February Stamp of the Month Blog Hop - D1453 Friendship

It's been a while since I've been able to participate in a stamp of the month blog hop, but I'm super excited to join this month's hop and be among some very talented paper crafters! If you're following the hop, you've come from Cecilia Marsh; if you're continuing on, you'll be headed to Vickie Tagatz. Before you move on, don't forget to see my creation below!

This month's stamp set is a regal damask-like set. When I first received it, I knew right away what colors I wanted to use: Cranberry, White and Black.

This 5x7 greeting card was a quick assemble, but has such a bold look it doesn't need much. Don't you agree?

Here is a shot of the full stamp set:

Here is a list of supplies to recreate the card pictured above. All products are available for purchase on my website or send me an e-mail for the newest Idea Book which goes live February 1.

• 1385 White Daisy Cardstock
• 1386 Black Cardstock
• 1272 Cranberry Cardstock
• Z2105 Black Exclusive Inks Stamp Pad
• Z2109 Cranberry Collection Designer Ribbon

If you'd like to continue on the hop, your next stop is Vickie Tagatz.

The Best for Last - Chatter from the Heart Day 5 (Studio J)

We've come to the end of the week and I've saved the most exciting change for today! Before I reveal what it is, let me ask you some questions.

• Do you have a computer with digital photos and an internet connection?
• Do you love to take pictures but find it hard to get them printed once they've been downloaded to your computer?
• Do you have memories captured in photos that you'd like to preserve?
• Are you interested in scrapbooking but feel overwhelmed by where to begin?
• Are you a seasoned scrapbooker that would like to be caught up on thousands of pictures?
• Would you like to create themed albums (like Baby's 1st Year, Christmas, Sports) but don't want to invest in the paper and embellishments to complete a project?
• Do you want to create more than one of a layout for multiple books? (i.e. a copy for family member or one for each child in your family)
• Are you pressed for time but want to complete pages to add to existing or future albums?

If you answered yes to any of the questions above, then I have a solution for you!

Introducing Studio J, an online design software that allows you to create custom-printed two-page layouts for 12" x 12" albums. There is no software to purchase and install; instead, simply log in to Studio J and start designing your layouts. You can create and immediately purchase your layouts, or you can save them for later completion and purchase. And, don't let the word online or digital turn you away; please keep reading!

Close to My Heart knows you have busy lives—lives that are hosts of crazy schedules and demands, but also of joys and wonders. We take more and more digital photos, but preserve memories less and less. You have the photos, you want the scrapbooks. Ultimately, you need a solution that brings everything together in real time. Studio J is the answer: It translates real life into real scrapbooks in real time—more quickly than you could imagine.

I want to share with you how you can take the photos of your joy and wonder and preserve them for generations to come. You are invited to join me for one of 3 informational events where I'll show you how faster, simpler, and easier Studio J will make preserving your memories. At these events you will:

• View printed pages made using Studio J (see the layouts in this message in real life!)
  
• Watch step-by-step creation of a Studio J layout
• Learn tips and tricks to enhance your pages
• Learn the pros of using this form of scrapbooking
• Discover the savings of different ways to create and print pages

Reservations are required (and will earn you a free gift!) and refreshments will be served. Choose the date that works best for you:

• Jan. 31 at 7 p.m. (Reservation deadline Jan. 30)
• Feb. 3 at 7 p.m. (Reservation deadline Feb. 2)
• Feb. 5 at 11 a.m. (Reservation deadline Feb. 4)

Latisha Haag, Independent Consultant
Close to My Heart
785-624-6356
latishahaag@myctmh.com
Visit my website for the latest product, video tutorials, and shopping!

Chatter from the Heart - Day 4 (Getting product at a discount or even FREE)

With all the exciting changes, I bet you're wondering just how you can get your hands on the great products you've read about. Maybe you're wondering how you can afford all that you want? What about earning product packages (below) at 50% off?

Collection One (only $36.73) - great for a beginning papercrafter!

Bliss Level 2 Paper Packet, Bliss Level 2 My Stickease, Bliss Level 2 Assortment, Chocolate Exclusive Inks Pad, My Acrylix Trellis Stamp Set, 4x4 My Acrylix Block, Clear Buttons, and Irresistibles Villa Chipboard Die-Cuts.

Collection Two (only $37.83) - created with the cardmaker in mind!

Creative Basics Wings Collection, Wishes Card Confidence Program, Weezers, Bitty Brads Metal Assortment, Buttons Green Assortment, 4.5" Colonial White Circle Cards, and My Acrylix Dream Stamp Set.

Collection Three (only $44.70) - a complete set!

Sophia Level 2 Paper Packet, Sophia Level 2 My Stickease Assortment, Sophia Level 2 Journaling Spots, Desinger Ribbon Pink Collection, My Acrylix Heartfelt Treasurers Stamp Set, My Acrylix Fill in the Blank Stamp Set, 1x1 My Acrylix Block, 3x3 My Acrylix Block, and Pear Exclusive Inks Pad.

