Pretty in Pink

The February special is called Pretty in Pink!  You can get certain pink or gold products for 25%, or 30% off select bundles.

2018 Week 4

Week 4 - which I completed at FETCH.
This stamp set is considered and international set and does not appear in the catalog, but it is available online.  C1696, This is Paradise, $14.  The background papers are actually Daisy White, and this looks much better in person.  But don't all our pages?

2018 Week 3

I was able to work on this layout on Saturday.  It wasn't a super productive scrapbook day, except for this layout.  This double layout has everything a layout needs. 

• Lots of pictures
• Paper colors match photo colors
• Journaling
• Title
• Date
• Stamping
• Embellishments

I took my time and had fun - which is part of the joys of scrapbooking.

Match Box Magic

My new year's resolution is to clean all the clutter spots in my house - the drawers, under the cabinets and beds, closets.  While working on this project, I've come across a pile of stray bobby pins.  They just happen to fit in a matchbox.  To separate it from the real matches, I simply covered it with a piece of pretty paper from my scrap basket.  It would be easy to add to the box with a little ribbon or embellishments, but as this will go back into a drawer in my bathroom, I thought they just might get knocked off.  If you want a little more oomph, a stamped image would work too.
The paper size for my match box was 2" x 4.5".  I put tape on the whole box, then wrapped it with the paper, adding a little more tape where the paper overlapped.  Such a simple way to bring my love of scrapbook paper into other areas.  And a pretty way to wrangle up the bobby pins.

2018 Week 2

This weekend I pretty much stayed in my scrap room, working and organizing.  I put pictures on 8 pre-done layouts.  The one I chose for my goal was another of the Chelsea kit layouts.  The pictures are from our anniversary trip to Atlanta this past October.  The photos below were taken before I did the journaling.  That was only 3 months ago, and I still had to look up the name of the B&B we stayed at!

 

The flower under the brick chimney photo is a leftover for the Love Letters January special.  I was pretty please with the title; it's from the new You Are Here cricut cartridge.  I stamped the background with the leaves (in emerald and fern inks) from the Chelsea Gardens - Cardmaking stamp set. The paper is pewter and I used the same color ink to dab at the bottom of the words for an added touch.

 

 

 

Bloom & Grow

January stamp of the month - $18 or just $5 with a $50 purchase - an easy add if you are ordering to register for FETCH!
The words are all supposed to fit inside the decorative frame.  And how cute is the bag of sunflower seeds with the seed company tag?

2018 Week 1

I've been saying for a while now, you can get so many memories recorded if you just do one double layout per week - 50 layouts at an average of 6 pictures = 300 pictures!
This year - I'm going to practice what I preach and do one layout per week; no catchup, no get ahead.  If I do more than one layout, great!  But I'm going to do one layout per week, no matter how many I did last week and no matter how busy I get.  Priorities, right?
I would like to note that I am an empty nester now - so I get to put scrapbooking ahead of band, chess, soccer or dance as well as laundry and dishes. LOL.
And I'm posting my layouts here for accountability.
My first layout is from the new Chelsea Gardens paper, and as luck would have it, I had Huntsville Botanical Garden photos to go on it!  I did add an additional 4 photos.  Can you spot them?

The photo quality of this layout is a little under par this time.  Usually I take them outside for natural lighting, but when it's 8 degrees outside, I'll deal with a few shadows.
Happy scrapping in 2018!

Love Letters

Happy New Year!
CTMH's January special is a home décor project.  Decorate a letter or two to fill your personal space with a little love.  It takes a little time to put these together, but they are really quite simple, especially if you have the quilling tool.  They are $19 each.

I got two - because I like a lot of motivation in my life.  A D for dream big and a W for work hard.  I've done the D, but the W will probably be a FETCH project.

Boxing Week Sales

Each day this week, CTMH is having an online sale for Boxing Week.

Check it out (click here) for sales on Cricut digital cartridges, albums, ink and cardstock.  The cartridge and colors change daily!

