March Stamp of the Month Blog Hop!

Welcome to our Stamp of the Month Blog Hop!

We will be featuring March's SOTM, which is called Potential, a set of 8 stamps.

 

If you have come here from Wanda Riley’s Blog, you are on the right path! J

The blog hop is a great big circle, so you can start here and work your way all around. If you get lost along the way, you’ll find the complete list of participating consultants HERE.

This month we have approximately 54 Close To My Heart Consultants sharing their creations using this month's SOTM and other great CTMH products on their blogs.

So sit back and ENJOY your time of brainstorming how YOU can use this wonderful Stamp of the Month Stamp set!!!

This Blog Hop is easy to do…just click on the link at the end of each post to move along to the next one!!!

Have FUN! J  

I chose to create TWO cards using this Stamp set.  I used the NEW Lucy paper pack!  The grey tones in this paper pack pull me towards this paper again and again. 

Items used to create these cards…

X7149B Lucy Paper pack

1388 Colonial White Cardstock

Z1686 Cricut Art Philosophy Collection

Z1326 Red, Pink, & Purple asst of sparkles

Z1335 Licorice Adhesive Gems

Z1704 Pewter Badge Buttons

Z1383 Sweet Leaf Stitched Grosgrain ribbon

Z1701 Baker’s Twine – Neutral

Z1738 Colonial White Die-Cut Cards & Envelopes

Inks used…Cotton Candy, Grey Wool, and Crème Brulee

 

Now "Hop" on over to Shelia Stamping Stuff Blog to see her work!

Be sure to visit all the Consultants at their Blogs to get some great crafting ideas and other fun ideas! Remember, the March SOTM is only available until March 31st!!!

Contact your CTMH Consultant (or CLICK HERE ) to see how you can get this EXCLUSIVE stamp set at an AMAZING discount!

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Here are some more details with the two cards shown above…

For the first card, I used the How-To Book “Wishes”.  The pattern is called “On the Edge” and is shown on page 53. 

For the card base, I used grey wool ink on my image, but used the 2nd generation ink to make it a subtle image. 

Sponging all the edges in grey wool really give it a nice finishing touch.

For the 2nd card…I again used the 2nd generation stamping of the Grey Wool ink.  It’s so FUN to create your own background designs with stamps!!

I love the card SHAPE…and you can get this shape too!  We carry these card designs in a pack of 10…AND it included envelopes!  You will receive these 3 1/2” x 8” cards in a pack of 10 with the die-cut edge for only $6.95!!! 

I also used our NEW Pewter Badge Buttons to finish off the ribbon!  These pewter badges are GREAT!!!  They are self adhesive – with a VERY sticky adhesive!  This badge will NOT be coming off of this bow!  I really appreciate how CTMH has added adhesive backs to sooo many of your embellishments!!!  Yayy! J

I hope you enjoyed the cards and I ENCOURAGE you to create some artwork of your own!!! 

Make sure you VISIT Shelia Bennett’s Blog to continue on this

March Stamp of the Month Blog Hop!!!

****************************************************

In case you haven’t heard the WONDERFUL news J,

You will want to make sure to check out the OTHER…AMAZING special that is happening in March at Close To My Heart!!!

******From March 1st – March 31st,

ANYONE who JOINS my Close To My Heart TEAM

will automatically receive the Close To My Heart

Cricut BUNDLE for FREE!! ********

 

AND…if you already own the Cricut Bundle – YOU will get to chose $100 in Select Product Credit in place of the Cricut Bundle for FREE!!! 

Way to go CTMH!!! They thought of EVERYTHING!!! J 

That means you pay ONLY $99 for over $450 worth of QUALITY, BEAUTIFUL Close To My Heart Products!!! 

 

If you’d like to learn more about what it means to join my team click here. 

 

Close To My Heart is for EVERYONE

– whether you are a hobbyist (wanting the discount) or

whether you’d like this to become your Business!!! 

 

CHECK out this VIDEO for all the details concerning this AMAZING March Special!!!

