-4:00 or 6:30-9:00. Please drop by and see me and some new products. I will have a make and take, prizes and food (I'm even going to try a little gluten free baking for a special friend). Best of all, in appreciation I will be giving Idea Books to attendees FREE! (regularly $3.00 or free with an order of $25 or more).

Don't forget to comment on the August 2nd post below to win a free stamp set! So far I have had zero comments, so your chances to win are pretty good at this point ;-).

I am working furiously putting together kits and other goodies. Hope to see you Tuesday!

Melissa

P.S.: It has been brought to my attention that it is not immediately obvious that you need to open (click on the title) of a post to comment on it. Not sure if this is a setting I can change or not. If anyone knows -- let me know. Also, you can click on most pictures to make them larger. I try not to put the full size picture in the post so that if you don't have a lot of bandwidth (or whatever it may be called), I won't hog it. Hope that clears a few things up. Signed, The Blogger Who Knows Just Enough To Make Her Dangerous ;-)

It's Here! Comment & Win a Prize

The new Autumn & Winter Idea Book became live  -- in other words available to order from - yesterday. Have you taken a peek yet? If not go ahead click this link. Really, go ahead I'll wait. Isn't it fabulous? What's your favorite paper pack? Stamp set? New item? I hope you'll still come by my open house on August 7th and get your free copy and preview some new product and projects. Click here for details.

Comment on this post (or what you think of my blog, the cuteness of Leo, the Scrapdog, classes you'd like to see me offer, even your favorite Olympic moment) and get an entry to win a free stamp set from me. Receive an extra entry for every time you do the following:
*Sign up to follow the blog (see the left side of the blog for options from email to Google friends)
*Like my Facebook page: www.facebook.com/MelissaHarrisCTMH (or you can click on the pennant at the top of the blog)
*Follow me on Pinterest (again see the button on the left hand side of the blog or pennant at the top of the blog)

Deadline is August 10th (because it's my dear mother's birthday -- love you Mom!). I'll draw before 10:00pm and post the winner (or winners if I have enough participation) here. One of the stamp sets I'll be giving away Life is Tweet:

Good Luck! Can't wait to hear your comments!

Melissa

Time is running out!

(Gratuitous puppy picture ;-) )

Leo just wanted to take a break from second breakfast to remind you that the Cricut Artiste Pre-Order Special is over at midnight tonight and there are several products from the Spring/Summer Idea Book that are only available until midnight MST (2 hours behind EST -- so if you feel the need to stay up until 2 am ordering go for it!). Retiring products include(but are not limited to) the following paper packs and associated embellishments: Footloose, Lucy, Superhero & Crusin'. The following exclusive colors (ink pads, reinkers, markers, cardstock): Parchment, Taffy, Vineyard Berry, Key Lime, Sunny Yellow, Baby Pink, Sunkiss Yellow, Vanilla Cream, Pansy Purple, Spring Iris, Amethyst, Sunflower, Dutch Blue, Garden Green, Moonstruck, Garnet, Grey Flannel, Brown Bag, Petal, Grey Wool, Holiday Red, Tulip, Heavenly Blue.

My Customer Appreciation/Idea Book Launch Open House is Tuesday, August 7th from 1:30-4:00 or 6:30-9:00. Leo says please join us! There will be make and takes, food, prizes and fun.

Hope to see you all there!
Melissa (and Leo)

Close to My Heart Artiste Purse

This little gem took all of about 10 minutes on my Cricut with our new Artiste Cartridge. I probably would've been a little quicker, but I had a hard time deciding on embellishments. The extra book that comes with the cartridge with instructions on how to assemble the 3-d items was super helpful or I might have been a little longer. Hope to see you at my Customer Appreciation/Idea Book Launch Open House on August 7th from 1:30-4:00 or 6:30-9:00 so you can experience it yourself.
Melissa

Close to My Heart Footloose Layouts

I haven't posted many scrapbook layouts since I started blogging. I must confess this is partly because taking good pictures of layouts is a little more difficult. Reason two would be because I don't have pictures on all of the one's I've created yet and I always feel bad posting them unless they are complete. I think I'll have to get over that or my posts are going to be heavy to the side of cards and other items. I sat down with the dslr and  got these shots tonight. These are from the Footloose Workshop on the Go Kit only available until the end of the month. I love this paper! If you look at the kit versus my layouts you'll notice I didn't follow the picture layout exactly on either layout. I made the layout work for me (thank you Tim Gunn - - "Make it work!" Ü) and my pictures. This was one time when not matting pictures (which went against the grain for me I must confess) was to my advantage when placing photos. I hope this allows you all to think outside the box a bit when using premade layouts.
Happy Scrapping!
Melissa

Cricut Artiste Pre-Order Special!