Reindeer in Lights

Here's a fun card for Christmas.

And a little step by step:
Stamp the snow in glacier using the In the Background stamp set.  This is on page 98 of the large catalog.

 

Next cut the background from New England Ivy cardstock using the Tree Line Border die.

 

Then add a strip of white glitter paper for more snow.  Mine is about 3/4" strip.

 

Stamp and cut the reindeer from the Beary Christmas - Scrapbooking bundle. Color the lights with Shin-Han markers and using thin foam tape, put the deer on the card.

 

Stamp the sentiment.  Using a small dot of liquid glass, highlight each light.  It doesn't take long and is easier than it  might appear.

 

And it gives it such a nice finishing touch.  Be sure to let it dry for a few hours!

 

Merry Christmas!

More Details on FETCH

Mark your calendar for a new event!F.E.T.C.H

Forty

Eight

Total

Cropping

Hours

 

Starts Friday, January 26, 2018 at 5:00PM

Ends Sunday January 28, 2018 at 5:00PM

Located at Rainbow Subdivision Clubhouse, 101 Rainbow Glen Circle, Madison, AL

Cost is a $50 or $60* – details below.   *plus tax and shipping

 

Registration for the event opens on December 23, 2017 and closes on January 21, 2018.

There is no ‘full’ for this event; if there are more scrappers than space, the location will change; but with the current space, a change of venue is unlikely.  Your paid reservation guarantees you a spot, regardless of your arrival time.

 

Sleeping arrangements are not included in the crop.  The nearest hotel is Holiday Inn Express & Suites, 2600 Old Fairway Road, with a nightly rate of $95.  If you are interested in booking and sharing a room, I can help co-ordinate the logistics.  Going home is also suggested.  Your supplies will be safe until your return.

 

Simple meals are included (bagels, soup, sandwiches).  We are near several fast food restaurants if you would like to take a break and eat out.  Shared snacks are always welcome. 

 

We are scrapping the weekend away – comfortable clothes are part of the package!  Pajama’s and all forms of comfortable clothes are welcome.  The chairs are of the foldout type.  A cushion is also recommended for comfort.

 

There are two ways to register between December 23, 2017 and January 21, 2018.

• Log onto my website and order $60 (plus tax and shipping) of products under the gathering called January FETCH.  There is no other fee for the event, just the minimum order amount.
  • https://decoratingthedaysofourlives.closetomyheart.com/
• Visit my blog and pay $50 via PayPal.  You will need to find the blog post dated December 23 in order to see the PayPal button for the event.  This option is available for scrappers who do not want any additional supplies, but would like to participate.
  • http://decoratingdays.blogspot.com/ 

 

If you have any other questions, please contact me at:

334-695-2448 – phone or text

decoratingdays@gmail.com

 

Happy scrapping!

Dawn Cortner

Your Close to My Heart Independent Consultant

Save the Date

I'm starting something new - called FETCH.

F - Forty

E - Eight

T - Total

C - Cropping

H - Hours.

• It's a 48 hour long crop. 
• This first one will start on Friday January 26 at 5PM
• and end Sunday January 28 at 5PM. 
• Sign up is not available until December 23 - this is just to let you get it on your calendar if you are interested.
• The price is a minimum online order of $60 (plus tax and shipping), but no additional charge for the crop.  (Cost is $50 if you don't want to order.)
• Food is provided. 
• Sleeping quarters are on your own; I will have nearby hotel information if that option works for you, but going home for locals is good too.
• Supplies can be left safely overnight.
• This event will take the place of my monthly crop.

More details to come in the following weeks!

November Crop

The November crop will be on Saturday, November 18, from 10AM until 10PM or anytime in between.  Cost is $5 or free with a $10 or greater order.  Lunch, dinner and drinks are provided.  Bring your own supplies and work on your projects!  You have access to my tools, stamps and inks, so no need to lug the same items to the event.  Each attendee will receive the following kit as a thank you for attending.