Collection Four (only $54.48) - for those interested in getting caught up quickly!

12-month Studio-J Membership and a 12x12 Outdoor Denim Quick Pic Album

So, just how can you earn all the products at 50% off?

• Host a home (OR online) gathering and let me teach you new techniques, see the products in person and share with friends how Close to My Heart makes this hobby faster, simpler, and easier while still going easy on your wallet!

• At home or online, a gathering is a great way to celebrate relationships through the art of stamping and scrapbooking. What could be better than sharing products you love with the people you care about? And just as great, when you become a hostess, you can earn valuable Hostess Rewards. Get started with the free product credit, and continue with the shopping spree with Hostess Rewards Plus! items at 50% off. It's a great way to get the products you want and need affordably or even free.

• Can't get everyone together because of time, distance or gathering space? Host an online gathering! If you have e-mail, you're ready to host an Online Gathering using EZ Invite where guests are invited via email and do all their shopping online. You'll receive all the benefits of Hostess Rewards without cleaning the house and preparing food!

Need more incentive to host either a home gathering or online gathering? The first 3 people to book and hold a home or online gathering will receive a FREE product of your choice from me ($10.95 maximum value).

Contact me today to schedule your gathering!

Chatter from the Heart - Day 3 Adding some bling with embellishments!

Since today is HUMP day, who couldn't use a little more bling to spice up creativity? Close to My Heart knows how bling can make any project perfect...that's why there's over 125 products to embellish your creations and 30 of those are brand-spankin' new! What's your fetish? I bet there's an embellishment just for you and all less than $6!

Choose from this list of new products:

• (3) colors of ribbon - Blue, Pink, and Sweet Leaf
• (8) Button Assortments - Red, Pink, Green, Blue, Basic, Clear, Wooden & Canvas Badge (wait until you see the neat techniques you can do with these!)
• (5) Brad Assortments - Red, Pink, Green, Blue, Basic, & Metal
• (2) Bitty Brad Assortments - Basic & Metal
• Sophia Level 2 Journaling Spots
• Lucky Level 2 Assortment (die-cut chipboard shapes)
• Lucky Level 2 Journaling Spots
• Bliss Level 2 Assortment (mesh flowers & filigree butterflies)
• Sweetheart Level 2 Assortment (set of 32 epoxy stickers)
• Fanfare Level 2 Assortment (15 designer brads)
• Wings Level 2 Assortment (pleated ribbon in 3 colors) - these can be ordered NOW through the Inspirations Brochure
• (1) Mini-Medley Accents Collections - Black
• (1) Alphabet Rub-on - Newsprint
• (2) Irresistibles (resist pattern that shows through when covered with chalk, ink, markers or watercolors) - Eclectic Alphabet, Villa
• (1) Kraft Color-Ready Borders
  

Plus, the new SPRAY PEN! This fun tool is great to mist your projects with a mix of water, re-inker, and or pearl paint. You can get one NOW when you reserve your Wings Workshop on the Go kit available during National Papercrafting Month.

Have I wet your appetite to see for yourself what these embellishments look like? Did you know all of these embellishments range in price from $3.25 to $5.95?



Contact me today to get your copy of the 2011 Spring/Summer Idea Book (the only place you can see them before they go "live" on February 1) for only $2 or ask how you can one FREE!

Chatter from the Heart - Day 2 (More, as promised)

Are there specials?
Well, of course! Keep reading to find out what those specials are as well as find out how you can participate in the classes!

When do the classes begin?
The first WOTG class is February 5 at 1:00 p.m. Reservations (with payment) are required by January 21.

Subsequent classes will be offered every other month: April, June, August, October, and December. There is no commitment - come to one or to all, it's your choice. Classes are open to as many or as few as reply, but there is a benefit to encouraging your friends to attend with you. If a minimum of 6 commit to one class, names in a drawing for the hostess rewards for that class...you can earn a minimum of $25 in FREE product! Remember, you don't HAVE to attend the class to complete the projects, so if you live out town/county/state, you can still get in on the hostess rewards drawings if you purchase the kits.

What is the first kit?
This answer leads me into the second promotion you'll want to know about! The first kit is Wings:



This rich kit is offered as a sneak peak during the month of January and includes some fabulous deals if you purchase the WOTG. January is National Papercrafting Month so to celebrate, you can take advantage of discounted new products that cannot otherwise be ordered until February 1.

What are the deals if I attend purchase the WOTG?

• Special pricing on 4 new My Acrylix Stamp sets (average discount of $3 off each set), including a new E-sized Alphabet set (purchase for $25, regular price $34.95)

• Earn the January Stamp of the Month for 25% when you purchase the kit or the kit and 1 item featured Inspirations Brochure
• Earn the January Stamp of the Month for 50% when you purchase the kit and 2 different items featured Inspirations Brochure
• Earn the January Stamp of the Month for 75% when you purchase the kit and 3 different items featured Inspirations Brochure
• Earn the January Stamp of the Month for FREE when you purchase the kit and 4 different items featured Inspirations Brochure

• Receive the New Spray Pen as part of the Wings WOTG
• Purchase 2 new embellishments - Black Mini-Medley Accents Collection or Pleated Ribbon in 3 colors - before they are "live" February 1
• Purchase the new My Creations Banner (8 Chipboard Pennants with 7 Jump Rings) before it's "live" February 1

While you're visiting my website, don't forget to check out the discounts. Some items are up to 90% off!