Blessings to each of you!!!

Krista Hershberger J

Close To My Heart Independent Consultant

359 Warwick Road, Elverson, PA 19520

610-587-9116

fun2stampnscrap@dejazzd.com           www.ctmh.com/kristah

 

Footloose & Seaside Wooden Shapes

I was privileged to be a part of the Karen Morris swap! J  I LOVE being a part of this amazing swap and receive so MANY beautiful pieces of artwork!!! 

This time, I chose to use the NEW Footloose Paper pack.  Summer is right around the corner (am I rushing things?) and this paper pack makes me so happy! 

The colors in this kit are…Bamboo, Crème Brulee, Lagoon, New England Ivy, Pear, Smoothie, Sweet Leaf and White Daisy ~ PERFECT summer colors!!!










Here are my swaps – ready to be mailed…

I created 8 sets of everything.  I kept one set for myself, and mailed off the other 7 to Karen. 

Here are the pieces I created.   

One of the requirements for this swap was to use as many BRAND NEW items that we could!!!  I used new Stamp Sets, Embellishments, Card shapes, Workshop Kits and MORE!!


Today we will look at the details for the 12x12 page.

I was soooo EXCITED as I “found” these Hawaiian flowers!!!  Ok, so they were on my Art Philosophy Cricut cartridge all along…but I personally hadn’t “found” them yet! LOL!!!
 (stay tuned to the end of this post for details on how to get this Art Philosophy Cricut Bundle for FREE!!!!!!)











To give these flowers some dimension and style, I stamped an image from our new Diverse Backgrounds stamp set in Smoothie ink on top of the Smoothie flower.  I then sponged all the edges in Smoothie and used one of our NEW Paradise Paper Flowers for the 3rd flower.  For the center of the flower I used the Round Durables!  LOVE these new Embellishments!!!

To finish off this section, I used our NEW Seaside Wooden Shapes and cut part of the Zip Strip (the 1/2” extra strip at the top of our 12x12 designer papers) of “Tropical Get a Way”. 

A tip for you…we have 3 new kinds of laser wooden shape designs!  They are so lightweight and add an extra flair to any of your creations!  They are stampable, and inkable…but in this case, I chose to leave the piece just as it was packaged. J Check out page 39 of the new Idea Book to see another way you can use these shapes.

Here is a complete list of items I used to create this page.
“Beach Fun” 12x12 layout – Imagine ~ “Thumbnails” left side pg 100

• E1015 Cocktail Alphabet
• D1508 Diverse Backgrounds
• D1511 Kick Back
• X7151B Footloose Paper Pack
• Z1686 Cricut AP Collection
• Z2196 Smoothie Ink
• Z2195 Lagoon Ink
• Z2153 Sweet Leaf ink
• Z2103 Bamboo ink
• Z1706 Durable Round Studs
• Z1696 Keepsake Felt Alphabet
• Z1710 Paradise Paper Flowers
• Z1693 Seaside Wooden Shapes
• Z1090 Foam Tools
• Z534 Micro-Tip Scissors
• Z1151 3-D Foam Tape
• Z341 Mini Glue dots

Cricut Flowers sizes  - Large flower – 3” smoothie <flower 8>, 1 ¾” white <flower 8>
                                           Small flower – 2” smoothie <flower 8>, 1 ¼” white <flower 8>

One more thing…are you curious about how YOU can get the AMAZING Art Philosophy Cricut Bundle for FREE??

Let me share with you about the FABULOUS deal that starts March 1st!  

I am SOOOO EXCITED J for this WONDERFUL opportunity that Close To My Heart is giving to each and every one!!!

******From March 1st – March 31st,

ANYONE who JOINS my TEAM

will automatically receive the

Close To My Heart Cricut BUNDLE for FREE!! ********

The value of this package is $124.95 and it retails at $99!!! 

Joining my team means…

you pay $99 for the original Kit (retails at $280)

which is THIS…

PLUS you receive THIS…

for a TOTAL of ONLY $99!!! 

