Plenty for Twenty!

During the month of December, make a $20 minimum purchase on my website http://www.brandikatrein.myctmh.com/ and receive a FREE popular, retired D-sized stamp set (a $22.95 retail value).  Your free stamp set will be selected by Close To My Heart and no tax or shipping will be charged for the free set.  Limit 1 free stamp set per qualifying purchase of shippable items (shippable items are items that are put in a box and mailed to you).

What a great way to build your collection!

Studio J Layouts

Here are my latest Studio J layouts - and I have to say I am still loving it.  For me, some of the best things about the digital layouts is being able to choose paper and layouts quickly and being able to change my mind about where I want the photos and without having to worry about having already cut them and then being the wrong size for the new space.  Also, it is helping my "catch up" with older events, and I can even make extra copies to give as gifts.  I have to say, Studio J will make a scrapper out of me!

Christmas Gift Giving Ideas

Close To My Heart has some great products to alter to create home made gifts:

My Creations Mix and Mingle Album (Z1334) use as an album or as a wall hanging as featured on Page 86 of the Autumn / Winter Idea book

My Creations Memory Showcase Accordian Album 6" x 6" (Z1195) or 9" x 9" (Z1198)

My Creations Board Book 6" x 6" (Z1310)

My Creations Acrylic Mini Album (Z1117)

My Creations Display Album 6" x 6" spiral bound (Z1054)

My Creations Journal 7" x 5" (Z1268)

3" x 3" Mini Album Kraft (Z1165) or Cream (Z1166)

My Creations 3 Ring Binder 5 1/2" x 8 1/2" (Z1141)

My Creations Cube 5" square (Z1152)

My Creations Recipe / Photo Box holds 4" x 6" recipe cards or photos (Z1322)

My Creations Memory Keeper 10" x 9 1/2" x 3" (Z1116)

My Creations Artboard (Z1291)

Event Calendar (Z126)

Monthly Calendar 12" x 12" (Z1030)

 Dimensional Elements Ornaments (Z1337) as demonstrated in Tips & Techniques on Page 21 of the Autumn / Winter Idea Book

My Originals Card Kits - create quick, easy and beautiful cards (these items have been have been retired and will be available while supplies last)

Create a set of hand crafted cards with our card bases - Options include: Clear rectangular cards (Z1323); Clear 4 1/2" assortment - square and scalloped circle (Z1309); 4 1/2" circle cards in White Daisy (Z1353) and Colonial White (Z1352) or the 50 card value pack in White Daisy (X254) or Colonial White (X1410) - all cards include envelopes.

And don't forget about Studio J - Memberships and 5-packs make a great gift!

Memory Box and Album

Here is a gift I scraplifted from some of my fabulous fellow consultants.  The accordian album is based on ones created by Vicki W. and Amber H. and the memory box is based upon one created by Chris G.

Supplies used:  Caboodle Level 2 paper pack (plus some extra cardstock); Colonial White Ribbon; Winter Cozy buttons; Crystal Blue waxy flax; Tiny Tabs; Alphabet Dimensional Elements; and Stamp sets: Life's a Jungle and Posterboard Alphabet.

Studio J - I Love It!!!!

 Well, I finally decided to try digital scrapbooking - first of all I have to admit I don't really scrapbook, I have always been more of a card / papercrafting kind of girl.  When Close To My Heart announced Studio J I thought that this might be the way for me to try scrapbooking since the biggest obstacle for me always seemed to be where do I start?  In June my sister Amy and her family and I traveled to Washington state to see my other sister Jody and her family.  Tuesday night I decided I would try my hand at scrapbooking.  I created the following 5 2-page layouts in just a couple of hours and I have to say it was pretty easy.  There are so many choices for paper, for layouts, for embellishments and colors.  For my first set of layouts I kept it pretty simple and pretty much used the layouts as they were adding a few embellishments here and there, but you can add any of the embellishments, resize them, change the colors and really go all out and even add distressing .  It was really nice to be able to resize my pics right there to make them work in the spaces. 

Check out Studio J at http://www.studioj.com/

Studio J Updates

At the Close To My Heart Convention this July, there were tons of announcements of new programs that would be coming available this fall and Studio J offered lots of great new things.  The first is already available and it is an iPhone / iPod Touch app that allows you to view your layouts on your iPhone or iPod.  This great feature will allow you to share all your great layouts with friends and family while you are on the go.

Also announced were Studio J purchasing options - purchase a 5 pack of layouts (great for a gift or as a way to sample Studio J at a discount); purchase a 3 month membership or purchase a 12 month membership.  Membership will not only give you a great discount on your layouts, it will also give you access to exclusive members only papers and specials.  Studio J memebers will also receive 1 shipment of up to 20 layouts free per month.

