First Day of School Layout using Cricut Artbooking Cartridge

Both my boys started Pre-K this year.  I go back in forth from feeling sad to giddy about it.  But I definitively feel very pleased with how this First Day layout turned out.

Obviously, I still need to finish the journaling and go pick up the pictures to pop in those adorable photo frames.  But isn't it cute?  As soon as I got my Artbooking cartridge and I was flipping through the booklet and saw these shapes, I knew how I wanted to use them and the layout came together so easily and quickly and just how I'd pictured it.  

I raided my card stock stash.  And let me just take a second here to say that I really like the thickness and quality of CTMH's card stock.  Over the years I've used several different brand, but no since I've started using CTMH's.  One use and it ruins you for others.  Just sayin'.  Anyway, the amazing thing about the Artbooking cartridge is that it tells you which dial size to set your Cricut at and then when you cut all your shapes, they are automatically sized to fit proportionally to your layout.  Now granted I changed my layout up a little from the one in the booklet, but since I knew the sizes it was easy to still have everything work together. 

Also when you purchase the Artbooking cartridge, you receive the three stamp sets and chipboard sheets that coordinate with the shapes.  Well, when I got to look at the stamp sets, I knew I'd be using this stamp often.  And sure enough, it went perfectly with this layout as my journaling spot, don't ya think?

 

So if you you haven't pick up an Artbooking cartridge yet, do it.  You'll be able to create some amazing pages, quickly and easily, and you'll thank yourself.  Trust me.

If you have any questions about the cartridge, please don't hesitate to ask.  I'm more than happy to help.

Happy Crafting!

Jenna

Cricut Tags

Hey!  I got another cool video for you.  This one is from CTMH's Art Department and it showcases two ESSENTIAL products (in my humble opinion):  the Cricut Artiste cartridge and the Holiday Tags stamp set. The ways to use these two are endless and will become part of your "go to" items.




Also the Stamp of the Month, A Chocolate Affair, is only available until the end of the month and is FREE with any purchase over $50.

Happy Crafting!

Jenna

New Consultant Kit for Fall/Winter

Ever think "I wish I had a couple extra hundred dollars a month to work with."  Or "I wish I had something that was just about me," or "I wish I LOVED my job."?

Are you interested in meeting new people?  Having fun with your friends?

Then I just might have the answer to your prayers.  Becoming a Close To My Heart consultant is the best thing I have done for myself in the last few years.  It has brought so much joy to my life and has helped my family in countless ways.  I love the chance to be creative and get out of the house and have fun with others.  I am my own boss and I set my hours, which leaves me plenty of time to take my boys to all their therapy appointment and be there when they get off the school bus.  I LOVE it!

So if you have been thinking there is a need in your life that isn't getting met, please consider the possibility that becoming a CTMH consultant might just be the answer.  It was to my prayers.

There is tons of training and you will have an amazing team supporting you.

Here is a video I created going through the New Consultant Kit for this Fall/Winter.

If you have any questions or concerns, please don't hesitate giving me a call at 417-554-0742 or emailing me at jenna_chere@yahoo.com  I'm happy to help in any way I can.  That is one of the biggest perks of this job:  I get to help people and it feels fantastic.

If you'd like to sign up and get your new adventure started, click here.

Happy Crafting!

Jenna

Tommy Workshop

I am in love with this Tommy paper and Workshop.  While I heart the nautical theme, this primary colored paper also works so well with so many pictures and occasions like graduations, your love, kids...you name it.


 



Join me on Thursday, September 5th at 6:30 or Saturday, September 7th at 10:00 and we will create 2 two page layouts using the amazing workshop.  Below is what is included in your Workshop Kit.   The Tommy paper pack - 2 pieces of three different double sided patterned paper (six different patterns) and six pieces in coordinating cardstock.  An exclusive workshop stamp set, Tommy complements, and chipboard sheet of stars for a value of $29.95 plus shipping and tax. There is enough supplies to create 3 two page layouts and several cards.  Please RSVP by August 29th.

 

Here is one of the layouts we will be creating.

If you are loving this Workshop but these dates don't work for you, have no fear.  You have a couple options. 

Option 1: You can create it during the Last Friday of the Month FREE Crop.  This month it is Friday September 27th at 6:00. 

Option 2: We create it during a You Plus Two event, where you invite two or more of your friends to join you on a night of your choosing.  

