Last Day To Get a FREE Block!

Best Stamps on the Block

At Close To My Heart, we know we've got the best clear stamps and blocks—and we’ll prove it! Throughout March, when you buy your favorite My Acrylix® stamps, we’ll give you a free My Acrylix block. Not only will you have the best stamps on the block, you’ll have the best block, too! Just purchase $25 in stamps and you can choose from two of our most versatile block sizes: 3" × 3" (Y1006) or 2" × 6½" (Y1010). Click here to start shopping now!

*Offer valid March 1–31, 2011. Limit one free My Acrylix® block per order per customer. Qualifying stamp purchases include A-, B-, C-, D-, and E-size stamp sets, including Stamp of the Month sets purchased at full price or at a discount. K-size stamp sets, Stamp of the Month sets earned for free, and Workshops on the Go™ kits are excluded. Close To My Heart reserves the right to substitue a block of a similar size or price.

Happy Scrapping!
Jen Lee

Studio J Online Scrapbooking

The AMAZING Stamp Goddess Tresa Black's Studio J Video. This is too wonderful not to share. ENJOY!

You Can Sparkle with Studio J®

Members-only special: 

Buy 10 layouts, get free bling!

Add delightful details to your beautiful Studio J® Layouts. Self-adhesive clear Sparkles and Opaques Pearl adhesive gems make it easy to get your shine on, and now you can get these adorable accessories FREE! Throughout April, Studio J® members get one free package each of clear Sparkles and Opaques Pearl gems, a retail value of $5.90, for every 10 custom-printed layouts purchased in a single order. It's another way we make scrapbooking faster, simpler, easier—and more sparkly! Go to my MyCTMH® website and start creating! It's free to play, you only pay when you purchase your completed custom-printed layouts.

Offer valid April 1–30, 2011. Close To My Heart reserves the right to substitute another accessory of equal or greater value. No tax or shipping/handling is charged on the free accessories. Qualifying layouts must be purchased in a single order.

For Membership Information Click Here

Happy Scrapping!

Jen Lee

Spring Flower Card Class at Memories and More

Join me at Memories and More to create three 5x7 cards that when opened reveal spring blooms!

These cards would be great for Mother's Day, birthdays, or any cheery event. The techniques are great to have in your arsenal for creating unique cards for your special someone. Most papers will be precut, there will be some hand-cutting involved in these techniques.

Supplies/Tools: sharp micro-tip scissors, tape runner, liquid glue, foam tape/pop dots, glue dots

Date: Monday, April 25

Time: 6:00 pm

Cost: $15

Contact Memories and More to sign up for class at 651-464-3424.

Happy Scrapping!

Jen Lee

MS Fundraiser Crop Recap

We had such a great day yesterday at Greenhaven in Anoka at the 3rd Annual Ladies Day Out MS Fundraiser. Last year this event raised over $3,500 to find a cure for MS. A huge thanks to the Schuerman's for putting on such a fantastic event!

This year I offered a class in paper flower making. We made the six pictured flowers. Thanks ladies for attending my class! I hope you enjoy your flower techniques enabling you to create cute inexpensive coordinating embellishments out of paper.

My next newsletter will be coming out soon. Please sign up to be the first to learn about my upcoming classes and events.

Happy Scrapping!
Jen Lee

Ladies Day Out - MS Fundraiser

Today I'm in Anoka at Greenhaven at a fabulous event, the 3rd annual Ladies Day Out MS Fundraiser.  We're having a great time, with hundreds of croppers, enjoying some scrappy time.

Have a great weekend!
Jen Lee

Hope for Japan

Scrapbookers and stampers can help raise funds for the American Red Cross to benefit relief efforts in Japan. CTMH is offering a special stamp set and 100% of the profits will be donated. Contact me to purchase your exclusive "A Hope" stamp set or click here to order it online.

This directly from Jeanette Lynton's blog:
Wednesday, March 23, 2011
Hope for Japan

We've all been reeling with the images of tragedy and devastation in Japan. If you're looking for an easy, real, practical way to help relief efforts, then I invite you to contact your Close To My Heart Consultant!

Typically, our A-sized sets retail for $7.95/$8.95 CAN, but the "Hope for Japan" set will be available through April 30 for just $5--and Close To My Heart will be donating 100% of the profits to the American Red Cross to benefit relief efforts in Japan.

If we all do a little, together we can do a lot. Let's show our support and together, provide real HOPE for Japan!

