A Memory of Christmas Past . . .

I think it was last Christmas, my then 23-year-old daughter posed the question, "So what color is Parson Brown?"

"What???" was my response.

"You know . . . 'In the meadow, we can build a snowman, and pretend that he is 'parson brown.' . . . who would want any kind of a brown snowman, anyway?"

Realizing that we'd brought up our daughter in the "Presbyterian" tradition - she at 23 didn't know the term "Parson." But she'd grown up with a 64-color palette, and figured this must just be one shade of brown she hadn't yet heard of!

November Stamp of the Month Art #7

Art by Janice Hodgkin

Love the ribbon running down this card? It's our beautiful Dark Chocolate Striped Grosgrain, which comes in the bulk package of 5 yards for just $6.95. Item#Z1617. It's gorgeous fabric ribbon - such quality ribbon that ties easily into beautiful bows or knots.

November Stamp of the Month Art #6

Art by Elizabeth Hawley

Create a fun running border across a card or scrapbook page with the same stamp image. You could even stamp a border along a band of paper and wrap it around a gift for custom-made ribbon!

November Stamp of the Month Art #5

Art by Debi Gardner

These bold colors make a great 4th of July card. Just think of all the holidays you can highlight with this stamp set .......

November Stamp of the Month Art #4

Art by Darlys Recker

This is a stand-up card that props itself on the button embellishments! Would you like to learn how to make this type of easel-style card? Let me know - I can teach you in a workshop. :-)

Upcoming Soul Sessions

Here’s what’s on the schedule for my upcoming Close To My Heart classes:

Christmas Card Extravaganza
It’s time for our annual crafting festivities! Join me for cardmaking, hot spiced cider and shortbread . . . all to the tune of some lovely Christmas carols.

For just $20, you will make 4 different styles of cards, 5 of each. So you will leave with 20 completed cards. All materials are prepped and provided for you.

Four different cardmaking stations are set up for you to work at your own pace, taking a cider break whenever needed.

This fun workshop is offered 4 different times:

· Friday, Dec. 2 6pm
· Sat, Dec. 3 10am OR 3pm
· Sun, Dec. 4 2pm
Register by Thanksgiving! (Nov. 24)

Card Purse Workshop
This project makes a terrific gift. A purse-style holder contains 4 coordinating, classy cards!
Just $10 for this class, or it’s FREE if you place a $30 order that day.

Offered 2 different times:
Wednesday, Dec. 7 10am OR 6:30pm
Register by Dec. 4

Layout Workshop
Join us to make a 12 x 12 double page layout. Designed just for you, you will create this layout and take it home to add photos at your leisure.
$10 for the class, or FREE with a $30 order placed that night.

Tuesday, Dec. 13 6:30pm
Register by Dec.

November Stamp of the Month Art #3

Art by Cathy Stai

This card sports a band that slips off, so the folds can open. The circle on the September stamp is left open so you can add your own date, whether it be to celebrate a birthday, anniversary or a party date!

November Stamp of the Month Art #2

Art by Becky Mackenstadt

Becky used "Elemental" papers and lots of texture to make this Thanksgiving card, with a CLEAR card base!

Tips for Your Christmas Card Crafting

Click here to watch a video!

November Stamp of the Month Art #1

Art by Amy McGrew

How many ways can you use a "ticket?" Here's the first way ...... display it in one of our little pin clips - these are sold in packages of 12 for just $4.95. What a unique Thanksgiving card! The flowers come from our "Hooray Bouquet" set - one of my very favorite sets to use with our Cricut Art Philosophy Cartridge, as we can cut just the right shapes for these floral images.

Holiday Wishes - A SPECIAL for November!

When you place a minimum order of $25 in MyAcrylix stamp sets* between Nov 1-30, you can add this new D-size Holiday Wishes stamp set for only $5! That's a significant savings of $12.95. You may buy one Holiday Wishes stamp set for every $25 in qualifying stamp sets you purchase. As a creative bonus, many of the images in the set coordinate with our Cricut Art Philosophy cartridge for added cutting and stamping fun! See this set in the column to your right.

