Soul Sessions

Creativity nurtures the soul, right? So here are upcoming sessions to nurture yours!

Layout Workshop - Blue/White Snowflake Theme
Join us to make a 2-page 12 x 12 layout. All materials provided. Then take it home to add your photos at your leisure.

Tuesday, November 16 -6:30pm in Julie's Art Room
Cost: $10 or FREE with a $30 order placed that evening
Register by Nov. 14

Snohomish Senior Center Christmas Card Class
Come make 4 Christmas cards, designed just for my Special Seniors! All materials provided.

Thursday, November 18 - 3pm at the Snohomish Senior Center
Cost: $10
Register by Nov. 16 by calling the Snohomish Senior Center: 360-568-0934

Christmas Card Extravaganza
Make 20 Cards! Get an early start on your holiday cardmaking. Four Christmas cards have already been designed for you. All you need to do is join us and put things together! Make 5 each of 4 card designs, for a total of 20 cards at the end of the session. All materials are provided, including envelopes.

Sunday, November 21 - 3pm in Julie's Art Room
Cost: $20 or just $15 if you place a $30 product order that afternoon.
Register by Nov. 15

Mistletoe Workshop On the Go
The kit for this class must be ordered no later than November 23. You may do this online or by contacting me, and I will take care of it for you. See kit pictured on page 25 of the Autumn/Winter 2010 Idea Book. Make the cards or the layout provided - so much fun! Pick your session:

Friday, December 3 - 10am
Saturday, December 4 - 10am (both sessions in Julie's Art Room)
Cost: Kit is $29.95 + shipping & tax. Session time is FREE.
Order kit & register for preferred session by Nov. 23

Layout Workshop - Red/Green Christmas Theme
Join us to make a 2-page 12 x 12 layout. All materials provided. Then take it home to add your photos at your leisure.

And we're having a little party! So bring a little holiday treat to share. :-) Hot spiced cider will be provided.

Tuesday, December 7 - 6:30pm
Cost: $10 or FREE with a $30 product order placed that evening
Register by Dec. 1

November SOTM - Artwork #3

Art by Darlys Recker

Like this cute pinwheel design? I will be offering a class in January to teach this creative technique. Check back for class schedule updates!

November SOTM - Artwork #2

This stamper is always thinking outside the box! It's the simplest thing . . . but how often do we think about stamping a word across TWO sections of the card? It brings a whole new look to this "Thanks" message. And who said plants have to grow from the ground, up? :-)

Art by Cathy Stai

November SOTM - Artwork #1

Art by Becky Mackenstadt

We always think about sending a thank you note, but how often do we let the time go by without doing it?

Take a cue from this clean, monochromatic look and create some simple "thank you" cards to have on hand. One ink pad . . . one embellishment . . . one stamp set . . . one paper pack! And it's amazing the combinations you could come up with.

October Stamp of the Month Art #11

Art by Karen Pedersen

What a difference a circle can make! The repetition of the circle shape here brings a unique feel to this card. Layering of different colors and patterns tie in the holiday themes. And don't you love the poinsettia? It's just one of several beautiful embellishments found in our "Mistletoe Level 2 Assortment" - for just $4.95 (Z1330.)

October Stamp of the Month Art #10

What fun color! Pear and Lagoon are the two main colors here . . . both new to our Summer color season. The ribbon adds a great look along the left edge. The white thread is pulled to create a gathered section before gluing it down.

Art by Darlys Recker

October Stamp of the Month Art #9

Art by Shannon Law

Colored pencils give Santa a softly shaded look on this 3 x 6 card. A teddy bear with his tiny little ribbon bow gives balance to this horizontal design.

October Stamp of the Month Art #8

Looking for some new Christmas color combinations? Try our "Hooligans" Level 2 Paper packet! At first glance, you might think it's just for Halloween . . . . . but think again! The purples and blues work great together for some holiday creating.

Art by Leslie Ann Chivers

October Stamp of the Month Art #7

Art by Maggie Cameron

Another great little gift card features the teddy bear from this October Stamp of the Month set. Pewter Brads, and a Pewter Photo Clip (Pewter Mini-Medley Accents Z1243) attached with Waxy Flax dress it right up!