Pretty in Pink

A workshop layout perfect for pink princesses and their pals

Preserve friendship memories with this cheerful floral layout. This workshop uses the Sophia Level 2 paper packet, the exclusive My Acrylix® Sophia Workshop stamp set, and oh-so-cute pink buttons. It’s a workshop you’ll want to indulge in.

I offer the Workshops On The Go as Private Workshops. Invite a few friends over who pre-order the materials. We'll get together and I'll walk you through the project of your choice. I offer a few different price points for the private workshops. They vary based on the remaining product you want in addition to the workshop project. Contact me today for more information.

Click here to order the complete Sophia Workshop On The Go online.

Happy Scrapping!

Jen Lee

Easter Waterfall Layout Class at Memories and More in Forest Lake

April 13, 2011, 6:00 pm, $25

 Come create a waterfall layout perfect for your Easter pictures using We R Memory Keepers "Peep" line. 

These papers are very colorful and fun. This design will feature several photos, starting with a central 7x5 portrait and 3 supporting 4x4 photos, 

 ending with a 5x7 landscape on the pull-out page, with about a dozen modified 4x6's in-between. 

We will also be making 3 pleated paper flowers to embellish the layout. Papers will be precut and scored.

Supplies/Tools for class: scissors, liquid glue, tape runner, score-pal tape or the like. Please call Memories and More to sign up for class at 651-464-3424.

Happy Scrapping!

Jen Lee

Amber Ink Passing of The Torches

Today is the day I pass the Brown Amber Ink Torch off to Tammy Hellstern! She is a very creative lady and I know she'll do Amber Ink proud over the next month. I can't wait to see what she creates!

Thank you so much to Brenda Rose for passing the Brown Torch to me. It has been so fun getting to know my fellow torchbearers and the fabulous ladies behind Amber Ink, Pam and Amber.

Here is a list of the Amber Ink Torches as they are passed off today:

BLUE:
From Keva Brown @ http://hownowbrownkow.blogspot.com/ to Amy Everson @ http://www.tandames.blogspot.com/

PINK:
From Sue Cooper @ http://scoopysstuff.blogspot.com/ to Mandi Moore @ http://enchantedoccasions.blogspot.com/

BROWN:
From Jen Lee @ http://www.myscrappychic.com/ to
Tammy Hellstern @ http://scrappinwithtammy.blogspot.com

ORANGE:
From Cheryl Gorka @ http://shestamps.blogspot.com/ to
Anita Madden @ http://anitasdesigns.blogspot.com/

PURPLE:
From Allison Fillo @ http://stampinwhenican.blogspot.com to
Jana Weaver @ http://stampwithjana.blogspot.com/

Happy Scrapping!

Jen Lee

CTMH Clearance Items Are Available!

New items have been added to the Clearance shop on my CTMH website. 

SHOP THE CLEARANCE HERE!

Happy Scrapping,

Jen Lee

All Day Crop - Ladies Day Out to Benefit the MS Society

Ever wish you could take day for yourself? Then put March 26 on your calendar! Come and join us for the 3rd Annual Ladies Day Out. Be sure to send in your registration soon since space is limited. 175 guests attended in 2010. Don't miss out on your opportunity for a fabulous day!

I will be a vendor at this event. I'll be offering a paper flower making technique class at 4:00 and a mini-CTMH Gathering around lunch time. Hope to see you there! 

Please click here to view the flyer for complete details and registration information. 

Happy Scrapping!

Jen Lee

Family Bliss

The explosion layout that I created for my class at Memories and More is for Sam's album, so naturally I had to make another layout for Lucy's album.

I used the same Magician's Choice pattern from Jeanette Lynton's How To Book Magic and wrapped little presents which when opened reveal additional space for photos and journaling. This time instead of black and white I printed the photos in sepia.

Recipe:

Magic - Magician's Choice Pattern
X7132B Bliss Paper Packet
B1371 Bliss Stamp Set
Z2111 Chocolate Stamp Pad
Z2124 Grey Flannel Stamp Pad
1395 Vellum
Z1333 Mocha Opaques
Z1331 Foundry Flourishes (retired CTMH)
Chocolate Polka-dot Organdy Ribbon (retired CTMH)

Happy Scrapping!
Jen Lee

Amber Ink February (Th)Ink Tank Design Team Project Recap

Click here for the original Fungi post.

Click here for the original Love Bug post.

Click here for the original Mind post.

Click here for my original SFYTT post.

Click here for the original Love Bunny card post.

Click here for my original Less Is More challenge post.

Click here for my original CSC30 Challenge post.

Click here for my original Grow Green card post.

