CTMH Sept Stamp of the Month Blog Hop

Welcome to the Stamp of the Month blog hop.  Whether you're starting here, or hopped over from Angela's Blog, you're right on track.  Just keep following the links and you'll see all the fun samples we have to share.

I think my favorite thing about this adorable set is....I got to use my new markers to color the images.  I am loving our new markers!!  They are so easy to use.

Instead of going with the traditional fall colors, I switched things up a bit and went with some lighter shades.  I used the colors in the Clementine Paper pack.

This month I also featured a fun product that we often forget about...photo storage pages.  The storage pages are perfect for quick and easy scrapbooking.  You can simply slide your photos in and be done, or you can add some patterned paper and dress it up.

 Now it's time to hop on over to Susan's blog to see what she created.

Workshop Cards featuring CTMH Dakota Paper Pack

At my August workshop I featured cards using the Dakota paper.  I loved using this paper so much.  I wish the colors in my photos had turned out better because they are so rich and gorgeous in person!  I've also become a bit obsessed with the Durables Studs.  They look so good.  I want to add them to all of my projects now.

The first card was inspired by Alissa Chilton.  I had to switch it up to accommodate the size of card I was using and the papers I already used in the other projects.

Next up is a quick and easy card that is very striking in person.  Using the durables studs help carry that masculine feel.

And last, but definitely not least... is my favorite of the bunch!!  It can be a card or a gift card holder.  Check out my video below for more details.  I love this style of card and plan to make more!

Products Used:

• X7157B Dakota Paper Pack
• X1701 Baker's Twine Neutral Assortment
• Z1706 Round Durables
• Z1705 Square Durables
• Z282 Black Hemp

Loving our New CTMH Markers!!

I was so excited when they announced that we are now carrying alcohol markers!!  I love to color.  I get excited whenever kids pull out coloring books.  I will gladly sit down and color with them.  I just get frustrated when they keep wanting to turn the page before I am finished with my masterpiece. LOL

I got my shipment of markers last week and I am working on some fun samples, but here's a great video from Close To My Heart to get you started.

Paper Cupcakes Blog Hop featuring It's Your Day

Welcome to the Paper Cupcake's Blog Hop! (Paper Cupcakes is the team name of my great upline Bren Yule!)

Whether you are starting here, or hopped over from Bren's blog, you're right on track!

Today we are featuring the National Stamping Month double stamp set "It's Your Day."


You can purchase this fun set for $5 when you place an order of $35 or more between August 15 and September 30, 2012.

I love how  many fun background stamps come in the set. You can make patterned paper to match any color combination.

Combine Specials and Get More Bang for your Buck!!!!

Not only is this a fabulous deal all by itself, but just look what you can do when you combine specials and the purchase of our new Artiste Cricut Cartridge

Purchase the Artiste Cartridge - $99 (includes 3 stamp sets and 3 pkgs of dimensional elements)

That purchase qualifies you to purchase the Stamp of the Month for $5

and the It's Your Day double stamp set for $5.


For $109 plus tax and shipping you end up with

• Artiste Cartridge
• 6 Stamp Sets!
• 3 Pkgs of Dimensional Elements
• And a fun little organizer bag from me to you to keep it all organized together

Now hop on over to Heather's Blog to see what she has created!

Love Decor featuring CTMH La Belle Vie Paper Pack

Here's another fun sample from my Extravaganza booth at the Close To My Heart convention.  I created my own chipboard pieces and covered with paper from the La Belle Vie paper pack.  I used my cropodile to punch holes and hooked together with extra rings I had from the banners we sell in the catalog and I added some of our fun new Tulle!!! Love that stuff.  You can add it to anything to give it a little "ohh la la."

This is a really quick and easy project that you can adapt to any home by switching the paper pack to one that matches your decor.

I included pictures of a few of the things I love...

My crazy Merrill family!
My boy and his girl walking with my little pup.
My hubby and I
and of course...who could resist that little Maisy face!

