Say goodbye to those ugly sticker present tags!!!

Every year I spend countless hours wrapping Christmas gifts. Most years I am still wrapping into the wee hours of Christmas morning. Wrapping gifts is an obsession of mine, the thought of putting a Christmas gift in a bag scares me! It may seem silly that I spend so much time on something that is just going to get ripped off, but in our house it wouldn't be Christmas if our gifts weren't wrapped to the nines under the tree.

(Obsessed? Just a bit. These were empty boxes I wrapped just to take pictures with!)

Christmas morning is more enjoyable when we literally unwrap each of our gifts. Only one person at a time unwraps, this way my husband and I enjoy each of our children's faces when they slowly or quickly (Tasmanian Devil style) reveal their gifts. Instead of a crazy free for all of bags and tissue paper flying finished in 10 seconds, we leisurely sip coffee or hot chocolate as one child opens a gift while the others look at their gifts until breakfast time. In years past I would purchase special licensed character paper for each child, that way they knew exactly what gifts were theirs. Not this year. This year I decided to spend my money on better things, and bought the cheapest paper I could find.

A HUGE roll of brown craft paper.

Everyone's gifts will be wrapped up in this stuff. No worries, I will stamp some of the paper, and all gifts will be decked out in ribbons and bows. The presents will still be just a beautiful as years past.

When I purchased the ribbons and bows I took a peek at tags. Are you kidding me, have you seen the options out there?!? The most affordable ones are stickers on a roll. Been there, done that, once our oldest son unwrapped his little sisters princess underwear because those stickers always come off the present, and "Santa" just slapped the sticker on the closest present. Thus the years of over priced individual wrapping paper. The other options are beautiful pre-made embellished tags, usually individual (not on roll), have good adhesive, and are .... absolutely not what I am going to spend my money on since I just gave up the pretty paper! There is no way I am going to pay a dollar a piece for them, especially when the gift they are attached to may not even cost a dollar!

So what is a paper-crafter like me to do??? Oh that's right, *Ü* I have an entire roomed filled with goodies to make some of my own. With a little inspiration from Close To My Heart, the Cricut Art Philosophy Collection, Inks, Papers, Ribbon, and a bit of bling I will have plenty made just in time for Christmas. More personalized and beautiful than the store bought tags, at a fraction of the cost. Since I am using up my supplies do you think "Santa" will bring me some more? *Ü*

So if you are tired of cheap ugly sticker tags, and over priced pretty tags, just like I am, here is a bit of inspiration for you. Happy Crafting!

Supplies used are all Close To My Heart
Stamp Sets: December 25th
Cardstocks: Twilight & Heavenly Blue available in the Bright Blue Shade Pack, Pear available it the Summer Cardstock Collection*, and Kraft
Inks:Crystal Blue, Desert Sand, Heavenly Blue, Pear and Twilight
Embellishments: Bitty Sparkles, Colonial Waxy Flax, and Sweet Leaf Stitched Grosgrain Ribbon
Tools: Cricut Art Philosophy Collection

*Sweet Leaf Cardstock and Ink are great alternatives to Pear!

Wishing everyone a wonderful Holiday Season!

Thanksgiving is only 17 Days away...

Every year my Aunt throws an amazing party for Thanksgiving. All family members are invited to attend along with their families, and it is a blast! Everywhere you look there is something going on. The ladies are gathered in the kitchen putting the finishing touches on yummy southern dishes, the men are gathered around the pit smoking turkeys and hams, the teens (and an adventurous Dad or two) are in the yard playing tag football,and the kids are running from the sand pit to the horse pen and back. There is always plenty of catching up, visiting, and laughing going on, not to mention a few rounds of dominoes. All in attendance leave late in the evening with bellies full, loaded up with "to-go" plates for later and a smile from ear to ear across their face. I looked forward to every Thanksgiving on "the ranch" nearly as much as Christmas morning. I love to bake so every year I ask if there is something I can bring and every year I get the same response "Just your family and an appetite." So every year I bring a small gift to say thank you. This year I was lost at what to give, then Close To My Heart came to the rescue.

This Thanksgiving Card using My Acrlix So Grateful Stamp Set is the perfect inspiration. So with just a couple of weeks till the big day I am off to make a few of these and maybe some orange slice pumpkins. Happy Crafting!