October Stamp of the Month Art #6

Art by Julie Reynolds

Making a little gift card is quick and easy with this stamp set. Using a partial image (just the top of Santa) makes for a smaller focal point - and a smaller card! This little gift card is just 3" x 4". Simple one-color stamping leave it festive but easy! Adding a Sparkle on his tassle only takes a second and finishes it off just right.

October Stamp of the Month Art #5

Rudolph never looked so good! Colored in with our Exclusive Markers, he's a cutie. With a little Prisma Glitter adding sparkle to his nose, he's ready for the trip Christmas Eve! Prisma Glitter is such a quick and easy way to add shine to your holiday projects. Our Glue Pen (Z553) at $4.50 and Prisma Glitter (Z134) at $4.5 are a bargain that lasts for many holiday cards and decorations.

Art by Debi Gardner

October Stamp of the Month Art #4

Art by Renee Valenti

Bold colors give this card its striking character. Topiary (green) and Holiday Red show off the traditional Christmas color scheme. It's hard to decide which image here is the cutest . . . the snowman, with his features all colored in . . . . or the tree with its funky assortment of ornaments, including Sparkles and Pearl Opaques (not to mention the Prisma Glitter garland!)

October Stamp of the Month Art #3

Look at the creative way this artist placed a light version of the tree image in the background, and stamped "Sharing the Magic" over the top. The tree is "second-generation" . . . meaning the stamp was inked, then stamped once on scratch paper before stamping onto the cardstock piece. This makes it a lighter version, which is great for a 'behind the scenes' look!

Art by Becky Mackenstadt

NEW - Workshops On the Go

Whether you're looking to learn a new technique or just want a little help to create beautiful artwork, Workshops On the Go projects are perfect for you! Each kit contains what you need to craft a 2-page layout OR six cards, including an exclusive stamp set, paper, coordinating accessories, and a full-color workshop guide. The kits are an amazing value, available to you at a discount off of the regular retail price. In addition, you'll find instructions online to complete a bonus layout or a set of cards using your remaining supplies.

When you attend a Workshop, I will help you through the steps; I can even recommend additional ink colors or tools you might like to use. And you don't need to rush! Because if you aren't able to finish everything during the session, you can take the last pieces home to complete at your leisure.

Take a look at Page 25 of the Autumn/Winter 2010 Idea Book to see the different kits, and the items you can make. You can view this online on my web site, or ask me to mail you a catalog.

How do you register? Email me to arrange payment, so I can order your kit for you to be here in time for the day of your Workshop. RSVP no later than 10 days prior Workshop date so that I can be sure to have your kit here in time!

What is the cost? $29.95 plus shipping & tax. That is the cost of each kit - and there is NO CHARGE for the Workshop time that you choose to attend! Remember - you have the exclusive stamp set and workshop guide so you can make many more projects once you're done with these :-)

Can you order the kit without attending a Workshop? Absolutely. You may order it online at www.julie.myctmh.com or I can place an order for you - just let me know. I can have it shipped directly to you. All you'll need extra to complete your projects are the blocks and ink pads for stamping.

Here are the dates for the next two Workshops on the Go:

OLIVIA: Sunday, November 7 - 2 pm OR Saturday, November 13 - 10 am

MISTLETOE: Friday, December 3 - 6:30 pm OR Saturday, December 4 - 10 am

All Workshops are held in Julie's Art Room - Snohomish, WA.

October Class Schedule

Christmas Card Extravaganza - Make 20 Cards!
Get an early start on your holiday cardmaking. Four Christmas cards have already been designed for you. All you need to do is join us and put things together! Make 5 each of 4 card designs, for a total of 20 cards at the end of the session. All materials are provided, including envelopes.
Cost: $20 or just $15 if you place a $30 product order that day
You pick your session(s:

• Saturday, Oct 16 - 10am
• Sunday, October 17 - 3pm
• Sunday, November 21 - 3pm

Register ASAP to reserve your spot

Holiday Banner Workshop see earlier post for sample

We'll use our Mix 'n Mingle Album to create this versatile, double-sided banner. You'll use sanding, distressing, stamping ....... all kinds of fun things to make this lovely decorator piece.

