New Cricut Artbooking Cartridge Revealed -- and a chance to win it!

The Close To My Heart Convention 2013 has come to a close. There was a lot of inspiration to be had, with some of the country's leading papercrafters and certainly, with one of the top performing papercrafting/stamping companies in the country.

From new paper collections, new stamp sets, new papercrafting tools and accessories, the new Idea Book is chock-full of wonderful ideas to inspire for your scrapbooking and cardmaking projects.

I must say, the biggest roar from the crowd at Convention came when the Exec VPs announced there is a new Cricut cartridge, and this one introduces us to "Artbooking". Artbooking is more than just scrapbooking. It provides planned and themed layouts that are easy to cut, easy to use, and versatile -- no matter if you're making a 12x12" scrapbook or a 6x6" mini-book.

And while the most fantastic feature is that the cartridge is designed specifically with scrapbookers in mind, I see how easy it will be to adapt any one of the page designs, overlays, sentiments and elements to use in my cards.

Artbooking is packed with 700 different cuts, including:

- 30 Themed DOUBLE Page Layouts (total of 60 layouts) all size coordinated. What this means is that you set your Cricut size dial once to cut out all of the elements, and they will be proportioned to fit precisely in the album page size you select. No more "Guesstimator's Asymmetriosis!"

- 10 Themed Mini Albums (8x8, 6x6, 5x7) with minimum 8 pages each
 

- Full page and partial overlays of unique designs -- use them as cut pages or stencil/mist for interesting effects.
 

 - Oodles of phrases, sentiments, titles, themed elements, photo frames, and more!

There's also a brand new font released with this cartridge, isn't it pretty?

 

Like every Cricut cartridge, the new Artbooking cartridge comes in a $99.00 bundle that includes three of Close To My Heart's coordinating "D-sized" stamp sets (each has a $17.95 value) plus two sheets of coordinating chipboard elements to add dimension to your cuts.

I assure you that you won't want to miss out on this fantastic cartridge!  It is so fantastic that I am offering a pre-order special to readers of my blog only: 

The release date for this super cartridge is August 1, 2013. If you pre-order it from me not later than July 31, 2013, I am offering FREE SHIPPING (in the US only) of the of $99.00 for the Artbooking Bundle, and I'll send you the brand-new, hot-off-the-press Autumn-Winter 2013 CTMH Idea Book!  And, if you order just $50 more from the new Idea Book when you pre-order your Artbooking Bundle, I'll discount your entire order by 10%!  How's THAT for savings?!  

Can't afford the new Artbooking cartridge as well as all you want from the new Idea Book?  Here's your chance to win it:

Just go to my Close To My Heart online business office at http://cardmonkey.ctmh.com and sign up as one of my customers. Let me know you've done it (in a comment to this post), and I'll send you a free CTMH Idea Book (limited to the first 75 respondents).  This will give you one entry into my drawing for a brand new Cricut/CTMH Artbooking cartridge (drawing on August 31, 2013).  No purchase is required to enter this drawing.

Want additional chances to win the cartridge?  For each $50 worth of CTMH merchandise you order from me from now through August 31, you'll receive another entry into the drawing to win the new Artbooking cartridge.  Shop more, get more entries! 

Also, I will be demonstrating the new Artbooking cartridge on Sunday, July 14 from noon to 5 p.m., site to be determined based on number of interested participants. I'll have a cartridge and a Cricut there for you to try out, too!  Each attendee to the event will be given a CTMH Idea Book, along with an extra entry into the drawing for the Artbooking cartridge.  Please contact me if you are interested in attending this FREE event.  

Have questions or comments?  Please drop me a line at cardmonkey@comcast.net, or leave a comment below.
 

Stay Tuned for Info on the CTMH Idea Book!

As you're reading this, guess whoooooo is having fun at the Close To My Heart Convention in Orlando, FL??  That's right -- me!

It is my privilege to be able to attend this convention in 2013. I'm told we'll be learning more about what's in the Autumn/Winter 2013 Idea Book, will meet friends and colleagues who can help me build my budding CTMH business, and socialize.  

So I'll leave you with this cute and very bright card I've made using CTMH's special promotional "Dream Pop" paper pack. The owl and flowers were fussy cut off of the papers and stacked together atop slices of the textured vibrant papers. I popped up the owl with foam dots, and used Liquid Glass on his eyes. 

I hope you have a hoot this weekend, whatever you do!

CTMH Week: Retiring Stamps = Christmas In July!!

So, if you have been following along all week long, you will know that I have declared it "Close To My Heart Week" while I am away at the annual CTMH Convention.  I've been revealing which items have been discontinued and soon I will be able to show you some items that are in the new Autumn/Winter 2013 Idea Book!  

