September Newsletter

September is going to be filled with loads of Close To My Heart yumminess!!  Grab a cup of coffee or tea, and click HERE to take you to my Monthly Newsletter!  E-mail (girlygirlrose43@msn.com) or call me (763-227-0583) with any questions!!

Plant Smiles

First of all, don't forget about the Sassy Lil Sketches e-Book giveaway!  Click on the top photo on my right sidebar to bring you to all the information.

I have been in my craft room this week working hard, but I am not able to show you anything quite yet.  I'm working on some publications, contests, and design team reveals.  But I did whip up these cute little thank you's for some customers.

This is our Halloween paper Mischief.  I thought it had a lot of potential for other things, so I tried it with the Treasure Life stamp set.  This is a little 3x3, and I love the little bow and addition of sparkles.  So, I can see parts of this paper being used all year round!

I have been catching up on paperwork, too, and all those little things that need to be done.  I am so excited as I booked my flight today for the CTMH Regional Celebration in Detroit.  I am thrilled that I'll be spending time with my friend and downline Marg.  Not only is there seven awesome hours of business training, but there are TWELVE hours of creative training!  You must know how very excited I am about that!! 

And guess what?  You could go, too, if you joined my team!  I would love to go with you, too, to Detroit!  The Consultant Kit is over the top FANTABULOUS!  Priced at just $99 (plus shipping), it has a value of over $280!  It has everything you need to get started as a business builder or to simply get our wonderful discount.

Call (763-227-0583) or e-mail me (girlygirlrose43@msn.com) today if you would like more information!!

Love Your Layout - Studio J

Here is a fabulous Studio J tutorial for you!

Riley and Trevor

I've had these pictures of my nephews for a little while, and I've been wanting to scrap them.  I finally decided to create the layout in Studio J.  I thought might sister might want a copy, and I also love this discontinued paper called Game On.  It's not discontinued in Studio J - yippee!!!  Don't you think this layout called Super Star is perfect for these photos?

On the left page, I've got a picture of Riley holding his first homerun ball.  I love this picture.  I can only imagine what he must have been thinking looking down at that ball!  The journaling on the photo reads "Very cool - Riley's first homerun ball!"  In the picture of both of them, Trevor is holding his MVP award.  The journaling on that photo reads "Trevor's MVP award!  What I love about these boys is that they support each other and are so happy for each other's success. That will always make them champs in my book!"  One of the things I love most about Studio J is that I can journal wherever I want.  Sometimes I like to add a little blip here or there, and it allows me to do just that.

New Heart 2 Heart Challenge!

It's time for a new challenge at Heart 2 Heart and we've got a color challenge for you!  We are using the fabulous color combination of Pear, Sorbet, and Cocoa.  These are such pretty colors together!  You can make anything you want for the H2H challenges as long as you are using Close To My Heart products.    I've created a card as my example.

There are so many fun thing to try on the Art Philosophy cartridge!  700 images are going to keep me busy for a long time, and I am going to be able to show you loads of fun things!  This is card, and I've cut the matching decorative layer.  Wowie - talk about an instant card!  It was so easy to finish it off with all the little extras!  I could see using this card base over and over for note cards.

Now let's see what you can come up when using these colors!  Check out the rest of the design team's work because it's inspirational!

Sassy Lil Sketches E-Book Giveaway!

If you have been reading my blog for awhile, you know that I am on the Sassy Lil Sketches design team.  I LOVE this design team, and I love working with Cherie and Katie, and I was figuring out that I have been with them well over a year now.  Every time Cherie gives us a sketch, I am still excited to create with it.  She truly has a knack for designing sketches, and it amazes me that she creates so many!  I was so happy when I heard that she was putting out an e-book of her sketches.  After seeing the book full circle, I was thrilled to have this option for sketches.  The sketches can be used for layouts and cards, and there are examples of both in the book.  Here's a sketch from a previous card I created along with my card:

Cherie has so generously offered to give away one of these e-books to one of my blog readers!  YAY!!!  So share this news with your friends, and be sure to post a comment on this post.  I am going to select a random winner on Sunday, September 4th, and Cherie will send the lucky winner a link to their free book!

New Lasting Memories Challenge!