 

November Stamp of the Month

I love this script on the November stamp of the month.  It's available from November 1-30, 2017, for $17.95 or just $5 with a $50 order.  It is also the stamp set used with the December special (calendar kit).

December Special

Yep!  I'm telling you about the December special in November.

That's because it incorporates the November stamp of the month.  From December 1 - 31, 2017 you can get this calendar kit for $56.90.  Or you can order it without the stamp set (which is the November stamp of the month) for $38.95.  You can save a little money and get the November stamp of the month for $5 (with a $50 order).

Just for FUN - November Special of the Month

Get ready to save on FUNdamentals! 

• First, you can purchase Fundamentals products individually at 30% off the retail price.
• Second, purchase a Fundamentals bundle containing the Fundamental paper packet, Complements, AND ribbon, at 40% off the retail price!

Adventure Fundamentals

Basic Fundametals

Enchantment Fundamentals

Whimsy Fundamentals

November Bells & Whistles - Aquarium

I'm on time for this workshop!  We love aquariums and visit with regularity.

I love putting a rainbow of colors on a page and this one worked really well.  Don't you just love the school of angel fish?

The workshop is Saturday, December 1st, and will be the last workshop of 2017.  Stay tuned for a complete list of 2018 events coming soon!  This Bells & Whistle workshop is from 7PM until 9PM, at my house.  There are 11 kits available.  All supplies are included for the price of $10.  This layout holds 7 photos, including one 7"X5", and 6 (marginally trimmed) 4"X6" pictures.  You only see 5 wells in the picture above, but the layout includes a flip flap which allows you to add two additional horizontal photos.
This layout uses:

Pack your bags Cricut bundle stamp set (Z3387, $79, digital version)

Splash of Color stamp set (D1733, $17.95)

Adventure Fundamental paper pack (Z3351, $19.95)

White Daisy cardstock (1385, $9.50)

Black cardstock (1386, $14.50)

Raspberry cardstock (X5974, $14.50)

White Burlap Ribbon (Z3323, $4.95)

Flip Flap 4X6 (Z3231, $4.95)

Blue glitter paper (retired, suggest Pacifica cardstock instead)

Bitty Sparkles (Z1263, $2.95)

Clear Sparkles (Z3274, $2.95)

Pacifica ink (Z2892, $7.95) second generation

Black ink (Z2805, $7.95)

You are Here Cricut cartridge (Z3387, $79, digital version)

Stronger Together

This stamp set has been release by CTMH for a limited time.  The proceeds from sales of this stamp set are being donated to the Red Cross to benefit disaster relief efforts.

 Stronger Together, C1716, $13.95

October Bells & Whistles - BFF

The October Bells & Whistles workshop is Friday, October 27, 7:00 - 9:00PM at my house.  Cost is $10; there are 10 spots available in total.

This is not an overly complicated layout but it will showcase six photos; 3 horizontal and 3 vertical 4"x6" pictures.  You can quite easily change a couple of these for 4"X4"s.  

 

This panel is stamped.

 

This layout uses:

 Best Friends Forever stamp set (D1745, $17.95)

Adventure Fundamentals paper (Z3351, $19.95)

Silver and Gold paper (X7226B, $11.95)

Cranberry cardstock (X5975, $14.50)

White Daisy cardstock (1385, $9.50)

Black cardstock (1385, $14.50)

Black & Gold ribbon (Z3197, $6.95)

Red enamel hearts, retired

Artbooking cartridge (Z3169, $99, physical cartridge)

Art Philosophy cartridge (retired but in my inventory)

Cranberry ink (Z2816, $7.95)

Pebble ink (Z2833, $7.95)

Black ink (Z2805, $7.95)

various blocks

scissors

adhesive

 

 

 

October Stamp of the Month

The October stamp of the month is called Christmas Tunes.  It's $17.95 or only $5 with a $50 purchase.  Only available during the month of October!