With a Studio J Membership you will get these great benefits:

• 
  
  Save 50% off of retail on your Studio J layouts - That is $6.50 per 2-page layout
• 
  
  High resolution jpegs for printing and archiving and low resolution for emailing and online sharing
• 
  
  Free Memory Protectors for every printed 2-page layout ordered
• 
  
  Free Shipping and Handling on 1 monthly order (4 to 20 layouts)
• 
  
  Exclusive Members Only Kits and Patterns
• 
  
  Exclusive Promotions and Deals

Check out Studio J today!

August Appreciation Sale!

Wow - this is a great sale.  $2, $4, $6 for 8 (days that is)  selected My Stickease assortments for $2, My Reflections Level 1 kits $4, and My Reflections Level 2 kits $6.  From August 4th (starting at 9am Mountain Time) to August 11th while supplies last, shop my website for these amazing deals.  Keep in mind that with these items going at over 50% off, that it would be like walking into a store on Black Friday - it will be busy and the network may be slow, but it will be absolutely worth the wait for these HUGE savings.  You can mix sale items with regular price items and all sale items purchased will count towards the Stamp of the Month as well.  Listed below are the items on sale:

Vintage Travel -Level 1, My Stickease
Discovery - Level 1
Heirloom - Level 1, Level 2
Floral Impressions - Level 1, Level 2, My Stickease
Laid Back - Level 1
Just Chillin' - Level 1, My Stickease
Simple Pleasure - Level 1, Level 2, My Stickease
Best Friends Forever - Level 1
School Zone - Level 1, My Stickease
Abundance - Level 1, Level 2, My Stickease
More to Adore - Level 1, Level 2, My Stickease
Sonata - Level 1, My Stickease
Sweet Harmony - My Stickease
Cutie Pie - Level 1, My Stickease
Rough n Tumble - Level 2, My Stickease
Route 66 - Level 1, My Stickease
Majestic Blue - Level 1, Level 2, My Stickease
Expedition - Level 1, My Stickease
Let's Get Together - Level 1
Floral Tapestry - Level 1
Everlasting - Level 1, Level 2, My Stickease
Caprice - Level 1, Level 2, My Stickease
Enchanted - Level 1, Level 2, My Stickease
Free Spirit - Level 1, Level 2, My Stickease
Lifes Delight - Level 1, My Stickease
Silhouette - Level 1, Level 2, My Stickease
It's A Guy Thing - Level 1, Level 2, My Stickease
Good Times - Level 1, Level 2, My Stickease
Sweet Pea - Level 1, My Stickease
Paper Garden - Level 1, My Stickease
Boom-Di-Ada - Level 1, Level 2, My Stickease
Blue Ribbon - Level 1, Level 2, My Stickease
Game On - Level 1, Level 2, My Stickease
Sarsparilla - Level 1, Level 2, My Stickease
Perfect Day - Level 1, Level 2, My Stickease
Magic Moments - Level 1, Level 2, My Stickease
Notebook - Level 1, Level 2, My Stickease
Aspen - Level 1, Level 2, My Stickease
Evensong - Level 1, Level 2, My Stickease
Emporium - Level 1, Level 2, My Stickease
Unforgettable - Level 1, Level 2, My Stickease
That's Amore - Level 1, Level 2, My Stickease
Daydream - Level 1, Level 2, My Stickease
Stardust - Level 1, Level 2, My Stickease
Back Country - Level 1, Level 2, My Stickease
Moon Doggie - Level 1, Level 2, My Stickease
Animal Cookies - Level 1, Level 2, My Stickease
Tinkerin - Level 1, Level 2, My Stickease
Bella - Level 1, Level 2, My Stickease
Jingle - Level 1, Level 2, My Stickease
Sweet Home - Level 1, Level 2, My Stickease
Grace - Level 1, Level 2, My Stickease
Twitterpated - Level 1, Level 2, My Stickease

Big News!

This week is the Close To My Heart Convention and I can't wait to find out all the new products, papers and colors that will be introduced.  It's always exciting to get a new Idea Book to see all the new goodies, but at Convention time is when the big changes take place.  So far the big news is a new Layout book with interactive DVD, a new format Idea Book - the Idea Book will be semi-annual starting in 2011, and new colors.  I can't wait to find out what else is in store.  Follow Close To My Heart on Facebook and Twitter to find out the latest news from Convention.  And of course, I will keep you posted - Happy Scrapping!