We are bringing you a new challenge over at Lasting Memories, and it's a fabulous one to work with!  We'd like to see who or what inspires you, and that can mean anyone or anything.  We'd love to see what you come up with for this layout.  Since it was our anniversary week last week, this one was all together too easy for me!

This, of course, is my husband.  He inspires me more than any one else to be the honest, creative, and simplistic (and that's a good thing!) person that I am.  If you want to see any of the details more closely or read the journaling, just click on the photo to make it larger.  I created this two-page layout in Studio J.  In fact, I sat down and did four layouts in Studio J tonight.  It's a great alternative if you want to do a quick layout, are working on a special book, or want to make a layout that you may need copies of.  It's especially helpful to me when I want to do a lot of journaling.  This paper is has long ago been discontinued by Close To My Heart, but I love that they've put their past papers in Studio J.  I can go back and revisit them time and again!  Did you know that you can go in and just play with Studio J for free?  There is no software to download.  You can go and create a layout (or two or three...) and then decide if you want to purchase it or buy a membership.  How fun is that?

I hope you'll stop by Lasting Memories and take a peek at the layouts the rest of the design team has created.  There's loads of inspiration for you there!  Also, if you are looking for a fun design team, Karen is having a design team call for Lasting Memories.  She is a sweetheart, and I know you'd love working with her and the rest of the team!

What a Great Week of Vacation!

I have not fallen off the face of the earth!  Jerry and I have been having a great time this week.  He's down a lot of fishing, and we've had some great weather to enjoy this week together.  I put together a little sideshow of our day at the Minnesota State Fair yesterday.  It was our 21st anniversary, and we couldn't think of a better way to celebrate. 

 

I've got a couple of hours to spend in my craft room, so I'll be back later with some artwork!

Simple Pleasures

As long as I had my Sonoma papers out, I thought I would try this sketch from Moxie Fab.  I love when Cath does special weeks like this to celebrate a new special issue.  It's always so much fun to play!

The simplicity of the sketch allows a lot of room for interpretation.

These are my very favorite flowers from the Art Philosophy cartridge.  They remind me of a water lily, and Jerry picks those from the lake for me every year.  Here's an up close:

Isn't it fun that there are also these nice card bases on the cartridge?  I love it!

Other items used are the Love Life stamp set, Bling Assortment, and Pewter Mini Medleys.  Now I've got more crafting to do before Jerry gets home from his fishing trip!

Love to Love You

I saw this sketch challenge over at Moxie Fab, and I really wanted to play along.  It's just such a fun sketch by Nina Brackett, and I love the idea of a shaped card!

Here's what I came up with:

Of course, I used the new Art Philosophy cartridge to make the card base from Sonoma paper.  What a fast and easy way to make a shaped card!  For the center, I followed the pattern from the how-to book Magic to make a 3-D spinner.  However, I didn't want this to spin, but rather just take advantage of the unique dimension.  The stamp set I used is the December stamp of the month.  I know I should be waiting until December to show off this set, but I can't seem to keep my hands off this set!  I think that would be makings of a favorite stamp set - what do you think?  Other items used are the Bling Assortment, Bamboo Waxy Flax, and Opaque Pearl Gems.

Moxie Fab is doing three more sketch challenges this week, so I am anxious to see what they are.  I always love the special issues, and Card Ideas for Paper Crafters is no exception!

Heart 2 Heart Challenge

What a great theme for this week at Heart 2 Heart!  We are asking for Back to School projects.  I am sharing a board book that I created for a class in September.

I created this using Typeset papers, the Blue Ribbon stamp set, and the Art Philosophy collection.  The inside is very basic because the purpose of this book is to add pictures and/or journal along the school year.  Here's a peek:

The perfect complement for this book is the September stamp of the month Limited Edition.  Of course, you'll be hearing more about that set next month!

I hope you'll stop by Heart 2 Heart to see the other design team member's work and to play along.  We'd love to have you join us!

Lasting Memories Reveal

Time for a new challenge at Lasting Memories!  We want to see your hidden journaling on your layouts this week.  Here's my example for you, and it's one of my club pages for September.