*Stamp of the Month, K-size customized name stamps, Cricut Art Philosophy collection and Workshops on the Go kits do not count toward a qualifying purchase. Tax and shipping apply.

Your TICKET to Creative Success!!!

Check out the November Stamp of the Month set to your right - it's called "Cherish the Day." What a unique set! It's full of monthly stamps that can be used to make all kinds of things. With an empty circle on each one, just waiting to be filled - you can personalize any item to match a day. Anniversary? Birthday? Holiday? You name it - you can bring all the attention right to that very special date. The individual number stamps are SO easy to use and fill in the open circle.

Now . . . see the little "ticket" shape around the January image? That shows you a coordinating image that is on our Cricut Art Philosophy cartridge. Now you can easily cut a "ticket" shape perfect to stamp your monthly image on. How could it get any easier?

Check back all month long to see new artwork featuring this set. Remember - you can order it this month only, for $17.95 - OR it's just $5.00 when added onto a $50 Close To My Heart order!

October Stamp of the Month Art #14

Art by Tina Horton

Our "Believe Level 2" papers are shown front and center on this card. And this time, our Pom Pom-type ribbon adorns the stocking cuff! The fancy cut of the squares are created with our Cricut Art Philosophy Cartridge. Quick and easy styling!

October Stamp of the Month Art #13

Art by Gayle Luker

This delicate snowflake is cut using our Cricut Art Philosophy Cartridge. Soft sparkle is added to it with our Prisma Glitter - one of the finest dust glitters you will find. Wouldn't you love to know that you could cut such delicate images without having to put scissor to paper????

October Stamp of the Month Art #12

Art by Julie Reynolds

This is actually a refrigerator magnet . . . or a gift tag . . . or a little wall hanging . . . or a perfect piece to sit on a miniature easel . . . You decide! Its base is one of the 3 x 3 tiles from our new MyCreations Memory Game Box. These solid little chipboard square can be used for so many things. The possibilities are endless!

October Stamp of the Month Art #11

Art by Janice Hodgkin

More shine revealed on this card! A Rhinestone brad and Silver Glitz Glitter Gel brighten this look. An interesting texture is added to the "Wonderland Level 2" paper here . . . Pleated folding makes this card VERY 3-dimensional!

October Stamp of the Month Art #10

Art by Debi Gardner

One of our favorite papers from last Spring makes another grand appearance here - "Mayberry Level 2." Its soft colors bring a whole different twist to Christmas decor! A sweet little dimensional element star tops the tree.

October Stamp of the Month Art #9

Art by Elizabeth Hawley

"Wonderland Level 2" paper provides the polka dots for the base here. Behind that, Crystal Blue snowflakes are randomly stamped for a wintry background. Sparkles add the icy chill!

October Stamp of the Month Art #8

Art by Sue Laufer

We're ready for Santa! The "mantle" is made by another selection from our Green Ribbon

Assortment. Can't you almost smell the cookies and cocoa that are waiting on the plate just out of your vision? :-)

October Stamp of the Month Art #7

Art by Cathy Stai

One of the selections from our Green Ribbon Assortment adds to the "tag" look of this card. One tree stamped in the middle, and another tree split in half and layered to the sides create this intriguing look! Our "Elemental Level 2" papers provide the pattern......

October Stamp of the Month Art #6

Art by Maggie Cameron

"Typeset Level 2" paper provides the texture behind this stocking. Split your sentiment stamping around a corner, and accenting that with some clear buttons is a nice balance to the curve of the hanging stocking. Maggie used our 3D Foam Tape to give some lift to the cuff.

October Stamp of the Month Art #5

Art by Tina Dupin

What an elegant card this makes! Our "Sonoma" papers are layered in the background, and the tree is stamped in black! Add a little Cranberry color for accent, and it's rich and gorgeous.

October Stamp of the Month Art #4

Art by Julie Reynolds

Here it is again - my current favorite card size - the 3 x 6. You can efficiently make 4 cards out of one 12 x 12 piece of cardstock. Layered with papers from our "Believe Level 2" set - it's a fun, bright, Christmas card. See the curve on the "Tis the season to..."???? So easy to do with our MyAcrylix stamps! I curved the image as I stuck it on the acrylic block, so it would just match the curve of the stocking.