On Monday I'll post my final Amber Ink project and pass the torch.

We're off to find some gold. Sam said the Leprechaun just jumped off the deck in the backyard!

Happy St. Patty's Day!

Jen Lee

New Interactive Layout Class at Memories and More!

Join me at Memories and More in Forest Lake to create this unique Heritage Explosion Layout with My Mind's Eye Andrea Victoria papers. I took the explosion or squash book technique and added it to a layout in place of a patterned piece of paper using the "Magician's Choice" pattern from Jeanette Lynton's How To Book Magic. Untie the bows and open three little gifts - extra room for photos and journaling!

This layout features a 6x6 photo along with eleven supporting 3x3 photos. This technique is perfect for keeping those little jewels tucked away for the more invested viewer. 

Papers will be precut and ready to assemble. Class size is limited, call today to reserve your space! If you cannot make it on the scheduled date, choose a class kit instead. I will put the layout together for you and you can pick it up after class. 

Please bring the following tools and supplies to class: black stamp pad and sponge or chalk ink (for distressing edges), foam tape, tape runner, scissors, 12" paper trimmer, bone folder. You may also bring your page protectors to class if you would like assistance altering them to accommodate the interactive elements of the layout.

This class will be held Monday, March 28, at 6:00 pm, for $25. Please call Julie at 651.464.3424 to sign up for class.

Happy Scrapping!

Jen Lee

Amber Ink Grow Green Card

My Amber Ink card for this week was created using the Clear Stamp Set Grow Green. Amber and Pam gave me this stamp set as a fabulous gift for serving on the Amber Ink (Th)Ink Tank February Design Team. Thank you Ladies!

Papers are from the retired Close To My Heart Bella kit. I love these papers and have been saving them for something special. I think they were almost made for this stamp set. The ribbon is hollyhock stitched ribbon from Close To My Heart. I used the 6x6 card pattern Button Trio from Jeanette Lynton's How To Book Originals.

I stamped the main image several times on different pieces of patterned paper, cut them out with my craft knife, and pieced them together. This paper piecing technique adds a lot of texture. To keep the flyaway hairs from the original image, I stamped the image on the rectangle piece and placed the paper pieced image over it.

Check back Thursday for a recap of all of my Amber Ink projects. On Monday I'll pass the torch to a fabulous papercrafter,who is it? You'll find out on Monday!

Happy Scrapping!
Jen Lee

Folding Flower Rose Card

Friday I was searching through the Internet for some inspiration and came upon a fabulous fun folding paper rose pattern at Paper Crave! Tatyana Stolyarova is the talented Papercraft Artist who created this technique.

When closed the card is relatively flat and when opened a beautiful rose pops up!

Recipe:
Originals pattern: Clean Cut
X7131B Sophia Paper Packet
C1456 Heartfelt Treasures Stamp Set
Z2128 Hollyhock Stamp Pad
Z2197 Pear Stamp Pad
Z1384 Designer Ribbon Pink Collection
Z1326 Sparkles - Red, Pink & Purple Assortment
Glue Dots
Foam Tape
Micro-tip Scissors

Happy Scrapping!
Jen Lee

Destressing and Distressing in Wisconsin

We're scrapping away at a retreat this weekend. I'll be sharing my projects over the next few days. Right now I'm thinking about Spring, and opening up our cabin. In 2009 we opened the cabin over Mother's Day weekend, it always feels good to go back up there again. The first few weekends are always more work, with cleaning and repairing from the winter. But it is all worth it! Here are the kids layouts from that cabin opener ...

It makes things go more quickly to duplicate rather than create anew. When scrapping a family event, I usually try to do both of the kids layouts at the same time.

Recipe:
Pattern Imagine: Overture
X7138B Fanfare Paper Packet
E1014 Posterboard Alphabet
Z2192 Pacifica Stamp Pad
Z2116 Cranberry Stamp Pad
Y1004 2 1/2" Square My Acrylix Block
Z1151 Foam Tape
Sassy Strands

The most important part for this layout was my handy trusty micro-tip scissors. I used them to distress all of the edges of the paper and photos. It adds a lot of texture.