And because I am super-stoked and excited for the season ahead, I'm bringing you a special discounted package offer on a collection of RETIRING Christmas/Holiday Stamps that will be perfect for all of your Christmas card needs now and in the years ahead.  They're classics, and an absolute must especially for cardmakers and scrapbookers. 

I will be hosting a FREE "Christmas in July" Cardmaking Workshop where you can use these stamps, use my paper, and pick my juicy brains about design ideas to make your Christmas cards a joy to make, give and receive!  

WHEN:                   Sunday, July 14, 2013

TIME:                    12 noon to 5 p.m.

LOCATION:             To be announced (once I see how many are interested, so I can determine the size of the room needed) -- but it will be near my home in suburban Philadelphia. I'll update this post ASAP.

WHO:                    Crafters over age 12 please

WHAT to bring:     Scissors, paper trimmer, and your own adhesive. 

RSVP, please:        To CardMonkey@comcast.net

Are you getting excited yet?  Mmmm-mmm-mmm, Christmas is the BEST time of the year to put our talents to good use, and make very personalized cards and gifts. Let's do it!

Now, that said, let me provide a list of all of the CTMH retiring stamp sets, as well as the few items about which I have not yet blogged.  If you click on each of the stamp set name/number below, you'll be taken to my CTMH site, on the stamp set's page. You can order any of the items directly from these business pages, with the exception of the special offer I have shown above.  

 Remember, if you want to take advantage of the special package I'm assembling -- which includes a FREE  July Stamp of the Month -- contact me today by either leaving a comment on this post (with a way for me to reach you), or send an e-mail to me at cardmonkey@comcast.net.

Here are the retiring Stamps:

A1132  Family
A1133  Festival of Light
B1372  Circle Together
B1395  So Grateful
B1396  School Rocks
B1405  Rugged Dude
B1406  Blessings of Peace
B1410  A Friend Like You
B1414  Bonjour
C1438  Tea Time
C1461  Salutation Seals
C1466  Instant Memories
C1505  Pun Fun
C1507  Angelic Blessings
C1508  Paisley Flair
C1511  Love Blooms
C1520  Christmas Joy
D1187  For Every Occasion
D1388  Card Chatter Christmas
D1399  Dream Big
D1440  Everlasting Life
D1444  A Little Thanks
D1492  Christmas Love
D1517  Game On
D1519  Abundance
D1521  Powder Heaven
D1523  Sweet Music
D1528  Jardin
E1010  Chocolate Alphabet
E1014  Poster Board Alphabet
E1015  Cocktail Alphabet
E1017  Old World Alphabet
E1018  Pennant Alphabet
E1019  Bohemian Alphabet
E1020  Token Alphabet
E1021  Trinity Alphabet
E1022  Hero Alphabet
E1023  Varsity Alphabet
E1024  Keepsake Alphabet

Customizable Stamps:
K900  Single Name Stamp
K9012 Address Stamp w/o icon 2 lines
K9013 Address Stamp w/o icon 3 lines
K9014 Address Stamp w/o icon 4 lines
K9022 Address Stamp w/icon 2 lines
K9023 Address Stamp w/icon 3 lines
K9024 Address Stamp w/icon 4 lines

And Assorted Organizing Items:
Z1267 Paper/Stamp Organizer (8.5x11)-3
Z4134 Swivel Handle Base
Z4136 Exclusive Inks Organizer Carrying Case
Z4200 Accessories Organizer

CTMH Week: Did you check today's WSL list?

If you're following along, on Monday I let you know about which of the Close To My Heart Embellishments and Accessories are retiring, and I referenced the "While Supplies Last" list.

The WSL list is updated fairly regularly by CTMH's Corporate Office, and includes items that you can snatch up at a dramatically reduced price. These items are "first come, first served" and may not be there by the time you even read this message.

So when you are on my Online Business site, be sure to look at the bottom, left column and click on "While Supplies Last" to see the current products that are available for purchase.

At the time that I pre-scheduled this post to hit while I am away, these are the products that are still available:

Rumple Ribbon Thursday -- Smile!

Buttercream Rumple Ribbon takes center stage today on this adorable kit card that I modified to personalize.

Again, the base of the card is from the June collection from The Card Kitchen by Jillibean Soup. 

Changing it up, I added a pretty pink button topped by a navy dotted fabric flower from Close To My Heart. I moved the sticker from the kit to be next to the button, and changed up standard ribbon for my favorite Rumple Ribbon. 

I hope this finds you on a "smiley" day. :)

CTMH Week: Workshops On The Go Provide Inspiration, Guide and Supplies

Yesterday, I wrote about the seven papers featured in the Spring/Summer Idea Book (above), and announced which three of the seven are retiring at the end of July 2013.  Those three will no longer be available at all, in paper packs or complements; the other four (Chantilly, For Always, Surf's Up and Tommy) will continue through to the next catalog, coming next week!

You should also note that every one of the papers' Workshop on the Go kits is being retired at the end of July 2013, to make way for new, creative ideas.