Option 3:  You can create it at home on your own.  Detailed instructions will be provided. Delivered straight to your doorstep.

If you are interested in any of these options, just give me a call at 417-554-0742 or email me at jenna_chere@yahoo.com and I'll get you set up.

Happy Crafting!

Jenna

Elegant Birthday Card for Mom Using Frosted

Earlier this month my lovely Mom had a birthday.  Here is the card I made her using the new Frosted paper pack. I love the soft colors and subtle and elegant pattern of the paper.  And even though the pattern is slanted towards winter with its pretty snowflakes, it can easily be used to create an anytime of year card.

I dug through my stash of cut pieces from my Cricut Art Philosophy and found one I liked, then I stamped it, using the elegant script "Happy Birthday" from my Card Chatter - Birthday stamp set.

I rounded the corners, added some ribbon and flowers and blinged them up with some gems.  And easy, peasy gorgeous card. 

She loved it and I am safe as her favorite daughter for another year.  Phew! (hee hee. I am her only daughter.)

Happy Crafting!

Jenna

Introducing New Hostess Exclusive Stamp Sets

One of the great things about Close To My Heart is that they are always looking at ways to provide the trendiest product and lots of ways to reward their Hostesses.  With the release of the Autumn/Winter Idea Book, CTMH introduced New Hostess Exclusive Stamp Sets.  That's right.  The only way you can purchase any of these 7 cool stamp sets is with Hostess Reward Points.  And as an additional Thank You to the Hostesses, these stamp sets are offered at amazing discounts.

Here is a video from Kristine from CTMH's Corporate Office showing fun ways to play with one of the new Hostess Stamp Sets, the trendy Washi Wonder.  It is a set of 24 pieces for only $10 of Hostess Rewards Points.  That is a savings of $7.95.




Here is a picture of another of the Hostess Stamp Sets, Family Photo, only $6 savings of almost $4, that I recently just ordered.  I can NOT wait to play with it.

And here is a card CTMH's Art Department created using the You Only Live Once stamp set for $6. again saving almost $4.

To view all 7 stamp set, click here and they are on page 6 - 9 of the Idea Book. 

Love them?  It's so easy. You simply let me know who you'd like to invite over for some crafty fun, relaxation and "me" time.  You get a few yummies together and I'll take care of all the rest.  And not only do you have a great time, make something cute, but you also earn FREE product.  In addition,  you become eligible to purchase items at 50% off.  So if you been coveting the new Cricut Artbooking Cartridge, imagine getting all that goodness for 50% off.  That would be the cartridge with 700 images, three stamp sets, and three chipboard cutouts for $49.  Great deal, huh?  Or with the release of each new Idea Book, CTMH updates it Hostess Collections, creating amazing bundles of product at 50% off.  Click here and go to page 5 to view the fantastic new Hostess Collections.

So plan so fun, some "me" time, some friend time.  Call me at 554-0742 or email me at jenna_chere@yahoo.com to get the party started! 

Also if I am not locally where you are but you'd still like to earn some of these amazing Hostess Rewards, we can do an online party.  Contact me for details.

Happy Crafting!

Jenna

Surf's Up Swim Lessons Layout with Flip Flaps

The last week of August we will playing with the Surf's Up kit during our workshop.  Here is a page I created.  The Surf's Up paper and embellishments worked perfectly with some swim lessons pictures of I have the girls.  And I had a blast put these Sparkles all over the place.  I apologize for the darkness of the photo.  This is what happens when you do some late night crafting.  : )

 

 

I had a few photos extra that just didn't fit in the layout I wanted to use and one isn't really in focus, so I grab one of our 3 x 3 flip flap and added it on top of to the bottom photo.  I added a little of the coordinating strip from the top of the patterned paper on either side of the bottom of the flip flap to use as as handle.

I love how adding a flip flap allows me to add more pictures without losing the layout and over crowding the page.  I also really like that it makes the pages interactive. 

If you like this page, join us on Tuesday, August 27th at 6:30 or on Saturday, August 31st at 10:00 and we will put together this page and another two page layout.  Please RSVP by August 20th by calling me at 554-0742 or emailing me at jenna_chere@yahoo.com so I guarantee that I have enough supplies. 

If you are not local, and you'd like to complete this workshop, just email me at jenna_chere@yahoo.com and I will mail you all the supplies you need to create the 2 two page layouts and instructions.