If you click on the picture to make it larger, you can take an extra look at the wide band at the bottom of each layout. For this pattern it is recommended to cut the paper 1/2" wider than the space will allow so that you can tear off the top 1/2" to have that fun torn paper texture. Since I scissor distressed the edges, I decided to take another spin on the distressed ruffle technique instead. I ran adhesive on the backside along the top and bottom of the 4 1/2" strip of paper. Then I placed another run of adhesive about 1 1/2" from the top. When I applied it to the base cardstock, I first stuck the bottom down, then made the paper into a "hill" and stuck the top edge down just below the other paper pieces. I pushed the paper up from the bottom until that middle run of adhesive took hold. This made a smaller "hill" at the top of the paper. I squashed that down with my hands, ran the bone folder under it to open up the hill again to soften up the paper a little more, then squashed it down again. This just added an extra texture to the layout.

Happy Scrapping!
Jen Lee

Fun Friday

This weekend I'm over in Wisconsin at a retreat cabin enjoying scrappy time with some lovely ladies. It has been a productive weekend so far, and we didn't get here until Noon yesterday!

I've organized my albums through 2010. To do that I put notes in each page where a layout is going to be placed, then put the page protectors in the book, so I can build it as I go. I started doing this because of my classes. Now I can skip around time while doing layouts without losing my mind. Well that happens too, but for other reasons. ;-)

I've also gone through and re-organized my stamps, when you share they rarely end up back how they started. I store my stamps in My Acrylix Organizers; 15 sets per box. These are the most fabulous stamp organization ever, as they are made to fit the stamp sets perfectly. The Double Scrubber (stamp cleaner) fits in the box as well. I keep a 3-ring binder with sheet protectors in it, with a page for each stamp set. This way you can page through the book, choose the set you want, and find it easily as they are stored by number in the Organizers. This is really important when you accumulate multiple boxes full of stamps. Being a CTMH Consultant certainly has its perks!

After all of that organizing, I did a little creating. It's not the most exciting layout, but it's fun to celebrate the little things. This was Lucy's first night sleeping in her "Big Girl Bed".

Recipe:
Pattern - Magic: Juggling Act
X7127B Magnifique Paper Packet (the sky blue paper)
X7128B Olivia Paper Packet (the pear green paper)
X7129B Hooligans Paper Packet (the gypsy purple paper)
X5760 Cotton Candy Cardstock
1385 White Daisy Cardstock

Z1370 Buttons Pink Assortment

Z1393 Mini-Medley Accents Black

Z282 Hemp Black

Z1311 1 1/4" Circle Punch
Z1252 Cutting Knife
Z1114 Piercing Tool Kit
Z1151 3-D Foam Tape
1772 Glue Dots
Z341 Mini Glue Dots

As you can see by the mix of papers and cardstock that I put together my own colors based on the pictures for this layout. CTMH papers are so versatile, you can mix and match easily using some simple color rules; basically choose 3-4 colors that compliment your pictures along with a neutral to ground it.

The title is digital. I simply typed in word, made it big, printed it out, and used the uber-fabulous CTMH Cutting Knife to detail cut out the letter. This layout actually doesn't use any stamping. As I said earlier in this post, I've already spent some quality time with my stamps, so we needed a little break from each other. Today is a new day, and I plan to get my "INK" on! Check back tomorrow to see what comes of it.

Happy Scrapping!
Jen Lee

Scrap With Stacy Giveaway!

Stacy has just been asked to be on the design team at Crafter's Companion, and she is having a fabulous giveaway to celebrate. Check out her post here.

Less is More Challenge

Amber Ink is sponsoring the Less is More Challenge this month. Pastel Colours is the theme. Here's my take:

I used the Amber Ink Nudie Cutie DigiStamp For I Have Something To Say along with the digistamp saying "You've been on my mind".  I colored the image in Gimp using Close To My Heart colors Taffy, Sunkiss Yellow, and Amethyst. Printed it out on CTMH White Daisy Cardstock and applied 3 CTMH Bitty Sparkles by the sentiment.

Happy Scrapping!
Jen Lee

Amber Ink "Love Bunny" Card

Here's another card for my Amber Ink (Th)Ink Tank. This one is 4 1/2" square.

Recipe:
The "Folded Focus" pattern from Jeanette Lynton's How To Book Wishes
Amber Ink DigiStamp "Love Bunny - Flowered"
Amber Ink ipaper "Karrot Kaleidoscope - Orange: TINY"
CTMH Bitty Brads Metal Assortment
CTMH White Daisy Cardstock
CTMH Chocolate Stamp Pad
CTMH Foam Tool
CTMH Memory Book Mini Glue Dots
CTMH Liquid Glass
CTMH Fun Flock White
CTMH Foam Tape
Offray Ribbon
Barbara Trombley's Art Glitter Glass Beads in Fox Trot and Clover

First I opened the Karrot paper in Gimp and used the eyedropper to match the colors. I created solid sheets of paper by creating a new file, filled the background color, and saved that as a JPG. Then, I used Gimp to color the flowers and change the black lines on the digistamp to the matching brown.

