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