October Stamp of the Month Art #3

Art by Darlys Recker

The tree stamps are used as texture stamps on these pennant pieces. Another set adds the alphabet letters to make a very sweet banner!

Bling It! With "Happy Clusters"

Get a Fab Freebie in October!

Become a Consultant in October and get one Add-on Collection FREE!

See Page 4 of the Autumn/Winter Idea Book to view what comes in the kit, on the left page, and then on the right page you'll see your 3 choices of Add-On collections. Pick which one you'll get for FREE!

For just a $99 enrollment fee, you'll receive a New Consultant Kit packed with business essentials and new products valued at over $280. AND you'll get the FREE Add-on to enhance your kit! The add-ons have a retail value of up to $130, making this an INCREDIBLE deal!

Would you, or someone you know, like to try out sharing our wonderful Close To My Heart products with others, and earning money at the same time?

Click here to sign up now (be sure to use this link so you'll be a part of my team!)

OR - Contact me for more information. I'd love to chat with you!

October Stamp of the Month Art #2

Art by Beth Naumann

Want to make a card that's still an easy shape but just a little different? A narrow card with a top fold - not so common! Red sparkles and our nice wide Sweet Leaf ribbon add great texture and color.

October Stamp of the Month Art #1

Art by Amy McGrew

BLING UP your Christmas cards! Our Rhinestone Brads are featured here fastened onto our Pin Clips. Buttons, Sparkles and Silver Glitz Glitter Gel add the finishing touches.

September Stamp of the Month Art #19

Art by Karen Pedersen

September Stamp of the Month Art #13

Art by Joanne Repman

Use our new Cricut Art Philosophy cartridge to cut this fun tag card! It's so easy . . . and makes a quick and cute piece. The hole even "punches" itself!

September Stamp of the Month Art #18

Art by Karen Pedersen

September Stamp of the Month Art #12

Art by Tina Horton

This square card has a front flap that is scalloped to revel the black bottom-strip interior on the card. The special feature here is the canvas badge button, which is STAMPED - Yes, you can DO that! :-)

September Stamp of the Month Art #17

Art by Karen Pedersen

September Stamp of the Month Art #11

Art by Debi Gardner

Here's a beautiful example of distressing by sanding. Our cardstock, with its white core, is the perfect paper for this! Debi uses our white chipboard to shade with red ink and then stamp "Congratulations" in black over the top.

September Stamp of the Month Art #10

Art by Sue Laufer

There's always room for a nice, clean look! And this card is a perfect example. Layer a couple papers for a border strip across the top, bind it with some help, and it's a great place to hang a tag . . . that makes a perfect event invitation!

September Stamp of the Month Art #16

Art by Karen Pedersen

September Stamp of the Month Art #15

Art by Karen Pedersen

September Stamp of the Month Art #9

Art by Maggie Cameron

This little 2 1/2" x 3 1/2" card is darling! Matting and 3D-mounting the third word "times" really adds some pizazz. It's hard to tell from my photo - but Maggie added a very nice finishing touch by coating the face of the pocket watch with Liquid Glass. Perfect!

September Stamp of the Month Art #14

Art by Karen Pedersen

September Stamp of the Month Art #8

Art by Karen Barber

A pocket is a perfect home for a little tag! Any interactive piece like this always adds a fun element to a card. The tag is embellished with one of our new Antiqued Copper Designer Brads.

September Stamp of the Month Art #7

Art by Julie Reynolds

Stamping on our B&T paper can give added interest to a card. Here, the tag is stamped directly onto a "Typeset" B&T duo. The subtle grid-type background lends just enough personality, without fighting for your attention with the stamp images.

September Stamp of the Month Art #6

Art by Cathy Stai

Add a little flair by notching the tag . . . Use a 1/4" hole punch to notch the sides, and then run some Waxy Flax or Hemp around, knot, and it's a terrific look!