Supplies used are all Close To My Heart
Stamp Sets: So Grateful
Cardstock: Mischief Level 2 Paper Packet*, Sonoma Level 2 Paper Packet**, Colonial White and Grey Wool (Both available in the Neutral Cardstock Combo Pack)
Inks: Olive, Sunflower, Sunset and Grey Wool (to sponge card base)
Embellishments: Mini-Medley Accents Olive Collection

Optional Supplies:
*Sunset Cardstock with cross hatched pattern using Sunset Marker instead of Mischief Level 2 Paper Packet
**Olive Cardstock Sponged with Olive Ink instead of Sonoma Level 2 Paper Packet

November Special - Holiday Wishes Stamp Set

November is here and Christmas is around the corner. Just in time for the holidays Close To My Heart has released a limited edition holiday stamp set, Holiday Wishes, perfect for creating beautiful cards, layouts, and home decor items.

The Holiday Wishes stamp set is full of classic Victorian-esque holiday images, and great sentiments. An added bonus is many of the images (outlined in red) coordinate with the exclusive Cricut Art Philosophy Collection. Just cut, stamp, and layer for an easy and quick project. Any artwork you create using this stamp set is sure wow the recipient, and warm their heart.

What makes this stamp set even more special is the price. If you order $25 or more in My Acrlix stamp sets* you can purchase this exclusive D-sized stamp set, valued at $17.95, for just $5!!! The uses and ideas are endless, and the images are timeless. So get a gift for that special scrapper on your list, or one to brighten your day! Either way it's a win win this holiday season! Happy crafting!

* Stamp of the Month, K-sized customized name stamps, Cricut Art Philosophy collection, and Workshops on the Go kits do not count toward qualifying purchase. Offer valid through November 30, 2011. Tax and shipping apply.

Supplies used are all Close To My Heart
Cardstock: New England Ivy, Cranberry, Colonial White and Kraft
Inks: New England Ivy, Olive, Cranberry, Chocolate, and Desert Sand
Embellishments: Red and Bronze Glitz Glitter Gel, Red Sparkles, Chocolate Embroidery floss, and Colonial White Organza Ribbon (Dyed using Cranberry Re-Inker)

The New Autumn/Winter Ideas Books and Products...

... Are Now Live!!! Woo Hoo!!! I must say that Close To My Heart has out done it's self! This Idea Book is full of amazing new tools, papers, embellishments, and stamp sets. The art work is gorgeous, and the inspiration is going to keep me busy for a very very long time. Whether you are new to Close To My Heart's products or a long time customer there is variety, glitz, pizzazz, and goodies for everyone. I am like a kid in the candy store as I browse each and every page, over and over and over again. I just can't get enough! Right now my favorites are:

1. Roxie - Pink, Roses, Zebra, Neutrals, and Bling ... What more can a girl ask for?

2. Dreamin' - The Name says it all. I am already looking forward to the cooler days of fall, and days spent "dreamin" in the backyard.

3. Sonoma - I may not be a "purple" girl but the smokey plum and olive are calling my name. Throw in some spectacular dangling gems, Victorian inspired lace, and some pewter accents and I am there!

AND OF COURSE, LAST BUT DEFINITELY NOT LEAST......

4. The Cricut Art Philosophy Collection - How could I not love this??? 700 Images, 6 3-D flowers, 6 boxes, tags, alphabets, cards......... My head is already spinning and I haven't even mentioned the 3 included stamp sets or the Dimensional elements. Cards this year are going to rock, and scrapbooking layouts will have the brackets I love with out the blisters!

Let me just say I am so proud to be apart of such an amazing company, that offers products that continually exceed my expectations and hopes. I love that Close To My Heart has made my paper crafting "Faster, Simpler, and (much much much) Easier"!!!

Until Next Time,

Mayberry.... and Mayberry you don't...

So in the spirit of me putting my self out there, and taking a risk. I am going to post one of my least favorite projects. Personally Mayberry is not my style but "mayberry" it is yours. I love the pictures, the memories, but not the layout. Still I feel something is missing and off about it so I rarely share it. I have not even placed it in an album yet. Well I am now, I am going to learn to love it (and me) flaws and all. I am going to share it with you.

Here is the completed Layout.

Page One... Our sweet little girl...

Page Two... The little devil himself trying to look sweet.. Can you see that red hair? Oh it is true what they say about red heads....

How about that cute scalloped border in smoothie? How did I do you asked... Simple use the corner rounder with the guard removed and simple punch down the edge of you paper and voila you have a scalloped border.

This is a close up of the cute flowers cut out by hand and popped up on some foam tape to add some dimension.

All supplies used are Close To My Heart unless otherwise noted. Click the link to shop for the items directly.

-Supplies-
Paper and Stamps : Mayberry Workshop On the Go and Bohemian Alphabet
Inks: Chocolate, Smoothie, and Goldrush
Markers : Chocolate
Tools & Adhesive : Corner Rounder and 3-D Foam Tape

So Mayberry you liked it and Mayberry you don't. Either way I hope you enjoyed this layout as much as we we enjoyed creating the memories!
Until Next Time....