Supplies Used:

• X7158B La Belle Vie Paper Pack
• X7158C La Belle Vie My Stickease
• Z1798 Black Tulle Ribbon
• Z1393 Black Mini-Medley Accents (ribbon)

You can order any of the supplies I featured on my website or contact me to get details about how to host your own gathering online or in person!

Card featuring CTMH Flirty Paper pack

Heading off to girls camp and I didn't quite get all my posts scheduled before hand so I thought I would test out my blogger iPhone ap. So far it's looking good. I might just be able to send off some updates from camp if I have a good enough signal.

Here's a quick and easy card I made featuring the Close To My Heart Flirty paper pack.

fun technique - color sparkles with our new markers to match your project.

CTMH Cricut Artiste - Pop-Up Cards

One of the keys I was assigned to use for my Extravaganza Presentation at the Close To My Heart 2012 Convention was the "A" key and it contains fun pop-up cards.

You can create a card that says "Hello" or one that says "love," but as you can see on my board below... I came up with a third option.  Simply flip the card insert over, or cover it with paper and you can have a blank canvas to create whatever kind of pop-up card you'd like!

I'll post a better picture later...but can you tell what part of the key I used to create the little gift with the eiffel tower on the tag?  It's the adorable mailbox!  I put two mailboxes together to create something new.  Stay tuned and I'll post a better picture and more details.

Supplies Used:

• La Belle Vie Paper Pack
• CTMH Cricut Artiste Cartridge - A Key as well as a few cuts from other keys.
• Glamour Glitter Alphabet
• Birthday Stamps/Balloons are from set included in Artiste Bundle
• D1528 Jardin Stamp Set
• La Belle Vie My Stickease Assortment
• Black, Smokey Plum, Desert Sand and Blush inks

Are you ready to add the Artiste Cartridge to your collection?  You can purchase it, or any of the other Close To My Heart products I've featured, on my website, or contact me to book your own online gathering and earn FREE product too!

Have you ever thought about it?

Have you ever thought..."Dawn sure has a lot of fun with Close to My Heart, I'd love to do that?"

Well maybe now is the time!  Close To My Heart updated their kit prices and made it even easier to start your own business.  If you've been scrapbooking and stamping for a while and have collected your own stash of supplies then the new Essentials $49 kit (approximately $130 retail value) is just for you.  You can plan your first workshop or gathering by making adorable samples with the Avonlea products included in the kit and then order what you need for your next event and customize it to your needs and likes.

If you're brand new to Close To My Heart and don't have as many tools in your stash, you can take a look at the $99 kit (approximately $280 retail value) to see if that meets your needs better.

And to make the deal even sweeter...the August special means you will also receive the amazing bag we received at convention.  These bags are so highly coveted that my fellow consultants that did not attend convention have been BEGGING to buy one!!!  While CTMH says they have many of these bags in stock, they also said "while supplies last!"  And I have already seen a ton of people signing up today so if this is something you want to do.... do it RIGHT AWAY!

Here's a little about how I run my team and what you can expect from me.

• I have been with Close To My Heart/D.O.T.S. for 17 years so I have a wealth of experience running and adapting my business to the needs of my family.  I have also been honored to be selected to teach at many of the CTMH corporate events and conventions.
• I have a team facebook group set-up where you can get to know fellow team members and learn from each other.
• I post little challenges and inspiration 1-2 times per week.
• I am a "no pressure" girl, so that means I am here to lead and support you, but I will not hound you!  You tell me what your goals and needs are and I will try to help you along.
• Team meetings in San Diego and I am available to skype and email my long distance team members.
• I also allow my team members to attend my workshops/crops (as long as there is space) so that you can create fun projects and see how I run my business.  You can adapt and improve upon my ideas to build your own business.

Please feel free to contact me if you have any additional questions or pop on over to my website and start your career today!  We can't wait to welcome you to the Paper Hearts team!