September Stamp of the Month Art #5

Art by Lynn Hart

Mounting an added layer onto a tag is a great look. Use a little 3D foam tape to do this, and it's easy peasy!

September Stamp of the Month Art #4

Art by Linda Taylor

This set comes with some little "corner filler" stamps that work so great on tag images! The little bicycle here, stamped in an ink that matches the paper mat ties the whole card together. Such a little touch, but so artistic!

September Stamp of the Month Art #3

Art by Darlys Recker

Darlys is the "Queen of Paperfolding!" Her little flower here is adorable, embellished with a button and sparkle for its center.

Need a Fun Tuesday?

A freshly-scheduled Layout Workshop this Tuesday, Sept. 6 is just what you need!

6:30 - Julie's Art Room in Snohomish

Still room for a couple more people!

Cost: $10 or FREE with a $30 order placed that evening.

All materials provided.

Can't attend on Tuesday but still want to make the layout?

No problem. You can purchase a kit for just $10 - all pieces cut and ready for you, full instructions provided.

*Note: This layout design is different than the one that will be taught at the Sept. 20 Layout Workshop. So you can plan on making both!

September Stamp of the Month Art #2

Art by Beth Naumann

Overlapping layers is the creative focal point of this card! "Typeset" papers are used and simply arranged in an overlapping look that gives depth to its design.

September Stamp of the Month Art #1

Art by Amy McGrew

Ink distressing gives this card its well-worn, well-loved look. It takes the sharp edges off and warms it right up!

August Stamp of the Month Art #10

Art by Becky Mackenstadt

And where does this "Hocus Pocus" bottle of potion come from? ? ? You'll have to check out the brand new product on Page 46 of the Idea Book. Such fun stuff we have! Another great feature of this card is the black waxy flax, wound around the witch's legs. It TOTALLY gives the feeling of a spider web!

August Stamp of the Month Art #9

Art by Joanne Repman

Stamp the image once in black on green, then stamp it a second time on white . . . add a little purple striping to the socks, cut them out and glue over your original black image. Wa-lah! Now all that's left to do is add some Liquid Glass to the shoes for a glossy shine, and it's a fantastically creative card!

August Stamp of the Month Art #8

Art by Julie Reynolds

Don't be limited by orange and black for your holiday stamping! Here, the "Lucky" papers are revisited for a completely different Halloween personality. Notice how you can make a 3-D image easily reach outside its "assigned" space on the card . . . . the lift allows that tail to sneak up into the broom's area for a fun look.

August Stamp of the Month Art #7

Art by Darlys Recker

Sometimes, thinking "outside the box" can mean thinking "inside the image!" Here, the honeycomb type stamp is used, but only a portion of it at a time to create a nice geometric border of three individual pentagon shapes. And it's simple to cut out, when it's just a few little straight lines!

August Stamp of the Month Art #6

Art by Audrey Key

See the sneaky little spider web on this card? You won't find that in our Stamp of the Month, but you WILL find it on Page 48 of the new Autumn/Winter Idea Book. Another great Halloween set: "All Hallows Eve." Check it out by viewing the new Idea Book online, or receive a free book from me when you host or attend a workshop!

August Stamp of the Month Art #5

Art by Debi Gardner

Embossing always brings drama to a card. Here, the sentiment is embossed in black, and then sponged around the edge with Pear ink, tying it all together with the Pear cardstock and polkadotted Background Texture paper.

August Stamp of the Month Art #4

Art by Maggie Cameron

The oval shaped mats for our sentiment on this card bring the perfect contrast to all the angles of this card . . . The witch is very sharp and striking, the plaid "Roxie" papers at the top are all about straight lines, and even the bright accent stamping to the right is all about the angles. Now pair that look with the softness of the ovals, and you know why your eye is immediately drawn to read the sentiment. Pop it up with a little 3-D foam, and it's even better!

August Stamp of the Month Art #3

Art by Karen Pedersen

A bold orange and black color scheme bring you right into the Halloween season! This card makes me think of the holiday back in my day . . . the 60's. Something about this little black cat speaks retro . . .