Have you Hit the Jackpot yet???

Don't forget to check my site daily to see what the specials are and what the Jackpot item is.  So far the discounted items have been Level 1 and  Level 2 paper packs; My Stickease; Simply Snapshots Pages; My Acrylix Stamp Sets; and Dimensional Elements.  Jackpot Items have included Ribbon Rounds; Metal Rimmed Tags; My Acrylix Stamp Set; Ribbon Round Organizer;  Mini Album; and Acrylic Mini-Album.  Also keep checking for the next Goodie Box.  Goodie Boxes feature an assortment of Close To My Heart products for at least 50% off! 

Check my site daily brandikatrein.myctmh.com and see if you hit the Jackpot!  New specials are posted at 9 am mountain time daily.

Today is a Goodie Box day - Recieve $120 worth of Close To My Heart products for only $60 plus shipping and handling - Today only!

June Jackpot - Goodie Box!

Today's Deal is a Goodie Box.  The value of the Goodie Box is $80 and you can purchase it for only $40!!

Congratulations to everyone who ordered the Perfect Day paper pack yesterday - you will receive an Acyrlic Mini Album free for each Perfect Day paper pack you ordered.

June Jackpot Deal of the Day

Today's June Jackpot item is the My Creations Acrylic Mini Album (retail value $14.95).  Today's deal items are Level 2 Paper Packs - Boom-di-Ada; Daydream; Emporium; Game On; and Perfect Day just $10 each with $.99 shipping for each item. 

Tuesday's Jackpot item was the It's a Guy Thing Level 1 pack and Wednesday was a Goodie Box Day.  Congratulations to all those who hit the Jackpot Tuesday!

Hit the Jackpot this June with Clost To My Heart!

Close To My Heart has some great deals for June. Hit the Jackpot this June with a different deal each day available only on my website - each day will either be a Jackpot Day or a Goodie Box Day.

On Jackpot Days - 5 products will be offered for sale at discounted prices. Each Jackpot Day 1 of the 5 products selected will be the Jackpot item, but you won't know which item it is - if you order the Jackpot item you will receive one or more free products. If you purchase multiple quantities of the Jackpot item, you will receive multiple products free. The free items will be featured on the Jackpot June shopping page with the daily discounted items. Shipping is also discounted for this special - just $.99 for each item ordered and free items ship free! Want to know if you hit the Jackpot? Each day Close To My Heart will announce the previous days Jackpot item on Facebook and the Close To My Heart website.

On Goodie Box Days - you will be able to purchase a Goodie Box box filled with various products including current and recently retired products at 50% or more off. Shipping for Goodie Boxes will vary from $7 to $9.

To be eligible for the discounted prices, your order can only include Jackpot June items. Deals are posted daily at 9 a.m. (MDT) and will be available for 23 hours.

Check out my website daily for the specials!

Today's Jackpot Deals are Level I paper packs:  Blue Ribbon; Boom-di-Ada; Game On; Majestic Blue; and It's a Guy Thing only $7.00 each (a 30% savings).  The Jackpot free item is Designer Ribbon Round in Hollyhock and Heavenly Blue.

My First Scrapbook Pages

I have finally put together my first scrapbook pages with pictures.  I have been a cardmaker for many years and when I became a Close To My Heart consultant 2 years ago, I decided that I would give scrapbooking a try.  When I received my starter kit 2 years ago I put together 2 sample pages just using some random pictures.  They weren't bad, just not sure if they were completely something I was proud of - honestly I had no idea what I was doing.  Then, last year Close To My Heart started packaging a "Kit of the Month" that was geared to card makers and scrapbookers.  When I started getting those, I would put together the scrapbook pages as well as the cards.  I kept looking at those blank pages thinking that they sure would look nice with some pictures.  This weekend was the Boneyard Creek Arts Festival here in the C-U area and thanks to my sister Amy who invited my to show some of my handmade goods, I have finally completed my first scrapbook pages with pictures.  I decided to make it a family layout with pictures I have of my dogs (since I have oodles and oodles of those kinds of pictures), and I have to say that I thought they turned out quite well.  They have made me ready to get my "dog" scrapbook rolling - I have been wanting to do one for years and have been collecting papers and embellishments to do so, but actually completing this first set of pages has me ready to try some more!  Thanks Amy for getting me started!

Moving Day!

