Monday, July 4, 2016

Poppin' Pastels...not new, but still FUN!

I know that this Poppin' Pastels technique is not new but it was recently RE-discovered by me and I LOVE it.  It's like the magic invisible ink we used as kids.  Seemingly unassuming stamped image but one you add chalk, it comes to life!

The process is pretty simple but the results can be anything you want them to be.  I'll be showing indiviuals of all ages how to do this at my Community House class this weekend (Saturday, July 9th)...

Here is a picture of the four card styles I came up with - but I'm sure no one else's will look the same...


Here's the class info if anyone local is interested. I may be persuaded to make a video of one of these cards as it is fun to watch the color show up!

Another reminder....July 31st is the LAST DAY to order from the current Annual Expressions so if there is ANYTHING you need from that book, NOW is the time to order.


Click either of the shopping carts to the right to place an order or contact me directly.

Wednesday, June 22, 2016

Retiring Items. . . OH MY!

I hate to see them go...

There are a LOT of items that are now on the "while supplies last" list from the current Annual Expressions and the Seasonal Expression (little book).  Please see the following lists to see what is going.  

Most noted is all but TWO of the Cricut Collections are going . . . to make room for new sets.  All coordinating stamp sets are also included in the retiring list.  

Items can go quickly so if any of the following are on your Wish List, you may want to place an order soon!

Here are the current specials offered until the end of the month, as well!

SPECIALS:

CTMH:

>>> STAMP OF THE MONTH:  JUNE 2016 - A LONG WAY HOME

Available for only $5 with a $50 order. Don't miss this one!  Image attached.


News flash! During the month of June, we’re offering great deals on bundles of discounted Close To My Heart products every weekend! Check back each Friday during June to find a new set of bundles. There will be lots to choose from at various discount levels and price points, but you’ll need to snatch them up quick, because they’re only available through the following Monday while supplies last!


IT MAKES TOTAL CENTS Special:These are ONLY available through me directly...orders cannot be placed through my personal website.
With the retirement of THREE of our Cricut Collections, I'm offering a special price to complete your set of cartridges.  EMAIL or MESSAGE me with which cartridges you own (for my records) and I will send you a SPECIAL OFFER!  

Monday, May 23, 2016

Lost to share . . . gonna need a few posts.

First - the survey...


We have cancelled two events this month...and I'm missing my crafting peeps...

I got to wondering why these events were no-gos and thought the best way to find out is to ask all of you!  So...would you take a minute or two (seriously, it won't take long) to complete the survey below, and you will be entered to win a free "Happy Times" paper pack!  Remember to fill out the final section with your name and email so we can get the winner the goods! :)

Thank you all for doing this.  I'm hoping that with more information, we can offer better events at times that work great for everyone and get some crafting time in!

Create your own user feedback survey

Sneak peak to the next post....

The June 9-to-9 Crop is "LUAU"!  We are gonna have some fun in the sun...have any Hawaiian attire?  A grass skirt or flower for your hair?  Be ready for flamingos and some fun themed games, food, and prizes!!!!

Monday, May 2, 2016

Close To My Heart has videos...

Close To My Heart Videos

CTMH does an amazing job showing us how to use our products, introducing new programs, and just keeping us "in the know".  All the videos are interested but once in a while they put one up that makes me think...."Why didn't I think of that?"

Here is a video about NEW ways to use your embossing folders...enjoy!




And be sure to check out a few more of these fun videos.  You can find videos on CTMH's YouTube channel or on either my or Melissa's websites under "CTMH TV".  If you find any you really like, feel free to share them here or on our facebook group so everyone can enjoy!

Have a crafty day!
~ Penny

Tuesday, April 26, 2016

A Few Days Left....

Well our second 9-to-9 Crop was a success!  I will be posting some of the techniques we learned at the crop and more info on the cards we made over the next week or two...but in the meantime, we have a deadline creeping up!

Get it before it's gone...

Seasonal Expression 1 - Jan - April 2016
Everything in the Seasonal Expressions 1 catalog (well - ALMOST everything) will be retiring on May 1st...  That give you a few days to order anything you still want to add to your collection.

Click here to place an order online or call, email or message one of us directly to receive free shipping.  Don't wait or it may be out of stock even before the month is out.

Introducing the new Seasonal Expression 2...


The new Seasonal Expressions 2 catalog will be going into effect on May 1st with all its new crafting goodness - flamingos, amazing stamps sets and more will be available to order!  Those that attended our crop received a copy of the SE2 book already!

Seasonal Expressions 2 - May - Aug 2016
Also, click here to see the full list of stamps (posted in our "Crafting with Kindred Hearts" Facebook group) retiring from now from SE1 May 1st and then August 1st from the Annual Expressions big book.  You may want to print the lists out and see if anything is on your wish list.

Please let us know if you have any questions or need any information.

Thursday, April 7, 2016

Scrapbooker? No, Family Historian!

Two things occurred to me recently.

#1 - Guilt and Scrapbooking often go hand in hand.  Time after time on the groups and blogs, I see scrapbookers apologizing for stashes or justifying purchases - current or past.  Family members berate us for having "so much" and we start to think that maybe we should be ashamed.

#2 - We lose our reason for making these memory books.  Calling scrapbooking just a hobby takes the skill out of the process.  Claiming that the books are just pictures and stickers negates all the time and care that is put into them.  The value of these works of art diminish as these thoughts are stated and believed.

I've come to the realization that I am NOT just a scrapbooker, scrapbooking is not my "hobby", and I have NOTHING to be ashamed of.

I am the self-proclaimed FAMILY HISTORIAN!  I have chosen to use my skills of color matching, spacial arrangement, and attention to detail to tell future generations the story of my family life. Birthdays, Christmases, and all the other important, silly, happy, and memorable times are recorded in the pages of those scrapbooks.

My daughter, when she is old enough to value them, will turn page after page and be reminded of her life, of laughs and tear, and learn how her parents grew up.

"Grandma played the guitar?  Grandpa had a full head of hair?  I remember ..."


I do not want these memories to die.  So if I see a cute chipboard or sticker set or beautiful paper that would express the moment perfectly, I'm going to buy it.  If I need that embossing folder and stamp set to add the right amount of texture and just the right sentiment, it should be added to my wish list.  It's not buying for the sake of buying.  Each item in my collection was purchased with a purpose in mind.  All to work together to document life.

I am the FAMILY HISTORIAN!  and I'm proud to be.  How about you?

Monday, April 4, 2016

Coloring Book Card Set

Coloring Book Card Set

For my Community House class this month, I've combined the popular "Adult Coloring" book trend with card-making.  Using random stamping and multiple stamps from a single or multiple stamp sets, I made an 8.5 X 11 piece of cardstock into a coloring page.  I then divided the page to create 6 panels.  The mats and sentiment banners provide a complete card that as a set would be a great present for your favorite coloring aficionado.  Or if you enjoy the coloring-arts, you can color the card specifically for the recipient.




Close To My Heart has quite a few stamp sets that work so well for this technique and its so much fun.  There is one set in the new Seasonal Expressions (available May 1) that will be perfect!  I will post a sneak peak of the set and some other page examples later in the month. Here are two other options for Saturday's class.



BONUS:  Two 9-to-9 Crop tickets for anyone who attends this class.

I'm hoping to have a full class!  Have a great day!

~ Penny