For more details on joining my team, please give me a call, email or text!  I’m here to help YOU as you bring CTMH into your life! 

This month is your CHANCE to JOIN

the Close To My Heart family!! 

CLICK HERE for details on the MANY different ways you can join my team! 

Make sure you check out this FUN video to learn about the details when you JOIN my Team in March!!!

Blessings to you!

Krista

Krista Hershberger

Close To My Heart Independent Consultant

359 Warwick Road, Elverson, PA 19520

610-587-9116

fun2stampnscrap@dejazzd.com           www.ctmh.com/kristah

 

GREAT February Deal- only 6 more days!

I can’t BELIEVE how fast February is flying by!!  It has been a BUSY but EXCITING month and because of that, I haven’t been able to blog as much as I was planning.  Don’t worry – I have LOTS of projects that need to be shared and can’t wait to do that soon! J

I did want to make sure that you didn’t MISS your CHANCE on the

WONDERFUL February special! J 

This month with Studio J, you will receive…

Five for Free
Buy a Studio J® 5-pack, get one 5-pack free!

 

This is a GREAT time to TRY Studio J!! 

How does it work? 

Normally, a Studio J 5 -pack consists of:

*5 two- page layouts, 5 Memory Protectors, and free shipping and handling and costs $55.00

During the month of February –

you will get TWO 5-packs for only $55.00!!!!

 

Some other questions you may have….

Can I give the 5-packs as gifts?
Yes. When you purchase 5-packs in person I will give you a 5-pack card(s)  that include the 16-digit code you will use at checkout.  You can easily give a 5-pack as a gift by giving the gift recipient one of the 5-pack cards. If you want to order without seeing me in person – that’s FINE.   I will need your email address and when I place your order, a code will be emailed to you with the activation code for the 5-packs.  You can then gift a 5-pack by giving one of the 16-digit codes to the recipient.

How much do my customers save with this promotion?
If a Studio J member were to purchase 10 layouts and Memory Protectors, it would cost $65. If a customer were to buy two 5-packs at regular price, it would cost $110. If a customer were pay full retail price for two shipments of five layouts and Memory Protectors each, it would cost $148.40. Thus, your customers save between $10 and $93.40 when they take advantage of this deal!
Do I get free JPG files of each of my layouts purchased with 5-packs?
JPG files are a benefit of having a Studio J membership. If you are a Studio J member, you will get free JPG files of every layout you purchase on Studio J, whether you use a 5-pack code or simply purchase your layouts. If you are not a member, you will not receive JPG files with your layouts.

As you can see …

– this is the PERFECT time to TRY Studio J!!!!  J 

 

I love the fact that EVERYTHING is included with Studio J - there is NO EXTRA CHARGE for any “extra” items when it comes to embellishments, stickers, papers, etc.!!! It’s all included in the cost!!

Another question I often receive is…
Can I try it before I buy?
Yes, YES and YES!  I think this is one of BEST aspects of Studio J!!!  You don’t have to COMMIT to anything before you buy!!!! 
 
If you would like to learn MORE about STUDIO J, feel free to CLICK HERE where you can PLAY FOR FREE !!  I encourage you to create an account when you “play”– this doesn’t obligate you to purchase anything BUT it DOES save your layouts for 90 days IF you chose to become a Studio J member.

To learn MORE details about Studio J, please feel free to CLICK HERE to learn more about Studio J OR call, email or text me with any questions you may have!

I do OFFER one-on-one OR group classes to teach the basics with Studio J. We can do it in person OR online together!

Another great resource is to watch the Studio J videos that Close To My Heart creates. These are FILLED with helpful tips and I learn something every time I watch them!!! CLICK HERE to start watching.

If you’d like to get your Studio J pages started right away… CLICK HERE ! J
 
Have fun creating and remember…I’m just a phone call or text away!!!
Blessings,
 Krista
 

February Stamp of the Month stamp set

Click here to see some ideas using this ADORABLE stamp set!

Love Your Layout - Studio J February 2012

Check out this FABULOUS Studio J layout!!! 