If you homeschooled (or are presently homeschooling), you know the range of emotions and the strong reasons that come with it.  That's what I've hidden in that envelope.  Stop by Lasting Memories because there is some great inspiration for you!

I am a little late this morning with my post, but Jerry left this morning to spend a couple days with my brother-in-law.  My sister and brother-in-law have a lake spot, so he is really looking forward to going.  I wanted to have a nice leisurely Sunday morning having breakfast and reading the paper.  I am so happy that he will be on vacation when he comes back.  We are planning time at a vineyard, a quaint little MN town, and then the State Fair.  It's our anniversary on Thursday (21 years!), so it will be a nice celebration week!

I am going to spend time today wrapping up my Open House orders today.  Oh, did I have fun seeing the people that came.  I am thrilled that so many people love the papers, stamps (and their prices), and the new Cricut cartridge!  It does my heart good to know that so many people love Close To My Heart!!

Adding Cricut Flair

Take a peek at this video using the Cricut Art Philosophy cartridge.  Great ideas for you!!

Sassy Lil Sketches Reveal

Oh gracious!  I have been having so much trouble with blogger today!  I have not been able to load any pictures at all, so I am glad I finally got things to work.  I am sure my design teammates are wondering where my card is!  And I was anxious to share this with you because as always, I LOVE this sketch from Cherie!

I used Roxie papers to create this card.  Looking at this paper in the book, I didn't know what I would think of it.  But I am so glad I bought it!  I am officially in love with it, and I have used up the whole paper packet already!!  This card was fun to make.  I took my time and sliced around the flourish with my craft  knife so that I could tuck that scalloped circle underneath it.  I cut the scalloped circle, heart, and flower templates with the Art Philosophy cartridge.  Have you enjoyed looking at what I've been creating with it?  Are you wanting it yet?  I love it!

Head over to Sassy Lil Sketches to see the other design team members work and play along.  You have until the 5th of September to get all the cards in for the month.  I'd love to see what you create!

Open House

I am busy getting ready for my Open House.  I am having so much fun readying my living room and creating make and takes for my guests!  If you are in the area, my Mystery Hostess Open House is:

Friday, August 19th - 3:00 pm to 8:00 pm

Saturday, August 20th - 9:00 am to 1:00 pm

I have loads of artwork to share with the new paper packets, and I will be having three quick make and takes.  Here's a peek at those projects:

If you are long distance, you can still participate in the Mystery Hostess Rewards!  You simply need to place your order by Saturday, and I will put tickets in the drawing for you.

I am so looking forward to seeing those of you that can make it!



Have You Clicked on My Classes Tab Lately?

I have updated my Class tab with artwork for September.  I would love if you would visit that page!!  I have used Typeset for all of the projects.  I love this versatile paper! 

Take a peek at my Monthly Club information.  My nights are filling up quickly, so you'll want to sign up soon.  If you are long distance and want to be in the monthly club or take any classes, you are able to do that.  I send everything pre-cut and stamped so you only need to follow the directions to put it all together.  E-mail me at girlygirlrose43@msn.com with any questions!

Pair-a-Phrase Cards

Now this is my 3rd pos for the day, so be sure to scroll down to see what I've been up to!  You will find my reveal for Heart 2 Heart challenges, and in the previous post I told you all about the National Stamping Month special.  I wanted to share a couple of the cards I made with the FREE Pair-a-Phrase stamp set.  I have use Elemental papers for both of them.

I love the little images and sayings in this double set.  They finish off a card quite perfectly.

National Stamping Month Special!

September is National Stamping Month, and we are starting the celebration early at Close To My Heart!  For the first time ever, we are offering a double stamp set - Pair-a-Phrase.  Please click on the photo to see these stamp sets in more detail.

These are so cute!!  They make the sweetest little cards!  I think my favorite is that snowman.  Oh but I love the owl, and what about that bike with the basket of flowers?  I guess I love every stamp on each of the sets!  I bet you are wondering now how you can get these stamp sets.  Well, I'll tell you now - and you are going to be so excited because you can get them FREE!!  I love when I can tell you about FREE things!!

To get this exclusive double stamp set, place an order of $75 and you will get them free!!  WOWZERS - this is a $35.90 value!!  I just know you are going to love the clever phrases and coordinating images. 