Cost: $16 or just $12 with a $30 product order placed that day

You pick your session:

• Wednesday, October 20 - 6:30pm
• Friday, October 22 - 10am

Layout Workshop

New or experienced . . . Wherever you are . . . join us to make a 2-page 12 x 12 layout. All materials provided. Then take it home to add your photos at your leisure.

Tuesday, October 19

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

October Stamp of the Month Art #2

What a difference a color scheme can make!

The snowman from this October Stamp of the Month set is such a cutie - - and just look at this same basic card design, completed with different colors and different embellishments. The blue card is created with our "Magnifique" papers and the red and brown card is made with "Mistletoe."

Art by Kathy Corson (left) and Lynn Como (right)

October Stamp of the Month Art #1

This set brings some "retro" fun! It reminds me of images from when I was a little girl. Memories of the animated "Frosty the Snowman" come to mind with these designs.

Use this stamp set to create holiday cards, gift tags, ornaments - even your own gift bags or wrapping paper.

This card is created with our clear acrylic card as a base to give added dimension and shine to the designs.

Art by Karen Pedersen

Holiday Banner

Our new Mix 'N Mingle Album gives us so many options ........ I've used it here to create a Holiday Banner that can be used during Autumn all the way through Christmas. On one side, we have "Grace" featured in the Olivia papers. On the flip side, we have "Peace" featured in the Mistletoe papers.

This "album" contains 4x4 squares: 5 chipboard,with decorative edges, and 3 acrylic with coordinating borders. You can link these any way you desire with the enclosed jump rings. Make a little album when you connect them as pages. Or make a hanging banner like this one by connecting them at the top only.

When you come to this class, you'll see the magic of using the 2-sided acrylic . . . It's a hidden technique here, but you'll see it when you get your hands on it!
Choose your class:

Wednesday, October 20 - 6:30pm - OR -
Friday, October 22 - 10am
Both classes held in Julie's Art Room - Snohomish
Cost: $16 or just $12 if you place a $30 order that day (All materials included!)
Click here to register by Oct. 15

Autumn Journal Workshop - Pick your time!

Create this lovely journal, in the spirit of Autumn. Using our new Olivia papers and a brand new stamp set called, "The Present," you will make something to enjoy yourself or to give as a gift. This design was inspired by Close To My Heart Consultant, Shelly Vaught.

• Tuesday, Sept. 28 - 10am -or-
• Wednesday, Sept. 29 - 6:30pm

Class fee: $15 or $10 with a $30 order. All project materials are provided. Class held at Julie's art room in Snohomish. Click here to register.

Peek at New CTMH Palette Colors!

This past Tuesday's Layout Workshop brought a chance to work with some of the brand new colors in Close To My Heart's Summer Palette.

Lots of background stamping provided the design for the paper here, and our new Blue/Green Sparkle combination added some shine and texture.

Button, button . . Who's got the button?

Remember that childhood game? If you don't, I'm really dating myself!

Buttons are so much fun. They bring back memories for many of us - of looking through our Grandma's button jar or tin. Sorting by color, size, or shape . . . We can all probably hear in our "mind's ear" the sound of buttons as they tumble out onto the table, as we pour them from the container . . .

What could be more fun than to incorporate buttons into our papercrafting? Here is yet another group of happy crafters, enjoying embellishing their recipe boxes with buttons! This Camano Island group had a great time adding color and texture with Close To My Heart buttons.

September SOTM Art #8

So what the heck is this? In the middle of all this Ed Hardy looking artwork . . . here comes a sweet little card in soft colors and sparkles!

This, my friends, is an example of what happens when one looks at a stamp set and thinks WAY outside the box. :-) Combining "Thriller's" crown and heart images with "Royal Birth" D1441, you have the perfect mix to make a card fit for a princess.