Happy Crafting!

Jenna

August's SOTM Chocolate Affair Happy Cards

I heart chocolate.  A LOT!!!  Who doesn't?

When I saw this month's Stamp of the Month, A Chocolate Affair, I was delighted.  The images are so cute and I just love all the funny sentiments. 

I had a blast playing with this stamp set and know that I will keep it in the front of my collection because I will want to use it a ton.  Here a few cards I made with the stamps.

If you are loving this stamp set also, remember that it is only available through August.  You could purchase it at its regular price of $17.98 or if you place an order of $50 or more, you automatically  receive it for FREE!  Yippee!

Also remember, that through the month of August, I am offering this deal on the new, exclusive Cricut Artbooking cartridge. 

I hope everyone is enjoying their last few days of summer.

Happy Crafting!

Jenna

Welcome Back to School Teacher Gift Bags

My kiddos head back to school next week - one sophomore and two in Pre-K.  Oh my.  Sometimes, it still feels weird that I will not be back in my classroom, welcoming my new students.  But I love that I get to be here when my kids get off the bus, especially since the boys only go half a day.  Anyway, I wanted to give my kids' teachers a welcome back gift.  Since middle school, Lelia hasn't wanted to give anything to her teachers.  : (  But the boys don't care.  Yet.

So when we picked up school supplies, I got a few things for the boys' teachers.

I made these cute magnets by punching out little circles from some scrap patterned paper, gluing it to the back of some glass beads and gluing a magnet on the back.  Super easy and quick!

And of course, teachers need some chocolate, so I put some in a little clear bag, stamped a tag with the AWESOME August Stamp of the Month, and tied it up with a ribbon.

Then I popped everything into a kraft bag I had just glued some patterned paper on.  I then added a flower, a button,tied on some bows and tags that I had stamped.  Topped it with some tissue paper and wa la.  Done. 

Aren't they cute?  Got to say, I want one.  I hope the teachers like them.  And to all of you headed back to the classroom - Welcome Back and here's to a great year!

Happy Crafting!

Jenna

Designed Decor White Frame Kit Video

Hiya Everybody.  I just created my first video for my new You Tube channel.  So excited.  Check it out.

If you're interested in getting a Designed Decor White Frame kit sent directly to your door, click here. And if you are interested in getting the August Stamp of the Month (A Chocolate Affair) for FREE, then you only need to purchase an additional $14.00 - maybe some ink stamps and some embellishments or even another stamp set? 

A Chocolate Affair

Happy Crafting!

Jenna

Creating Bright Patterned Paper Using Paisley Perfect Flair

Happy Monday, Everyone.  I hope you had a lovely weekend and found time to get a little crafty.

I played with one of the new stamp sets - Paisley Perfect Flair. 

I used the sentiment (which I love) for one of the cards I had in the August 1st Blog Hop.  In the Idea Book, they show this stamp set with the Laughing Lola paper, using the Gypsy (purple) and Black.  I wanted to play with the stamp set but I wanted the finish project to be brighter.  My two favorite colors are purple and turquoise, so I got out my Gypsy and Lagoon ink and card stock.  And then I added in Blush to round out the colors.  I then did some random stamping which is so easy with our clear acrylic stamps and blocks, allowing place each stamp exactly where I want it.   I just alternated the colors I used and rotated the orientation of the stamp.  Here is the patterned paper I created.

I loved how it turned out.  So I cut it up, added some Gypsy card stock, some Blush ribbon, and used my fav stamp set, Frame Flair, to frame out the sentiment. Then I added a Lagoon flower and Blush Gem to blinged it out to created this fun and bright card. 

Fun, huh?  So pleased with how it turned out.  Have you ever created your own patterned paper? I'd love to know how it turned out.  If you haven't, try it out.  It is super easy and lots of fun.

Happy Crafting!

Show Stoppers and Game Changers

I hope everyone enjoyed the new product Blog Hop.  People will be adding links to the hop through August 4th, so be sure to check back at my last post to see what great artwork has been added.

Can you believe how amazing this new Idea Book is?  I am so excited to play with all the fantastic products that are jammed backed into it!!  I haven't counted them, but word on the street is that there is over 500 new items introduced.  Woozers.