And don't forget you can add the stamp of the month, Wicked, for $5.00.  When you do that, you get a free font set - A Typeface.  That adds up to a lot of discounted and free stamp sets!!  If you choose to add the stamp of the month, your discounts and free products add up to $58.80 in savings this month!  Here are the the stamp of the month and the free font set:

Please feel free to contact me with any questions!  My e-mail is girlygirlrose43@msn.com, and my telephone number is (763) 227-0583.  I would love to hear from you!!  You can acces my website by clicking HERE or by clicking on the shopping cart on the left sidebar.  I'll be back today with some artwork using these cute stamp sets!

Heart 2 Heart Challenge!

It's time for a new Heart 2 Heart challenge, and this week we are inviting you to CASE one of the design team's cards.  How incredibly fun is that?  A card, layout, or altered project that is copying the style of one of the design team's projects.

When I think about my style, I don't know if I can define it.  When I create pages, I definitely lean more toward clean lines.  I like looking at a page where the picture is the very first focal point.  However, when I create cards and altered items, I like lots of "stuff."  Now I don't always create like that because well, let's face it - those cards are expensive to mail.  But I do so love to create that way!  So that's what I am sharing today with you.

This paper, stamp, and chipboard are from the May CTMH special - You & Me.  I love the colors of the paper, and I love that stamp set.   I dyed the paper flowers by soaking them in a mixture of water and bamboo re-inker.  Then I very lightly spritzed them with a mixture of pearl paint and water.  I could have done this all in one step by mixing pearl paint, re-inker, and water in my spray pen, but I really love the effect that flowers have when they are soaked.  The chipboard (banner, leaves and corner element) is embossed so I sponged over them to give them color.

I hope that you will come and play along this week.  Remember, you have all month to play with any or all of our challenges!

Lasting Memories Reveal

It's time for a new challenge over at Lasting Memories, and this week we are challenging you to step out of your comfort zone and try something new.  I have a very hard time with white space.  I create a layout and can never quite leave it alone.  For this challenge I decided to work on that and found the perfect sketch at The Scrappiest.

Although I didn't leave as much space as I see on some layouts, this was a HUGE challenge for me.  This was kind of a double challenge for me because of the colors, too.  In the end, I like the mixture of colors having taken paper from Believe and Wonderland.  I used the Art Philosophy cricut cartridge and stamps for the trees, flowers, sentiment, circle, letters and numbers. 
There is some great inspiration for you from the Design Team!  I hope you'll stop by and play along!
I also wanted you to know that my wine box was named in the Top 3 at Shopping Our Stash!  Yippee!!  How fun is that?!!

Sassy Lil Sketches eBook!

I am so excited to tell you that you can now purchase a copy of Sassy Lil Sketches eBook!!  It has been released and you are going to love it!!  If you click on the link you will be taken to the page where you can order it for just $8.99!!

This book has NEW sketches designed by Cherie Averill.  The layout sketches are awesome and can easily be adapted for cards.  In fact, I was very honored to design a card for this book:

Cherie's sketch are so fun to work with!  I just know this book will give you tons of inspiration!!

Cards to Share

I have been working in my craft room a lot with all this yummy new product!  It is so much fun to take new papers, work with them, and find what you really enjoy. 

I took some different Roxie papers to make this card.  Go back HERE to see another card I made with the Roxie paper.  Isn't it fun to have so much variety in one paper packet?!  Other items used are the Art Philosophy cartridge (for cutting the flowers), Card Chatter stamp set. black hemp, bitty sparkles, and a sorbet button.

This tag card was made with Elemental papers and a matching Decor journaling spot.    The heart, stars, and stamping on the tag are all from the Love Life stamp set.  This is quickly becoming one of my favorite stamp sets.  It has so many images for $17.95, and several of them can be cut with the cricut cartridge and then stamped.  Saves a little time with not having to fussy cut.

I am going to be spending time in my craft room this weekend finishing up preparations for my Open House next week.  You can click the Open House tab at the top of the screen to find out more information about it.  I am always so happy to welcome my crafting friends into my home and share time with them!