Art by Renee Valenti

September SOTM Art #7

Ink distressing on the edges of this Sunset cardstock helps to create a consistant look. Notice the brushed look of the 'doorway' where the crow is perched? Adding a similar look along the edge of the paper by scraping it directly on the black ink pad ties it all together. The eye loves repeated elements of design!

Art by Julie Reynolds

September SOTM Art #6

Another of my favorite size - the 4x4. Again, another artist has opted to snip her stamp! Splitting that "Happy Hauntings" image makes it so easy to stamp in 2 different colors. Gone are the days of having to ink separate parts of the image with different markers . . . why make it hard when it doesn't have to be??!! Snip and use each part separately and easily on whatever ink pad you desire.

This card is a beautiful example of our coordinating products . . . cardstocks, inks, embellishments - they all work together without a hitch.

Art by Maggie Cameron

September SOTM Art #5

Can a skull with bat wings be cute? If it can, this card certainly is the perfect example!

The bright spots of color on this card are just what it needs to add an element of simple fun. Gypsy and Pear are the two new colors here that grab your eye right from the first glance. Distressed on the edges, these pieces create a great backdrop for the focal point image.

A tiny Licorice Opaque added for the eye . . . repeat that same element in the lower right corner . . . and the card is finished!

Art by Kimberly Ganiere

September SOTM Art #4

A shimmery, smokey looking sight! Pretty spooky ........ created by embossing the skull image on black cardstock, then brushing over with our Create-A-Shade Pearl Paint. When paint is dry, gently rub over the top of stamped image with a tissue to reveal the design.

Art by Debi Gardner

September SOTM Art #3

Do you know one of the very coolest things about our MyAcrylix stamps? You can cut them up! That's right . . . if you have an image that you'd like to break up . . . move around . . . you have the freedom to do that! The "Happy Hauntings" image comes as one horizontal image. BUT you can simply snip it in half with your sharp Close To My Heart scissors, position them however you'd like to on your clear acrylic block . . and WAH LAH! It's a new image!

When you're done, simply clean off your stamp images, replace them on your storage sheet and you're ready to use them again either as initially designed, or in your own creative way!

Art by Sharon Chatterton

Magic Lift Card

This Magic Lift Card will be featured at 2 workshop times next week (see schedule in previous post.) You will use our new Magnifique papers and the cute new stamp set, "A Sip." Have fun creating these dangling embellishments . . . and you'll just have to come to see what the MAGIC is! Email me now to register to make two of these cards, just alike, so you'll have gifts ready to give. And after having made two, you'll be a pro.

All materials will be provided to make both gifts. And you will leave with a full cut list and instructions so that you can easily make more at home. Now THAT'S value!

September SOTM Art #2

This slim little 3x6 card is the perfect greeting for Halloween. The illusion of a bat flying in front of the moon works wonderfully here, using a half circle of grey cardstock behind.

A Bitty Sparkle is added to the one eye, adding just a 'bit' of intrigue!

Art by Shannon Law

September SOTM Art #1

Ed Hardy, here we come! "Thriller" picture images are embossed in black. The lettering is borrowed from "Party Invitation" stamp set, C1298.

Can't quite name the green? It's Pear, one of our brand new colors featured in the Autumn/Winter 2010 Idea Book.

Art by Cathy Stai

Is it Ed Hardy . . . or the September Stamp of the Month?

It's the look that's everywhere . . . on clothes . . . on shoes . . . on jewlery and tattoos . . . it's the artist Ed Hardy's style. And now . . . Close To My Heart's own September Stamp of the Month, "Thriller" has a similar style that keeps us current! Stay tuned for art samples being posted all month long to give you great ideas for creations with this fun stamp set.

Don't think it's your style? I can guarantee that it's the style of a lot of young people you know, and they would love being given your creations that feature this artwork!

A good reason to scrapbook . . .

Squash Album Workshop

My customers have had more fun with this little album! It starts out looking like a 6x6 . . . then opens, and opens . . . and keeps on opening! It's the album that keeps on giving. ;-)

Here you see mine, full open - and then see how it closes to a 6x6.