I LOVE the tips and ideas shown in this clip.  Studio J is so FUN, SIMPLE and EASY!!! :) 

Enjoy the show!!!

Happy Valentine’s Day!

My 9 year old daughter has been BEGGING me to post her artwork! J 

We had a lot of fun creating the other night, and I thought she did a pretty good job!  Here are the items she created….

She made sure I noticed how she cut with her scissors around the heart flowers – LOL.  (I’m a bit scared of the words that come from her as she is creating…WOW – she can sound like I do at times! J ) 

I was pretty impressed when I noticed she stamped the heart on the right card, and then stamped another heart on cardstock and cut it out!!! When she ran upstairs to her craft box and came down with her 3D foam dots...I knew exactly what she was going to do with them!! Pop the heart!  I guess she DOES watch how Mom does it! LOL!! 

She was pretty excited about the items and asked “PLEASE Mom, can you put these on your blog?” So…here they are!! I’m sure she’d love to hear any comments you may have for her!!!  J

Well, Mom created some items too this evening. J Here are the items I created…



I used the stamp set called “Affection” for the french fry boxes.  This stamp set is a C size set retailing at $13.95 and it is shown on page 65 of the New Spring Idea Book.  It was great fun to use the new BAKER’S Twine and use this Stella paper!!!  I love how adding Stardust Glitz Glitter Gel added a bit of shimmer to the cocoa colored heart. 

Of course, I used the Art Philosophy Cricut Cartridge to create these AMAZING, ADORABLE french fry boxes!!!  This cartridge has made things soo much easier in creating…it doesn’t seem right! J


For the 3x3 card, I used the new stamp set called “A Blossom” and YES it is an A size set meaning it is only $6.95!!!  I used the new STELLA paper pack, NEW Neutral Baker’s Twine and the NEW Circle Durable Studs!! 







I hope you were able to enjoy your day and tell someone how much you care about them!! 
Blessings to each of you!!
 Krista

New Product–STELLA Workshop on the Go!

The NEW Stella Paper pack! 
Here is a picture of the designs in the Stella level 2 paper kit…

My workshop class this month will be using the Stella Workshop kit!  I LOVE how this kit turned out and am VERY excited about the 3rd layout – it’s a layout using  just paper and Stickease – no inking or stamping!!! J








If you are looking to purchase something where you will get MORE for your money…the Workshop on the Go(WOTG) kits are the way to GO!!! 

There are EIGHT new WOTG kits with EVERY new Idea Book!!!  Since there are 6 months in between each new Idea Book – this means you can do MORE than one kit a month! 

Each kit includes:

• Level 2 paper pack
  
• EXCLUSIVE WOTG stamp set (ONLY available by purchasing this kit)
  
• 2 extra sheets of a neutral cardstock
  
• 1-2 embellishments
  
• Pamphlet with DETAILED instructions

You receive all of these items at an AMAZING price of $29.95(plus shipping & tax)!!!

I have completed my Stella layouts and I thought I’d share them here. 


First, here is what is included in the Stella Workshop on the Go (WOTG) kit…









Workshops on the Go™ Stella Kit (G1032)
Retail Value: $34.08 / You Pay: $29.95 (plus shipping & tax)
1 – My Reflections® Stella Paper Packet (X7147B)
1 – My Acrylix® Stella Workshop Stamp Set (C-size)
2 – Colonial White Cardstock Sheets
1 – Bohemian Assortment (Z1687)
1 – Dimensional Elements Hearts (Z1735)
1 – Instructional Brochure





Next, this is the FIRST layout created with the Stella WOTG.  The included instruction guide gives COMPLETE detailed instructions on how to create this layout! 




The 2nd layout directions can be found on my website, under  “Workshops on the Go”.  CLICK HERE to see how WONDERFUL these directions are!

You will notice that I did CHANGE this 2nd layout a bit.  I wanted to add a few more pictures to my layout…so I changed the layout design a tiny bit. J

When you go to the “Workshops on the Go” link - you will also find the instructions and cutting guides for the “Bonus Project” shown with each paper pack. 