Page Pops with Flowers

My Love

I have a 2-page layout to show you today using Roxie, but I took pictures separately of the pages.  I can never get a good picture of a 2-page layout, so I thought this was okay and that you can imagine what it looks like together!

Let's see, I did a lot of stamping on these pages using the December Stamp of the Month - Mad About You (put this one on your list!) and the Art Philosophy cartridge.  I cut the flowers, hearts, tags, letters, and numbers with the cricut.  I didn't see until I was posting that my "y" is slipping - sorry about that!  I love cutting the flowers with the cricut.  So easy then to roll them up!  One of my favorite things to do is cluster embellishments, so I am showing you that close up.  You'll see another new product peeking out - the Foundry Clip.  Such a great little accent!



Oh, we were so much younger in these photos!  The first page is a picture from New Year's Eve 1989.  Here's a little background on that night.  Jerry and I went out for the evening, and my niece baby-sat Shane.  We came home a little after midnight to find Shane with a high fever.  We had to take him to the emergency room and he had a double ear infection.  What a long night!  The second page is a picture from 1997 when we were at a Valentine's dinner sponsored by our church.  It was a lovely night!!

Relax

I was playing with some more new papers.  This time I used Elemental.  I like that paper packet because with all the colors, it could be used for just about anything.  I chose to work with the pacifica blue and olive.

Great for lake pictures!  Don't Shane and Miss Chanel look like best buds?  They really are when they are together!  I've done a lot of stamping on this layout using the Love Life stamp set.  If you click on the layout, you'll see a stamped border on the right page.  That is a stamp.  I cut the stars and scalloped circles with the Art Philosphy cartridge (I will never get bored - 700 images!) and then stamped that as well.  What do you think of that journaling tag?  The Decor Journaling Spots come in a set of 12 pockets with matching tags.  I love these!  I lifted the idea right from the Idea Book for that tag.  I like this layout a lot because my first focal point are the pictures.  They pop off the page with the colors of the paper.

I have to tell you something else.  Last Friday night, we learned that a very tiny kitten had adopted our yard.  Of course I fed her, so she is here every morning and evening, and I think she sleeps in the woods during the day.  It's pretty cozy in there, so I am not worried about her for now.  I tried getting close to here on Saturday evening, managed to pick her up, and she reached up her tiny little paw and scratched me pretty good on the lip.  My swollen lip was my fault, and I decided to go a little slower with her now.  My goal is to be able to bring her to Rescued Pets are Wonderful.  That is where we got Sassy, so I want this little kitten to have a good place to live, too!  I would keep her ( and I am getting awfully attached...), but Sassy just wouldn't do well with her.  She just doesn't like other cats.  I was able to get pretty close this morning and thought I'd share a picture.

H2H Reveal and the Theme is Hot!

The theme of our challenge this week at Heart 2 Heart is HOT.  Design a project that makes you think of hot - whatever your interpretation of that is!  Of course, I thought of the sun!

Don't you love the frog shading himself behind the cloud?  These cute papers are Splendor and discontinued.  However, they are still available in Studio J!  The other products used are Tree Tops stamp set, a few Sparkles, and some matching waxy flax.

I hope to see you playing along this month!!

Lasting Memories Sketch with a Twist and a DT Call!

This week at Lasting Memories, we are asking you to create using this sketch:

And there is a twist!  We all want to see you use buttons on your page.  Here is my example for you:

If you remember the other day, I showed you a pumpkin patch layout using Dreamin'.  This is the companion page.  (Sidenote:  We will be creating using this paper in my club this fall.)  I love those cork letters, and I want to let you know that they are super easy to color.  I've jsut sponged the edges, but it would be very easy to color them to match your project.

I also want to let you know that there is a design team call going on at Lasting Memories.  Karen is such a sweetie and so easy going, I think that you would like it as much as I do!  If you'd like to apply, it's easy.  Just complete all four challenges that are presented this month and put DT behind your name on the link.  If this is your first try at a design team call, that is okay!  Karen is looking for 6-8 designers.  Please check out the full details at Lasting Memories.

Wine Box

I found a simple paper mache wine box at JoAnn's, and I thought it would be perfect for the new Sonoma papers.  I love smokey plum and olive together!

From that angle, I know the top of the box looks kid of funky, so here's a close up of the lid.