Below, you'll see a happy group of ladies with their finished Squah Albums, all ready to fill with photos.

The Stanwood "Squashers"

Fall Class Schedule

Check back soon

to see pictures of upcoming class projects!

Little Drawer Gift Box
Tuesday, Aug. 31 - 6:30pm
Yet another one of these classes because people just LOVE to make this little box! With a built-in drawer and card, this little 3 x 3 cutie is perfect to hold a tiny gift. All materials provided. Class held in Julie's Art Room.
Cost: $5 or FREE with a $30 order
Register by Aug. 28

Magic Lift Card
- - Choose your date & time:
Tuesday, Sept. 14 - 10am
Wednesday, Sept 15 - 6:30pm
Complete TWO identical magical gift cards. A ribbon lift presents a special little gift! All materials provided. Class held in Julie's Art Room.
Cost: $10 or FREE with a $30 order
Register by Sept. 7

Layout Workshop
Tuesday, Sept. 21 - 6:30pm
Join us for this monthly class. You will complete a 12 x 12 double-page layout, which you can then take home and fill with your photos at your leisure. All materials provided to create a specially-designed layout filled with complementing papers, inks and embellishments. No prior experience necessary! Class held in Julie's Art Room.
Cost: $10 or FREE with a $30 order
Register by Sept. 14

Autumn Journal
- - Choose your date & time:
Tuesday, Sept. 28 - 10am
Wednesday, Sept. 29 - 6:30pm
Enjoy our new Autumn papers and embellishments to create a beautiful journal. We use our MyCreations Journal as the base of this project and "beautify" it so it will be a perfect gift, or keep it to enjoy for yourself! All materials provided. Class held in Julie's Art Room.
Cost: $15 or $10 with a $30 order
Register by Sept. 21

Christmas Cards Galore!
- - Choose your date & time:
Saturday, Oct. 16 - 10am
Sunday, Oct. 17 - 3pm
Back by popular demand, Julie's tradition of the Christmas-Card-Fest is back! Join us for holiday shortbread, spiced cider and Christmas Card making! Wouldn't you love to have 20 handmade Christmas cards done and ready to mail before October is even over? Just think how much more relaxed your December will be . . .

You will make a total of 20 cards - - 5 each of 4 different styles. You will enjoy working at your own pace, as you move from station to station to make each style card. Need a break now and then? Just meander upstairs to sit and enjoy some holiday refreshments. Then back to crafting! All materials, including envelopes, will be provided. Class held in Julie's Art Room and family room.
Cost: $20 or $15 with a $30 order
Register by October 1 (Please - I need plenty of time to prep all these materials! :-)

August Stamp of the Month - Artwork #5

The soft look of this card comes from tone-on-tone color. The leaf image to the left and the small flower images below are created by stamping with same color ink on same color cardstock.

To contrast the soft colors, some shine and sparkle is added with Liquid Glass in the big flower center, and Stardust Glitz Glitter Glue in the tiny centers of the little flowers below.

There is a technique included on this card that ties the whole thing together. Can you spot it? All the cardstock edges are slightly distressed. The white core on our colored cardstocks are gently exposed with this technique. It softens the entire look overall.

Art by Becky Mackenstadt

Family Ties

My niece, Katie, is getting married in September. Today she gave me the special gift of time together, creating some special things for her wedding. She and my sister, Jackie, (pictured) came to my house and together we tackled two projects. One was to bundle dried wild grasses, tie them together with jute, and anchor them into flower pots. These will be some of the beautifully simple decorations out in the open at the Eastern Washington winery, where she will be married. Just picture my Katie, walking down to join her Jason . . . to the strains of "Fields of Gold."

The other project we had is what you see below. In lieu of a guest book, Katie is choosing to have a "Wish Tree." These stamped tags will hang on beautiful bare branches, and guests will be invited to sign their names on the back and write their own special wish for Katie and Jason. These tags will then be put in an album, where they can be enjoyed for years to come.

Thank you, Katie, for the gift of today. I love you!