In case you don't know about WOTGs, let me in on a well-kept secret:  Each of these papers is also sold in a Workshop On the Go pack -- a wonderful assortment of 12x12" papers, embellishments and complementing stamp sets specifically designed to be used with these papers. The stamp sets are exclusive to the WOTG and cannot be purchased separately. 

The WOTG also includes an instruction guide, including cutting dimensions and the "recipe" to make the shown project.  Each of the WOTGs has enough product to make at least four layout pages (2 double-page spreads), with plenty of leftovers for additional projects. A typical cardmaking kit can make 15 cards and comes with card bases and envelopes.

All of the Workshops on the Go -- both for scrapbooking and cardmaking -- for this season's papers are retiring to make way for new WOTGs.  Therefore, if you want any of the WOTG's -- for now, for later, for a club, whatever ... make sure you purchase them before July 2013.  

Here are all of the WOTGs, with photographs provided by CTMH corporate.  If you are interested in buying the kits, just click on the link underneath its photograph to be taken to my CTMH site and that item.

Workshop on the Go Kits:

G1053   Chantilly Scrapbooking Kit - above

G1054   Buzz and BumbleScrapbooking Kit - above

G1055   For Always Scrapbooking Kit above

G1056   Claire Scrapbooking Kit above

G1057   Later, Sk8r Scrapbooking Kit above

G1058   Tommy Scrapbooking Kit above

G1059   Surfs Up Scrapbooking Kit above

G1060   For Always Cardmaking Kit above

G1061   Chantilly Cardmaking Kit above

G1062   Canvas Art Kit above

I am proud to be an Independent Consultant selling the Close To My Heart products. I would be prouder still to provide information to you on any of their products, as well as to be of service to you for any of your CTMH needs.  Let me help you choose papers and supplies, teach a workshop, host a gathering in your home, provide your information!  I'm here to help.

CTMH Week: Retiring Paper (CTMH B&T Duos) -- Get It While It's Hot!

Twice a year (Spring/Summer, and Autumn/Winter), Close To My Heart publishes one of the industry's most sought-after catalogs: its IDEA BOOK which is packed full of not only new products but also plenty of ideas to scraplift or spark your creativity.

With each Idea Book comes new specialty designer papers, what are known as Close To My Heart's My Reflections B&T Duos -- two-sided, elegant papers that are sold by the pack with complementing solid cardstock, or in a Workshop on the Go (WOTG) scrapbooking or card kit.

In the Spring/Summer Idea Book, these were the CTMH B&T Duos:


(Note: I'd normally just lift the pictures of the papers from the catalog to use on this blog post, but I was recently told that this is frowned upon by Corporate. Silly! So these are shots I've taken of my papers on hand. Please refer to the Idea Book for better quality pictures.) 

Allow me to show you a project or two (or three) that I've made using CTMH B&T Duos this season:

Buzz and Bumble:

Here's the paper, from which I made the following projects:

Chantilly:

Here's the paper, from which I made the following projects:

Claire:

Here's the paper, from which I made the following project:

For Always:

Here's the paper, from which I made the following projects:

Later Sk8r:

Here's the paper, from which I made the following project:

Surf's Up:

Here's the paper, from which I made the following projects:

Tommy:

Here's the paper, from which I made the following projects:

You'll note above that three of the seven new papers for the Spring/Summer Idea Book are retiring. Their paper packs will no longer be available after July 2013.  If you see a pattern you like, please stock up before then. Here are the stock numbers for each of the retiring papers, along with their coordinating accessories:

Retiring Paper Lines with Coordinating Accessories:

X7164B  Buzz and Bumble Paper Packet
X7164C  Buzz and Bumble My Stickease Assortment
X7166B  Claire Paper Packet
X7166C  Claire Complements Canvas Shapes
X7167B  Later Sk8r Paper Packet
X7167C  Later Sk8r My Stickease Assortment

Four of the seven are carrying over to the next Idea Book. These are: Chantilly, For Always, Surf's Up and Tommy.  Paper packs and complements (embellishments) for each will still be sold throughout the year.  They will join the new papers introduced in the upcoming catalog.

Typically, CTMH carries over four papers from the previous season into the next Idea Book, to give those who have projects underway in the more popular papers access to more paper to complete their work. Those four papers will now be retiring as well, so stock up on those, too. They are:

Retiring Paper Lines from Autumn/Winter 2012 Idea Book, with Coordinating Accessories:

X7155B  Avonlea Paper Packet
X7155C  Avonlea Complements Canvas Shapes
X7156B  Clementine Paper Packet
X7156C  Clementine Complements Canvas Shapes
X7157B  Dakota Paper Packet
X7157C  Dakota Complements Silver Foil Images
X7159B  Scholastic Paper Packet
X7159C  Scholastic My Stickease Assortment