I created the flower using the one of the flowers on the Art Philosophy cartridge.  When it was finished I added a little smokey plum ink to the edges, a few vines, a paisley element from the paper, and a little Glitz glimmer gel.  With a nice bottle of wine, this will be a perfect hostess gift!

Shopping Our Stash is looking for violets this week, so I am entering this in that challenge.

Pumpkin Patch

This is my second post today, so be sure to scroll down to see my reveal for Sassy Lil Sketches!  For a few days I thought my creative mojo had taken a vacation.  I had been working with some bright colors for a project, and I am always stumped when it comes to the cooler brighter colors.  I am envious of those of you who can work with them so wonderfully!  But then I pulled out this new paper packet from CTMH's fall/winter idea Book, and I was ready to create again!  You can click on the picture to open it and see more detail.

This paper is called Dreamin',  and the it's made of up of chocolate, bamboo, goldrush, honey, and crystal blue.  Oh, it was just perfect for these pictures and complimented them well.  I want to tell you a few details on this layout.  I cut the leaves with the new Art Philosophy Cricut cartridge.  This set comes with matching stamp sets so after they were all cut, I stamped them with goldrush ink.  From there, I heavily sponged the edges with chocolate.  I finished the leaf banner by tying some chocolate waxy flax loosely around it.

The sentiment (Harvest of Memories), pumpkins and their leaves are from the So Grateful stamp set.  I fussy cut those once I stamped them.  I used the same sponging technique as I did on the leaves, but on the pumpkins I sponged with goldrush.  The bracket is from the new Milepost Shapes.  What a value these are - 48 corrugagted shapes for $3.95!  On to the letters.  They are cork board color-ready alphas.  They are so easy to color to match your project.  For this one, I just sponged the edges with goldrush ink.  Then I finished off the page with some wooden buttons.

I will be entering this in the Scrappin' Chics Challenge which is to scrap with banners.

Sassy Lil Sketches Reveal

It's a new month at Sassy Lil Sketches, and time for a new challenge.  I want to let you know now that all sketches - layout and card - will be on one blog.  Layout sketches on Tuesdays and card sketches on Thursday.  Here is Cherie's card sketch for the first week -

Amazing, right?  I was so inspired by the different details on this sketch, so here is my DT reveal -

This is the new Sonoma paper, and I think it has easily become my favorite already!  I love the smoky plum, olive, and bamboo colors together.  I used a couple of stamp sets - Love Life (what a fabulous set!) and Find Your Style (January 2011 Stamp of the Month).  The frame on the card is a dimensional element (we have so many different styles), and I've covered it with paper and sponged the edges.  People have asked me several times what adhesive I like when working with dimensional elements (like chipboard), and I find Bonding Memories the very best.  It has a strong hold and is very easy to use.

The card sponor this month is My Favorite Things, and we'd love to have you play along!!

You're Sweet

I have a circle card to show you today.  This is the new paper Roxie.  I didn't knwo what I thought of this paper (you know me and pinks).  But I am so glad I bought it!  There are so many different facets to this paper, and I can't wait to show you them over the coming days!

I am afraid that this stamp is available until December, but you can put it on your wish list ;)  It is the December Stamp of the Month to get you ready for Valentine's Day.  Here is a link to the Idea Book so that you can see the whole set.

If you'd like to have a hard copy of the book, just send me an e-mail at girlygirlrose43@msn.com.  You will LOVE the ideas!!  It's $3.00 for shipping, and I send you a $5.00 coupon to use on a future purchase!

Yippee!! What Fun News!!

I had a page picked up to be a bonus project in the online magazine Scrapbooking.com this month.  I was so excited about this and couldn't wait to share the news with you!!!
If you go HERE, you will find the project along with instructions.  But what's really cool is that Scrapbooking.com creates a YouTube video, too, so I am going to share that with you!!

The New Idea Book is Here!! August 2011 Newsletter

I can't wait for you to see the wonderful new product in the Idea Book!  Click HERE to view the Idea Book online.  Click on my shopping cart on my left sidebar to place your order!