What are you waiting for? Reserve your Wings WOTG today and get started creating faster, simpler, and easier today...all for LESS!

Chatter from the Heart - Day 2 (Close to My Heart's Workshops on the Go)

Two is always better than one, right? Today it is! You get to read about 2 featured promotions from Close to My Heart in this and a subsequent daily dose of what's new for 2011.

First, Close to My Heart offers a fabulous way to create a set of scrapbook pages and 6 cards faster, simpler, and easier - and CHEAPER! I'm pleased to announce this year I am offering Workshops on the Go classes. While CTMH has offered these kits in the past, I have not promoted them because I was unaware of just how incredibly low the price was for what you get! It's also a fabulous way to get projects completed.



So, what are Workshops on the Go?
Workshops on the Go (WOTG) are unique, economical kits that Close To My Heart offers during each Idea Book cycle to help you get more "bang for your buck." They offer an incredible value because they are the basics you need for some fabulous projects plus you'll learn a new technique completing the projects! Each WOTG includes:

• (1) My Reflections paper pack ($12.95 value)
• (1) exclusive B-size stamp set ($13.95 value; this set is only available with the kit)
• (1-2) coordinating embellishments or tools ($5-8 average value)
• (1) full-color project guide with instructions (priceless because they cannot be ordered separately!)

The guide features an exclusive two-page 12"x12" layout with complete instructions and an exclusive card pattern (with instructions for creating six cards, two each of three different variations). It also offers suggestions for a second layout and three or more different cards (based on CTMH’s how-to guides). You can create everything in the brochure (and then some!) with the materials you receive in your kit.

Though each WOTG kit is valued at well over $30, they only cost $29.95 each (plus shipping & handling/tax), which automatically qualifies you for the stamp of the month at 25% off!



Do I need to attend a class or can I do these on my own?
You do not have to attend a class to create the fabulous projects featured in each WOTG. If you DO attend class, you will have access to all my tools, inks, etc., (and, of course, ME!) that you need for the projects. You will have the option each month of purchasing a specific WOTG kit for the next class, but with the instruction brochure you could easily do the projects on your own. (Of course I’m only a phone call or an email away if you get stuck on something.)

What if I only make cards or only make scrapbook pages?
That's the beauty of these kits! If you don't make one medium or the other, you can simply omit that and use the additional paper to create more cards or more scrapbook pages!

Are there special offers?
To find out, you'll have to wait for the next post later on Tuesday...

Chatter from the Heart - Day 1 (An update on what's new with Close to My Heart)

As with every new year, there are fabulous changes coming in the paper crafting industry and Close to My Heart is no exception. Besides the innovative designs and programs you've come to love with papers and stamp pads as well as Cherish, Imagine and Wishes, CTMH is also leading the industry in making your scrapbooking and stamping creations faster, simpler, and easier while going easy on the pocketbook! Each day this week you'll be receiving an update on what's to come in 2011. Keep reading to see what Close to My Heart and I have in store for 2011 and for you!

TODAY'S FEATURE: My Reflection Kits



Beginning February 1, you can order your favorite products from the NEW Spring/Summer Idea Book. But, HURRY! One of the changes this year is the My Reflections kits are only "live" during the idea book period for which they are featured. If you have favorites, you must purchase them before the next Idea Book is released.  Doing so will give you more choices for fresh product instead of choosing from the same styles over and over.

This Idea Book features 8 new designs with fresh new color combinations:
Sophia (Floral) - blush, goldrush, hollyhock, pear
Bliss (Wedding/Anniversary) - bamboo, chocolate, grey flannel, vanilla cream
Miracle (Bold Floral with Butterflies) - bamboo, crystal blue heavenly blue, sweet leaf
Sweetheart (Hearts) - baby pink, black, cotton candy, tulip
Wings (Butterflies) - black, juniper, sweet leaf, vineyard berry
Mayberry (Summer Scene) - cocoa, honey, olive, smoothie
Lucky (Vintage with Bicycles) - desert sand, olive, outdoor denim, sunset
Fanfare (Stars/Summertime) - cranberry, pacifica, sky, sunny yellow

Only 4 My Reflection Kits remain from previous Idea Books: Magnifique, Olivia, Hooligans, and Mistletoe. All are viewable on my website: http://latishahaag.myctmh.com

Do I have your attention yet? Would you like to see these kits for yourself? You can! Call today for the new Idea Book and be one of the first to see these stunning My Reflection Kits! One of the best money-saving changes made is a reduced price on the Idea Book - instead of $3 the price has been reduced to $2...or you can get it FREE! Contact me today to find out how!