Want to be one of the first to get your hands on our new Cricut Artiste Collection as soon as it becomes available? I am accepting pre-orders with FREE SHIPPING (sorry U.S. only) between now and 11:00 pm on July 31st. In addition to your free shipping I will send you a free Close to My Heart Fall/Winter Idea Book and you will be eligible to purchase the August Stamp of the Month (see picture below) for $5. Click on this link or the Cricut Tab at the top of the blog for all the details.

Cricut Artiste Collection

August 2012 Stamp of the Month

Click on this link to view the Cartridge Handbook to see the just the beginning of all the possibilities with this collection!

Let's Play Cards Part 2

The second Let's Play Cards workshop arrived before I  realized it! It is this Tuesday night at 6:45pm at my house (July24th), cost is $10 for 6 cards including envelopes. Sorry to be a little behind in getting this out, but I have been a little preoccupied playing with this!

In case you haven't been on any other blogs or seen any other Close to My Heart news we have a new Cricut® Cartridge called The Cricut®Artiste collection! I didn't think they could really improve on the Art Philosopy Cartridge, but as usual Close to My Heart surpasses my expectations with each Idea Book Launch.


The new Cricut® Artiste collection takes your creativity over the top! With 700 images, the cartridge features themed projects, interactive cards, awards, and more. From robots and spooks to weddings and Valentines, your cupcake liners, invitations, and party favors will coordinate and quickly come together for any celebration! Cutting and assembling the numerous 3-D items is a snap using the project reference chart and separate, step-by-step assembly booklet. When you purchase the Cricut® Artiste collection, you’ll get three coordinating exclusive stamp sets and three Dimensional Elements 12"x 9" sheets that will help your artwork come to life, transforming the ordinary into amazing!

It could be that once of our cards will be made from this cartridge to give you a little sneak preview (hint!hint!). Again class starts at 6:45 on Tuesday, July 24th. Cost is $10 for 6 cards. It generally takes us until 9:00 pm to finish up. Please bring your own adhesive and a pair of fine tip scissors. Kits will be available in case you are unable to attend, just let me know. Please RSVP by Noon on 07.24.12. I might be encouraged to preview a few other projects  and products with the right encouragement. Big Wink ;)
You don't want to miss it!
Melissa

Exciting Close to My Heart Announcements & a Card

This is one of the cards from my Tuesday night workshop. I think it ended up being one of my favorites. It came together rather last minute, but I am happy with how it turned out. It is inspired by: http://octoberafternoon.typepad.com/october_afternoon/2011/06/thursday-sketch-with-stacey.html that a friend of mine pinned on Pinterest a while back. I was just waiting for the right inspiration to do it Close to My Heart style. :) If we hadn't been doing 5 other fairly complex cards I would have added real stitching to the process, but I think using the stamp set was just as effective and fun.

In other news: The annual Close to My Heart Convention started today in Dallas, Texas. Today was the reveal of the Autumn/Winter 2012 Idea Book to Consultants. You are going to be so excited! There is a new Cricut Cartridge collection called the Artiste Collection. The cartridge includes lots of 3-d items, home decor items, interactive cards and so much more -- 700 cuts in all. I already placed my order so I could have it to play with some for my Idea Book Launch party in August. Stay tuned for more details. Other news that sticks out include: A new consultant kit for $49 -- even more easy and economical to become a consultant if you have an interest, alcohol based markers, mini-pigment ink pad sets in all our colors and Workshop On The Go kits for cards and home decor items.

Look forward to sharing this with you over the coming days. Stay tuned for updates, workshops and new artwork. I should have the July 24th card class information posted by the end of the weekend.
Happy Krafting!
Melissa

Close to My Heart Card Night Workshop Preview

Here are 4 of the 6 cards we will be making at the July 10th workshop. I still have room if you could RSVP by sometime tonight so I can have your kit cut. I will have 2 extra set aside, so if you don't see this until the 10th or want a kit to do on your own (DOYO) email me and let me know (mahisslp@yahoo.com). See the Workshops & Crops tab for full details. I think you'll enjoy making these :).
Melissa

Let's Play Cards!