Now of course, EVERYONE is talking about the new Cricut "Artbooking" cartridge.  And why shouldn't they?  It is a Game Changer.  Over 700 images, themed pages, an alpha, overlays, tons of photo mats and embellishments.  And the 10 themed way cool mini albums - where with one dial size and one button you can cut an entire mini album from pages, titles, and embellishments that are to the size you desire whether it is 6 x 6, 8 x 8, or 12 x 12.  Crazy cool.  And if that wasn't enough, you are getting three chipboard cutouts and three stamp sets that correspond. 

And remember that because August is my birthday month, I am running an awesome deal.  If you order the cartridge during August, you can purchase it at 20% off.  Or if you host a party during August, in addition to the sale price, I will also enter you to win a $40 shopping spree to be announced at the end of August. 


Now besides the amazing cartridge, there are some true Show Stoppers that I am very excited for you to see.  CTMH introduced two new Decor pieces:  the Designed Decor Colonial White Frame and Designed Decor Black Frame .

 

So cool, right?  The Black Frame has five clothesline wires for hanging artwork, photos, etc.  The White Frame has honeycomb wires.  Both are 12" x 13 1/2" and can be found on page 70 in the catalog.   Besides being wonderful home decor items for your home, they will look amazing in an office and will bring a smile to anyone when given as a present. 

Besides being available to purchase individually, you can also purchase the White Frame as part of a Kit (pictured above) which includes the exclusive stamp set, cut kraft pieces, baker's twine, and mini clothespins. 

Another Show Stopper are the new Base & Bling Wearable Art  found starting on page 74 in the Idea Book.  Available are bases for a necklace, cuff, hair clips, rings and headbands.  Then you choose how you'd like to bling it out.  There are five color jewel packs, Floral and word accents, special adhesive and fabrics to create endless possibilities. Amazing, right?

 Or you can purchase the  Base & Bling Fabric Necklace Kit  (page 77) which comes with a sheet of fabric, necklace base, adhesive, teal and black jewels, floral and word accents along with directions. $14.95 Super easy to put together in about an hour.  Then wear it and start accepting all the complements. 

  

And the last Show Stopper I want to share with you today is the new Crush books.  Great for scrapping on the go, easily adding all those fun memorabilia items from ticket stubs, cards, programs, etc.  Available in two designs, Modville and Bluebird, shown below. These have been very popular and are on back order until mid August.  For easy and quick scrapping, there are four assortments and two stamp sets designed to correspond with the books.  Each assortment pack has 16 journaling spots, 4 - 4 x 4 Stickease sheets, 2- 4 x 4 Alpha sticker sheets, and 4 - 2 x 2 envelopes.  All Crush items are shown starting on page 62.  

If you'd like to look through the Idea Book, click here.  If you'd like to have me send you one, just email me your address at jenna_chere@yahoo.com and I'll pop one in the mail for you. 

And remember, all orders ship directly to your home, so you could be playing with these amazing items soon.

Happy Crafting!

Jenna

Introducing the New CTMH Autumn/Winter Idea Book

Yippee!  It is finally here.  Be prepared to be inspired and get your Crafty on!

The first paper kit I played with is Laughing Lola.  Isn't is so fantastic!!  Here is a trio of cards I created for the new product Blog Hop.  I am a huge fan of purple and I adore the sentiment on the stamp set, "A touch of class and a lot of sass!"  Perfect for quite a few people.  Click here to see the entire paper kit and click here and here to see the stamp sets.

I also HAD to play with the Laughing Lola Workshop.  Oh my!  I could not be any more pleased with how this turned out.  I followed along with the Workshop on the Go but needed to make a few changed to fit my photos.  We will be playing with fun paper during September.  But if you can't wait until then, you can click here to order your workshop and have it sent now to your home.

August Stamp of the Month - A Chocolate Affair.  Love this set?  CTMH is offering it free to every customer who places an order of $50 or more.  This is a size D stamp set with 16 images that sells for $17.95.  To place an order click here or give me a call and have your order delivered directly to your home.

Below is other artwork my fellow CTMH consultants created using items from the new catalog.
This blog hop is open for members of the CTMH Blog Boosters. Please do not enter artwork if you are not a member of the group.

To look through and be inspired by all the awesomeness in the new Idea Book, click here or if you'd prefer a hard copy, shoot me an email with address or give me a call and I'll pop one in the mail to you.

Happy Crafting!

Jenna