For this Stella paper pack, I chose not to create the bonus project that CTMH has listed this month, but created a 3rd layout instead.  Actually – I would have more than enough paper to STILL create the bonus items J, but I haven’t had the chance to do that yet. 

For the 3rd layout, I used a pack of the NEW Canvas Stella Complements…LOVE these!!!


Here is a picture of the completed 3rd layout.

For my workshop classes, the group of ladies that are part of my monthly group always like to end the evening with a  QUICK, SIMPLE but BEAUTIFUL layout – our 3rd layout!!!

We cut paper….and add Stickease or the New Complements!!!  I LOVE how this turned out…check out this picture of the close up images of these canvas Stickease and the Bohemian Assortment that comes in this Workshop on the Go kit!!!

If YOU are interested in joining my monthly classes, YOU CAN…EVEN if you do not live close to me!!! 

I will be starting a new “Club” in March!!!  We all loved to be rewarded J, and that’s what we do at my monthly hostess club!

This Hostess Club is designed for those that love to do workshops and even those just beginning to scrapbook! 

Each member will get a turn to be Hostess and will earn AT LEAST $25 in Hostess Rewards.

This is a GREAT way to budget your scrapbooking purchases and get a lot of scrapbooking done!  No longer will your scrapbooking supplies pile up in a drawer or closet.  You will actually USE what you purchase!

****Read on for details!****

How does it work?

All club members will be put on a ‘revolving’ rewards list! For the first month – anyone who makes a qualifying purchase is eligible and the order of names will be determined by draw. The top name on the list receives that month’s Hostess Rewards (minimum of $25 in Select FREE Product!) as determined by the total orders received.  Then for the next month, the hostess name will move to the bottom of the list and all the other names move up.  Each month, names will continue to move up (& down) in this escalator fashion.

What does the CLUB cost?

THERE IS NO EXTRA COST TO JOIN!  Just meet your monthly club minimum order for each club month. Each club consists of: 5 members with a $30 per month commitment (March thru July) (Amounts are BEFORE shipping and tax)

Each month, the club will do the Workshop project that is provided by Close To My Heart.  Each kit costs $29.95 for your basic supplies.

Your kit will contain:
· A complete Level 2 My Reflections Paper Pack
· A full color brochure with complete cutting guide and step by step instructions. Additional layouts and cards are found on my CTMH website.
· One coordinating embellishment (ie. Ribbon round, Mini Medley, etc. – embellishments will vary with each project)
· One EXCLUSIVE Stamp set that cannot be purchased in the current idea book.
****YOU ARE NOT OBLIGATED to purchase the kit each time. If you choose not to purchase the kit, you just need to place your min. $30 order.

So how does this mean more rewards for you?

If you are a regular purchaser and order on a monthly – you will be REWARDED!  You can potentially earn the Hostess Rewards at least 2 times per year!

Want even MORE rewards?

When it is your turn to be Club Hostess, you are more than welcome to bring in outside orders to help boost your sales for club. I encourage (not require) ladies to host a gathering or hold a book party within a week of club meeting. It is amazing the difference a few orders can make and bump you up to the next level of FREE product and a chance to purchase items for 50% off!

What are the benefits to joining a Club?

  *Gives you more hands-on with your scrapbooking tools.

*Familiarize yourself with the wonderful How-To books designed by Close To My Heart.

*Receive instructions to create layouts that are NOT published in any of the How-To books.

*You will receive my instruction and assistance as you create.

*Some GIRL TIME!!

*Help you slowly build your supplies without breaking the bank!

*Each Hostess is guaranteed at LEAST $25 in FREE products!

*FREE catalog/idea book for as long as you are a member of club.
 

So, how can you be a part of this wonderful opportunity if you are not local to me???