It's official!  I can start moving into my craft room.  There are still some details to be worked on, but at least I can start putting some stuff away.  This room was terrible when I first started using it.  It had bad lighting (a single 60 watt bulb in a white lens ceiling fan) with equally awful looking vinyl tile.  Thanks to my terrific guy we have transformed this space into a beautiful space.  New recessed lighting lights up the whole room, fresh paint on the walls, bright white trim and new hardwood floors.  The floors turned out great and now I can't wait to get them into the rest of the house as well.  Below is a picture of the new floors before the trim was put up.

Here is my new bookcase that I hope will hold tons of stuff.  Right now it is the only permanent furniture I have for the room.  There is another bookcase that will sit on top of this one (you can see it on the floor in the corner of the picture) that will take the bookcase almost to the ceiling.  I need to get the crown moulding painted so Nathan can get it installed easily, then I will stack the bookcases.  Then the only real big thing left is the door.  The house has stained builder grade hollow core doors throughout the house and we will be replacing them with 6 panel doors.  The door can wait - I'm just so excited to be putting stuff away and getting some temporary tables in place so I can start creating in my new space.

It is such a great space I am sure to be inspired!

Weekend Retreat

At the end of January my sister Amy and I went on a weekend retreat.  My sister Amy shares my love of card making and lucky for me lives close by so we can get together frequently.  However, it is always nice to get away, let someone else cook and spend a weekend in my jammies and craft as long as I want.  Here are some of the cards I made that weekend.  The first 2 cards feature the Bella paper pack (Card 1 also has hollyhock ribbon, dimensional elements Booksmart and Love Letters rub-ons.  Card 2 also has natural hemp and Just Blooms flowers - the butterfly).

This next card was created using the Veranda paper pack, Just Blooms flowers, Mini Medley Accents copper collection and sparkles.

 Well, that's just a few of the cards I made that weekend, but that's all I will share now.  My sister and I actually just attened another crop this past weekend, so I will have something new to post.  I actually started making some scrapbook pages.  I have never really scrapbooked before and have been meaning to start for some time now.  This past weekend I started using Close To My Heart's fabulous Kit of the Month / Workshop on the Go sets and created quite a few pages - it was so easy to create beautiful pages.  I will make sure I have pictures posted soon.  Thanks for looking!

Time Flies

Well, once again time seems to be zipping right by.  My new and improved crafting space is getting so close to being done I can almost move in.  Floors are in and I have been doing a little touch up painting.  Once the trim is installed on 3 walls I can start moving in!  I have a new door to put in as well, but I can start getting things put away while that is being worked on.  I was at a weekend retreat recently and have some new cards I worked on while I was away - I will be sure to post pictures soon.

Sadly, last week my family suffered a terrible loss reminding me just how quickly time goes by.  Nathan and I have 2 wonderful dogs, Cheyenne and Austin.  These dogs complete our family and bring us great joy.  Last week, Cheyenne our beloved lab/sheppard mix became suddenly ill.  After 2 days at the vet, the diagnosis was grim - a cancerous tumor in her bladder that was affecting her kidneys.  It was a difficult decision to let her go, but we will always have our memories of her. 

Memory Keeper Box

I just love these great Memory Keeper Boxes!  They are so cute and have so many uses.  Here is a picture of the one I did most recently as a gift for a friend who recently had a baby.  A fellow consultant Chris G. did this one for a baby shower and it was so cute I just had to scraplift it.  For my friend, I added a 3 x 3 mini-album and decorated the covers to match and lined the pages with leftover bits of matching paper.

This was created using:  Memory Keeper Box; Animal Cookies Level 2 Paper pack; Alphabet Dimensional Elements; Summer Carnival Buttons; waxy flax; 3 x 3 cream mini album and adhesive - all supplies from Close To My Heart.  The great part about this paper pack is you can gear towards girls or boys depending on which papers you use.  I did add a piece of green cardstock not in the Level 2 paper pack, but there is enough paper and cardstock to create this without pulling in extras.

These have so many uses and can be decorated however you want. 

National Papercrafting Month

January is National Papercrafting Month and Close To My Heart has an exclusive kit to help celebrate!  During the month of January you can purchase or even get the Felecity Collection for free.  The Felecity Collection contains My Acrylix® Felicity stamp set (D-size) with flourishes, flowers, birds, argyle patterns and an alphabet; 12 sheets B&T Duos® paper; Flourish and Circle B&T Duos® die-cut paper (1 each of 3 colors); and an artwork brochure.  The colors featured in the Felicity collection are Autumn Terracotta, Twilight and Sorbet.

Purchase this beatutiful Felecity Collection for $34.95 or receive it free by ordering:

• $60 or more order of My Acrylix® stamp sets (A, B, C, D or E size sets)
• $125 or more in full retail priced Close To My Heart products.