I cut the 12 x 12 cardstock in fourths (6x6). Opened Word and inserted the bunny digistamp image and printed it on "best" quality. Then I inserted the karrot paper the same way, resized it to 6x6 and printed it on one side, and printed the solid brown color on the other side. The same again with the green on one side and the pink on the other side. This saved a lot of paper, and the printer didn't go "tilt" because of an odd sized paper.

After cutting the pieces to size, I used the foam tool and chocolate ink to distress all of the edges and the front of the brown cardstock, to add some texture. After cutting the "X" in the center of the brown piece, I bent from the center to each edge, to reveal the "Karrot" paper, and held the points in place with the copper bitty brads.

I coated the green and brown smaller center pieces each with liquid glass to stick the glass beads to add another texture. I also coated parts of the bunny with liquid glass and applied fun flock to make her fuzzy. Then I applied liquid glass to her eyes and the flowers to give them a shiny texture.

Happy Scrapping!
Jen Lee

Thank You Darrin, Costco and Nikon!

I am so excited! My husband surprised me with an early, way early, birthday present! A couple of months ago, my Canon Digital Rebel died. It had earned it's keep over the last 7+ years. Well, this week Costco is having a sale on a Nikon D3100 Bundle including a $200 Instant Rebate from Nikon. So, I got a new camera!

Want one too? You can find Costco's fabulous deal here!

It also comes with a couple of videos to teach you how to unleash the DSLR. I've only watched one so far, but it has certainly taught me a lot! YAY!!!

Happy Scrapping!
Jen Lee

Amber Ink Project: SFYTT Challenge

Here's another fun digistamp from Amber Ink: You Give Me Butterflies along with their fun ipapers: Spin Pin Tiny and Spin Pin Deconstruct.

Using Gimp I was able to stamp the Spin Pin Tiny ipaper in the butterfly wings. Digis are kind of fun that way!

The pattern is from Jen Del Muro's SFYTT Challenge. You can play along here!

Happy Scrapping!
Jen Lee

March Special: Best Stamps on the Block

Get a free My Acrylix block when you buy My Acrylix stamps!

At Close To My Heart, we know we've got the best clear stamps and blocks—and we’ll prove it! Throughout March, when you buy your favorite My Acrylix stamps, we’ll give you a free My Acrylix block. Not only will you have the best stamps on the block, you’ll have the best block, too! Just purchase $25 in stamps and you can choose from two of our most versatile block sizes: 3" × 3" (Y1006) or 2" × 6½" (Y1010). Ask your Consultant for an Idea Book so you can start shopping now!

Happy Scrapping!

Jen Lee

March Stamp of the Month

Close To My Heart has another fabulous stamp available only during March 2011!  It's called "Sensational Season" and I love it! To find out how to get this stamp set either contact me or click here.

I created this card using my stamp set, watercolor pencils and waterbrush.

Wishes: Windswept Pattern

(modified to 4¼” x 5½”) 

D1454 Sensational Season 

X7108B Daydream Paper Packet 

Z1142 Brown StazOn Ink Pad 

Z1336 Pearl Opaques Adhesive Gems 

3505 Watercolor Pencils 

1771 Waterbrush 

Z1323 Clear Cards 4¼” x 5½” Assortment

BULK130 ¼” Hollyhock Ribbon 

Z1094 Embroidery Floss Green Assortment

Z1114 Piercing Tools

Z1151 3-D Foam Tape

Happy Scrapping!

Jen Lee

My First Video Tutorial - Scrappy Chic Rose

Amber Ink Project #2

Hi! Just a quick little card for my Amber Ink (Th)Ink Tank. I've got some other projects in the works that will be popping up over the next few weeks, maybe even a video tutorial for this fun easy little rose!

This card was created using the Amber Ink digistamp:
Nudie Cuties: You Are On My Mind

and Amber Ink ipaper:
Swiss Dots - Sunny Yellow

along with the following Close To My Heart Products:

Z1331 Foundry Flourishes

Chocolate Polka-Dot Organdy Ribbon

Z1377 Color-Ready Kraft Borders

X7118B Twitterpated Paper Pack

1771 Waterbrush
3505 Watercolor Pencils
Z2111 Chocolate Exclusive Inks Stamp Pad

Z1090 Foam Tools

Happy Scrapping!

Jen Lee