Fear.....

Maybe you are smiling and loving where you are in you life. Maybe you are hiding, scared to really reach out and make your dreams come true. Maybe you feel a little bit of both. Guess what, I am a little bit of both. I love my life, I love my family, and I can not imagine where else I would be. Yet on the other hand I am scared. I know who I am, and for the most part of who I want to be. Now is the time for me to act, for me to really jump into life with BOTH feet.

Could life scream at me any louder?? Not so random, random emails, songs on the radio, silly little horoscopes I usually ignore, out of the blue phone calls, even a Facebook Video Post that I never actually watch, all of it yelling at the top of the mountain "Chandel!!! Now is the time to start believing."

What is keeping me from believing? Fear. Specifically the fear of failure. If not checked, the fear of failure can overwhelm us to the point of inactivity, and it has. Rather than putting forth the necessary effort to succeed, I have avoided facing this fear by doing nothing, which is much more comfortable.

But that comfortable road of inactivity is very crowded with everyone else who is also being comfortable, making it impossible for me to move forward. In order to progress, I need to try something new, put myself out there, risk a little, and do something.

So now that I know where my heart and head stand I am going to try something new, I am going to put myself out there, risk a little and I am going to do something.....

I am going to be me. I am going to chase my hopes and dreams with out letting the fear overwhelm me. I am going to show this world who I am and what I have to offer. Are you ready for me? Are you ready to share in this crazy ride we call life with me? I hope so, because I AM READY to share it with YOU. I am going to believe that right here right now this is where I am supposed to be, and that this is where I am supposed to be headed.

P.S. If you are feeling the same way please take the quick second to listen to this
But please don't just listen hear the message, feel the message, believe the message. Listen to it a thousand times if you have to, but in the end believe.

(*HUGS* and many thanks to a wonderful woman who sent this my way.)

New Idea Book and Retiring Products

New Close To My Heart Idea Book is soon to arrive, August 1st, and you know what that means!! Time to stock up on beloved retiring products before the it's too late. If you are interested in a catalog please feel free to contact me to get you very own copy.

Since many products are retiring I just wanted to give you a heads up before it is too late!

2011 Close To My Heart Retiring List
Items on this list are available until July 31st, only while supplies last***

My Relflections Paper Packs
X7132A Bliss Level 1
X7132B Bliss Level 2
X7132C Bliss Stickease
X7133A Miracle Level 1
X7133B Miracle Level 2
X7133C Miracle Stickease
X7134A Sweetheart Level 1
X7134B Sweetheart Level 2
X7134C Sweetheart Stickease
X7135A Wings Level 1
X7135B Wings Level 2
X7135C Wings Stickease
X7127A Magnifique Level 1
X7127B Magnifique Level 2
X7127C Magnifique Stickease
X7128A Olivia Level 1
X7128B Olivia Level 2
X7128C Olivia Stickease
X7129A Hooligans Level 1
X7129B Hooligans Level 2
X7129C Hooligans Stickease
X7130A Mistletoe Level 1
X7130B Mistletoe Level 2
X7130C Mistletoe Stickease

Workshop on the Go Kits
G1023 Miracle Workshop Kit
G1022 Mayberry Workshop Kit
G1021 Fanfare Workshop Kit
G1020 Bliss Workshop Kit
G1019 Sophia Workshop Kit
G1018 Lucky Workshop Kit
G1017 Sweetheart Workshop Kit
G1016 Wings Workshop Kit