Frame It! - Fall Workshop

 

This is the second layout in the Frame It series.  We will be holding this workshop at the Piper & Leaf location on Highway 72 in Madison, at 10 am.  Putting this together will take somewhere between 1 and 2 hours.  Grab a friend and come have some fun!
These workshops are for all creative people, not just scrap bookers.  Some helpful tips:

• The layout showcases a single 4"x 6" photo.
• Cost is $10 for the layout, or $25 for layout and frame.
• All supplies are provided.
• I have the ability to take debit/credit cards the day of the event.
• There are 8 spaces available.  Priority is given to prepaid attendees; RSVP is encouraged (on Face Book) but not mandatory. 
• Tea purchases are encouraged but not required.  If you have a jar don't forget to bring it!
• If you are a scrap booker, you can add your own second page using the Silver and Gold paper pack.

 

 

Frame It - Winter 2017

Layout only $10.00 USD Layout and Frame $25.00 USD Layout only and I'm bringing a friend $20.00 USD Layout & Frame and I'm bringing a friend $50.00 USD

That's so Punny!

The October card workshop is this Thursday.  You can play with the Punny Pals stamp set and matching thin cuts.  Create all the 3X3 cards you want for just $3.  Envelopes are not included, but this 3X3 size is perfect for gift tags or quick notes stuck in a lunch box or taped to a steering wheel.

This super cute stamp set is $17.95.  $7 of each purchase is donated to Operation Smile.  The Share a Smile card kit is $39.95.  It includes the dies, card bases, envelopes and papers to make the cards pictured above. It does not include the stamp set.

October Special of the Month

With the purchase of every Punny Pals stamp set, Close To My Heart is donating $7 of the proceeds to Operation Smile™. And, for this month only and while supplies last, you can get a coordinating set of Thin Cuts for cutting out the adorable animal shapes. Even better, we’ve built an exclusive card kit that includes the Thin Cuts along with card bases, envelopes, paper pieces, and instructions that you can use to create endearing cards that will sure enough bring a smile to anyone’s day!
For Hostess: Hosting a Close To My Heart event is even more rewarding in October! When you host a party that reaches the third level of Hostess Rewards or higher ($350 party total), you’ll receive a FREE Share a Smile Card Kit (CC1342) — that’s a $48.69 value, totally free!
For New Consultants: Anyone who becomes a Close To My Heart Consultant in October will receive a FREE Share a Smile Card Kit (CC1342) in their New Consultant Kit — that’s a $48.69 value, totally free!

Just a note - the stamp set is sold separately and not included in the Smile Card Kit.

Operation Smile

Every time you order, please consider rounding up to the next dollar, to support Operation Smile. Operation Smile, an international non-profit, organizes volunteers and resources to aid children with cleft lip or cleft palate, their parents, and their communities by performing life-saving surgeries and advocating for sustainable healthcare systems.
During the month of October, Close to My Heart is matching your donation - up to $10,000.

You can also support the cause by purchasing special tee shirts, in several different designs, for both men and women.

I'm a big believer in supporting a local cause that benefits people you know, but as far as good causes go, this is a great one.  Just $240 in donations can change a child's life for the better.  So how about donating your change the next time you order by clicking the round up button?  It's small change to make a big change in someone's life.

Cats & Bats

Kits!  I love kits.  As a consultant, I spend a fair amount of my scrapbook time creating new original (or mostly original) layout designs for my fellow scrappers.  But kits are the reason I fell in love with CTMH and they remain my favorite thing. It's just so easy!  I did the Cats & Bats layouts this Labor Day and the card kit called Joyful Tidings.  Let me tell you - the scrapbook pages are easy.  If you are looking for something more detailed - try the card kits.  They are fun but definitely take longer.  Just depends on what you are up for.
My favorite layout of the Cats & Bats is this one.  That panel on the right hand page, with the journal spot on top, picture in the middle and color at the bottom is just so cool!