This is what you’ll find in this month’s newsletter:

• August Specials
• Open House
• Clubs Starting in September!
• Workshops and Classes

August Specials

Wicked Stamp of the Month and A Typset (August 1-31): There is a brand new Stamp of the Month program that makes things much easier for you! You can purchase the stamp set outright at $17.95 or with a $50 purchase you are able to purchase the set for $5.00. During the month of August, when you place a $50 order and purchase the stamp of the month for $5.00, you will get an exclusive free stamp set called A Typeset. It's a fun font/alphabet set. This set is ONLY available from August 1-31.

National Stamping Month: Pair-a-Phrase (August 15-September 30): To celebrate National Stamping Month in September, we are offering our first-ever double stamp set! You can get the exclusive My Acrylix^®Pair-a-Phrase double stamp set FREE when you place an order of $75 from August 15 through September 30, 2011. You'll love this double set—two D-size sets in one envelope—which includes lots of clever phrases and coordinating images you'll use in your handmade cards all year long. The double set has a retail value of $35.90, which drastically increases the value of your qualifying purchase! Have double the fun stamping during National Stamping Month with our new Pair-a-Phrase double stamp set!

Fall/Winter New Idea Book Open House

Friday, August 19th (3:00 pm - 8:00 pm)

Saturday, August 20th (9:00 am - 1:00 pm)

473-195^thAve NE; East Bethel, MN

 Everyone who attends will receive a free Idea Book as my gift to you! There will be 3 fabulous and free make and takes with some fun techniques! There is so much that is new with Close To My Heart, and I can't wait to show you!!

• Cricut Bundle (cartridge with 700 images, 3 stamp sets and 3 sheets of dimensional elements)
• Re-Formulated Paper Packs with a Lower Price and Heavier Weight Patterned Paper
• Lower Prices on ALL Stamp Sets
• Brand New Stamp of the Month Program

That is just a sampling! I will have all 8 paper packets, several stamps and embellishments for you to view. The best part is that those two huge August specials will be going on so that you can earn THREE free stamp sets with your qualifying purchase!! Yay - I LOVE free!! There's always a lot of fun, laughs, friends, and ideas at my Open Houses!

This is a Mystery Hostess Open House, so some lucky person is going to win the Hostess Rewards! Here is how you can earn tickets:

• RSVP to come - 5 tickets
• Bring a Friend - 5 tickets for each friend you bring (16+)
• $25 Purchase - 5 tickets
• $50 Purchase - 10 tickets
• Sign up for a Class - 10 tickets
• $75 Purchase - 15 tickets
• $100 Purchase - 20 tickets
• Sign up for Club - 20 tickets
• Book a Gathering and Earn FREE Product - 25 tickets
• Join My Team - 30 tickets

***Remember, if you are long distance, you can still earn chances to win by placing your order by the day of my Open House, booking an online Gathering, or joining my team!***

Club Starting in September!

I am so excited to let you know that club will be starting in September! Here are the details:

• Sign up for a 9-month commitment (September 2011 to May 2012)
• Cost is $20 per month
• Collect Hostess Rewards (at least $25) for one of the months that you are in Club. If you bring outside orders during your Hostess month, you will receive even more Hostess Rewards!
• In each class, I will teach two 2-page layouts. I will teach you something new and trendy each month so that you are constantly learning!
• You can choose from three nights when you sign up – Monday, Tuesday, or Friday. Club will always be the second week of the month.
• Sign up early if you’d like to come with friends to guarantee your spot together. There is a limit of 6 spots per night.
• Paper will be pre-cut, but you will need a standard supply kit. Items needed on a regular basis are tape runner, glue dots, foam tabs, scissors, craft knife, paper piercer, ruler, and sanding kit. If any special items are needed I will let you know ahead of time.
• I’ll always supply the treats – you bring your beverage

I hope this announcement makes you excited! I sure am excited to start teaching you again!!

Workshops & Card Classes: Watch your newsletter for fun workshops and monthly classes starting in September! I will have my calendar fully prepared for the Open House, so you will be able to sign up for September’s classes then.  For now, if you click on my Classes tab at the top of the page, you can take a sneak peek into what I'll be offering!

As always, thank you for being a part of my Close To My Heart journey. I truly love each and every moment I spend teaching and getting to know you!