Starting next Tuesday, July 10th I will be holding a bi-monthly card class at my house from 6:45 pm to 9:00 pm. You will make 6 cards (including envelopes) for $10. You will be responsible for bringing your own adhesive, but other supplies will be provided. If you are unable to attend, but would like the kit I will be glad to provide that to you for $10 with optional priority shipping for an additional $5.15 if you are unable to pick the kit up from me. The DOYO (Do On Your Own) kits will include pre-stamped images, instructions and picture reference. Although these workshops are designed to be casual I would appreciate an RSVP by the Monday afternoon before class if possible so that I know how many cards to prepare. I will only cut 3-4 extra of each project. Pictured below is a teaser for one of the cards we are going to make July 10th. It features a faux stitching technique that looks amazingly real and one of our new A sized stamp sets that is really cute, versatile & economical. You can RSVP here at the blog or to my email. Hope to see you next week! Let's play cards!
Melissa

July Pick a Pair Special

July Pick a Pair Special

In July, when you place an order of $75 or more on my website, then you’ll be prompted at checkout to add a FREE paper pack and coordinating embellishment/sticker pack.

CTMH is doing something special…there will be different freebies depending on WHEN you place your order this month.
*When ordering July 1-5 you will receive the Mischief Paper Packet (X7144B) and Midnight Felt Shapes (Z1462) - - original retail value $15.90.

*When ordering July 6-10 you will receive the Dreamin’ Paper Packet (X7142B) and Harvest Charms (Z1633) -- Original Retail Value $14.90.


*When ordering July 11-15 you will receive the  Fanfare Paper Packet (X71338B) and Fanfare Level 2 Assortment (Z1400) - - Original Retail Value $17.90.


*When ordering July 16-20 you will receive the Lucky Paper Packet (X7137B) and Lucky My Stickease®Assortment (X7137C) - - Original Retail Value $17.90.


*When ordering July 21-25 you will receive the Mayberry Paper Packet (X7136B) and Mayberry My Stickease® Assortment (X7136C) - - Original Retail Value $17.90.


*When ordering July 26-29 you will receive the Sophia Paper Packet (X7131B) and Mayberry My Stickease® Assortment (X7131C) - - Original Retail Value $17.90.


*When Ordering July 30-31 you will receive the Believe Paper Packet (X7145B) and Holiday Pockets (Z1486) OR Wonderland Paper Packet (X7146B) and Wonderland My Stickease® Assortment (X7146C) - - Original Retail Value $14.90.
                       
The title of this post (directly above the picture) is a link that will take you to my website for your shopping convenience. ;) I would suggest if there is a particular pair that you really want that you order as soon as it becomes available as these paper packs are a while supplies last item.  If I hear of any duo becoming unavailable I will update here.

Melissa 

Close to My Heart Cards

Greetings Krafters! Sorry there has been such a delay in me posting the remaining cards in my set of 10. I was off in the land of migraine intermittently for the last several weeks and although I have had the cards done, I just haven't felt like getting on the computer to post. I won't bore you all with many details, but if you've seen the commercial with the woman curled up on the couch while life passes her by due to chronic migraine, well -- that is often me. I try to work through it as much as I can, but don't always succeed. Anyway, if I go missing for a bit that is probably what is up with me . . . so I'll be back as soon as I can.

Enough of that . . . on to the creations! These cards feature last month's Dotty for You paper, the stamp set Under the Sea or the June Stamp of the Month Life is Tweet. The final picture shows all 10 cards together.

   

 The Under the Sea set would be one of my recommendations for purchasing or earning free during the June Stampaganza Special (12 days left shoppers!). You can purchase Life is Tweet for $5 with an order of $50 or more or for the full retail price of $17.95 for the month of June only. Happy Krafting! Melissa

Nifty Neighbor Gifts Project Inspiration Spring/Summer 2012 Idea Book

Project Inspiration 2012 Spring/Summer Idea Book: Quick Cards

Close to My Heart Dotty for You Card with Scraps

I created this card with some scraps I had left after my Just Because cards for a quick birthday card I needed. I think it came out pretty good for last minute inspiration.

Close to My Heart Dotty for You & Under the Sea Cards

Using Close to My Heart's Wishes card design book "Just Because Workshop" I used Dotty for You paper and the Under the Sea stamp set to create these cards. Using the pattern you make two each of ten designs. Here are the first six of the ten designs. Come back tomorrow for the final four designs and a bonus project. You have until midnight central time on May 31st to order your own Dotty for You paper pack.

See you soon for the remaining cards!
Melissa