You will be able to order your supplies through an EZ Invite order that will be sent directly to you!  This will allow you to order the WOTG kit PLUS it will give you a chance to take advantage of many specials on my website – the “While Supplies Last” section would be included! J 

   Please remember, these workshops CAN be completed on your own very easily! That’s the WONDERFUL thing about Close To My Heart’s WOTG kits!!
The instructions that are included for the 1st layout. The 2^nd layout instructions can be found on my website (which I can easily send your way)…and if you’d like to create the 3^rd layout with the coordinating stickease, I will email you the directions & picture that I have created  for this 3^rdpage!

What a PERFECT opportunity to use BEAUTIFUL, QUALITY products while preserving your memories…AND EARNING free products!!! 

I look forward to hearing from you and am here to answer any other questions you may have! J 

Blessings to you!
 
  Krista

New Product–Velvet Rub-Ons

NEW PRODUCT Review– Velvet Rub-ons

  

You will find these on page 127 in the Spring/Summer Idea Book.

I was very impressed and EXCITED when I saw these velvet Rub-ons!!! They truly do feel soft and fuzzy. J

 

The pack consists of (2) 5x6 sheets and they retail for $4.95.

They come in 2 colors…Dark Chocolate or Black.

Another NEAT thing about these velvet rub-ons… they coordinate with our upcoming MARCH Stamp of the Month stamp set “Potential”!

When using rub-ons, I would suggest you cut out the rub-on image you would like to use. As you cut out the Velvet Rub-ons, cut out and around the flourish image carefully and neatly. Why?? Because you can use both the positive AND negative images! J

The pictures show two cards my wonderful upline, Joyce Houck, created!

The left card uses

the positive image,

while the right

uses the negative!!!

Isn’t it great to get the most for your money? You will want to make sure to have these rub-ons on hand for your next CREATIVE project! J

 

Happy Crafting!!!

Krista

Operation Smile Miracle Challenge

YOU CAN HELP MAKE A MIRACLE!

Join our Make a Miracle challenge by donating toward reconstructive surgeries for children around the world through Operation Smile.® 

Since 2004, Close To My Heart has partnered with this nonprofit charity to provide free life-changing operations for children with facial deformities.  It takes as little as $240 to help provide a surgery and change a young life forever; with our Make a Miracle challenge we hope to raise enough funds to help create hundreds of new smiles.

Participate in the miracle by donating—100% of your contribution goes to Operation Smile, so every dollar helps. And thank you for helping us change the world, one smile at a time!

I appreciate each of my customers as they will often “round up” their order at a gathering, workshop, etc.  THANK YOU for doing that!  It’s amazing how that “little bit” adds up and becomes BIG – big enough to give HOPE to a child that has a facial deformity! 

Please watch the video below, to learn more about Operation Smile and how they reach out and help these children. 

After viewing this, please consider a way that you can join Operation Smile as they continue to help these beautiful children. J

How can you  help?  Here are a few ideas…

• Your Consultant will gladly accept your donation.
• Round up your order total to the next dollar and donate
the difference.
• Work with neighbors and friends to sponsor one surgery.
• Donate with a purchase on your Consultant's MyCTMH®
website.

Blessings to you!

 Krista



Dino-Mite Scrapbook Pages & get FREE items until Feb 6th...details below!

I LOVE this video!!!  It amazes me how ONE stamp set can be used in so many ways and look TOTALLY different by changing the color!! 

In this video, we show you how to create the scrapbook pages featured on page 89 of the Spring/Summer 2012 Idea Book. Simply by choosing masculine or feminine colors, you can get double the use out of one single stamp set and create “dino-mite” artwork for a boy or a girl! 

Don’t miss out on the FEBRUARY specials!!! 

February Stamp of the Month stamp set

Studio J

Buy ONE Five pack, GET ONE FREE!!! 

A FABULOUS deal!!!

If you would still like to be a part of specials from my Spring Open House, you can place your order with me until Monday, Feb 6th.  You will receive…

NEW items from the Spring/Summer Idea Book for FREE when your subtotal reaches the $30, $50 and $80 mark!

  CLICK HERE to read all the details and see what new products you can receive!!! J

Have a WONDERFUL weekend and Blessings to you!!!

Krista