My Acrylix Stamp Sets
B1313 Merry Pursuits
B1319 Four Seasons
B1325 Welcome Baby
B1333 Merry Monsters
C1292 Tropical Christmas
C1318 Best Wishes
C1324 Spooky Smiles
C1328 Festive Frills
C1333 Spooky Night
C1340 Aspiration
C1342 Damask Tiles
C1350 Dainty Thoughts
C1353 Gear Up
C1354 Robot Power
C1361 Buttoned Together
C1362 Youre a Hoot
C1366 Fringed Phrases
C1371 Holiday Jingle
C1372 Grateful Hearts
C1373 In the Game-Hockey
C1374 Spellbound
C1375 In the Game-Football
C1376 Stocking Style
C1377 Christmas Story
C1378 Heartfelt Christmas
C1380 Judiac Commentary
C1381 Card Chatter -Thank you
C1384 Neighborhood
C1386 Boys at Play
C1387 Playin Hard
C1391 Embrace Life
C1394 Candlelight
C1398 Love You Forever
C1402 In the Month of January
C1406 Hit the Spot
C1421 The Boo Crew
C1426 Thanksgiving
C1428 Ice Crystals
C1430 In the Month of September
C1431 In the Month of October
C1432 In the Month of November
C1433 In the Month of December
C1434 School Rules
D1166 Vintage Christmas
D1171 New Fallen Snow
D1177 No Peeking
D1224 Holiday Joy
D1225 Jingle Borders
D1226 Magical Season
D1243 Peace on Earth
D1244 Snow Friends
D1257 Make It Count
D1258 Friendship Word Puzzle
D1265 Gracious Greetings
D1266 Baby Steps
D1280 Spot On Backgrounds
D1299 Thoughtful Seasons
D1305 Gloria
D1315 Evergreen
D1317 Feathery Flakes
D1319 Creepy Cobwebs
D1324 Christmas Melodies
D1326 Season of Splendor
D1332 Boutique Borders
D1333 Wishing Star
D1335 Intrinsic Backgrounds
D1339 Moments in Time
D1347 Confidential
D1349 Be Yourself May
D1350 Tender Tags
D1352 It’s Your Day
D1354 Endless Friendship
D1355 Gracious Greeting-F.
D1356 Gracious Greetings-S.
D1359 Comments
D1363 Picture Perfect
D1365 True Happiness
D1366 Holiday Trinkets
D1369 Delightful Things
D1370 Welcome Home
D1371 Many Thanks
D1372 Grown with Love
D1374 Ms. Holiday Cheer
D1375 Treasures
D1376 Holiday Warmth
D1379 Flourished Blessings
D1380 Just for the Holidays
D1381 Beware
D1382 Holiday Hoopla
D1383 Santa’s List
D1385 Good Work
D1393 Flourished Blessings-F.
D1395 Flourished Blessings-S.
D1406 True Friends
D1416 State of Mind
D1421 Cherish the Moment
D1422 Wonderful Friend
D1423 Happy Forever
D1424 Something Splendid
D1428 Happy Journey
D1433 My Game
D1439 Spook Alley
D1450 Beautiful Day

My Acrlix Blocks
Z1289 Block Buddy Set
Z185 My Accents Block Organizer
Y1001 1” x 1 ½” block
Y1005 1” x 6 ½” block
Y1007 2” x 11” block
Y1004 2 ½” x 2 ½” block
Y1011 4 ½” x 6 ½” block

Embellishments
Z1154 Designer Ribbon Buttercup
Z1209 Designer Ribbon Cranberry
Z1125 Designer Ribbon SweetLeaf
Z1223 Dimensinal Elements Booksmart
Z1156 Dimensinal Elements Borders
Z1140 Dimensinal Elements Framed Fun
Z1312 Dimensinal Elements Stars
Z648 Embossing Powder Baby Pink
Z671 Embossing Powder Clear
Z647 Embossing Powder Heavenly Blue
Z664 Embossing Powder Pansy Purple
Z678 Embossing Powder Silver Pearl
Z1400 Fanfare Level 2 Assort (brads)
Z1357 Sophia Level 2 Journaling Spots
Z263 Fun Flock White
Z1354 Irresistibles Miracle
ALL Dimensional Elements Monogram A-Z

Envelope Flats
Z1021 Envelope Flats 2 1/2" x 3 1/2"
Z1022 Envelope Flats 3" x 3"
Z1023 Envelope Flats 3" x 4 3/4"
Z1024 Envelope Flats 4" x 4"
Z1244 Envelope Flats 4 1/2" x 4 1/2"
Z1025 Envelope Flats 5" x 5"
Z1026 Envelope Flats 5" x 7"
Z1027 Envelope Flats 5 1/2" x 4 3/4"
Z1028 Envelope Flats 6" x 6"
Z1029 Envelope Flats 8" x 3 1/2"

Tools
3501 Red Eye Pen
Z1090 Texture Tools
Z263 Fun Flock

Color Packs
****24 pks of Cardstock will only be offered in these colors after July 31st:
Kraft,
Black
White Daisy
Colonial White
Vanilla Cream
Chocolate
Cocoa
Desert Sand
Bamboo
Sweet Leaf
Pacifica
Smoothie
Creme Brulee
Olive
Cranberry
Outdoor Denim
*** Note NO Colors have been retire.***

Ink Stamp Pads, Re-Inkers, & Markers
*** We will no longer offer any sets of color families after July 31st. Beginning August 1st you will only be able to purchase our stamp pads and markers individually.

If there is something you really love and don't want to miss out on getting feel free to contact me or visit my website to order.