Hello Zoe!

It's time to welcome a new girl to the block! Hello Zoe! She is Close To My Heart's newest paper pack - a pre-release from the 2015-2016 Annual Inspirations book that comes out September 1st. Let me just say that Zoe is a perfect sampling of many wonderful things to come! Here are a couple of things I made at our last play date:

This card was SO SIMPLE! Not only does it use the playful Zoe paper, but also the newest Cricut cartridge Artistry, and Framed, the August Stamp of the Month.

This layout is for our sweet black lab who passed away last week after being a member of our family for 13 years. It also uses the Zoe paper and features the Artistry Cricut cartridge for the sweet little dog, lettering and paw background. The "sweet & happy" stickers are part of the Zoe compliments pack.

I can't wait for you to play with these papers at my Reveal party on August 29th, or you can see it sooner at the August 21st crop night.

September Stamp of the Month Blog Hop

Hey!  So glad to see you at our September Stamp of the Month Blog Hop!  If you came from Pam's blog at www.pamtrostle.com then you're in the right place.  If you ever get lost, you can find the entire blog list at http://www.ifyoublingit.blogspot.com.

I created a layout to celebrate the adoption of our son into his forever family:

Here is a closer look at the flags:

Here is a closer look at the tree:

Thanks for stopping!  Your next stop is Amie's blog at http://mimimyselfandibykigz.blogspot.com.

Here are all of the images that come on this fabulous stamp set:

The images outlined in red coordinate with the Cricut Artiste cartridge.  This stamp set is only $5 all month at www.aprilnourse.ctmh.com.

Here are a couple of project ideas from Close To My Heart using the set:

Have Fun with Circus Alphabet - July Stamp of the Month

There is so much that you can do with alphabet stamps and July's stamp of the month is no exception!  Take a look at these fun and summery ideas and then get the recipes and supply lists here.  The projects include a layout (which can be framed and used as wall or table top decor) a mini album, and two cards.

Here are all 68 of the stamps included in the Circus Alphabet set for only $5 (that's less than 7 cents per stamp) when you spend $50 at www.aprilnourse.ctmh.com:

As always, this stamp set is available for you to use at my free crop nights.  The next one will be July 18th. Just bring your projects (or buy supplies at the door) and a snack to share.  Oh, and RSVP at www.facebook.com/aprilctmh or by commenting here so I can have a space ready for you!

Finished Friday

On Wednesday I showed you my work in progress using my scraps from the Cloud Nine cardmaking kit. Today I'd like to share my finished project.

I created a 2-page layout using my kit and adding 2 sheets of White Daisy cardstock and some white scraps.  This layout will be for my son's 8th birthday party, so I used the Artiste and Art Philosophy cartridges to add some life.

The best part is that I still have oodles of Washi tape and teal shimmer trim to create many more cards and projects!  Get your kit while they're still available so you can play with them too.

Card/Layout/Project Challenge

Show off your creativity!  Winner gets bragging rights AND Close To My Heart credit!

• One design in each category will be posted by the 1^st of each month at www.curlsandgrins.blogspot.com.
• Each challenge will be based on a theme, design or component.  Be sure to create accordingly!
• Only Close To My Heart products may be used unless specified otherwise for that challenge.
• Unless specified in the challenge, additional embellishments, techniques and flair are encouraged.
• Submissions are due by the 15^th of each month and will be posted at www.facebook.com/aprilctmh. You may bring your submissions to me and I will photograph and post them on Facebook or you may photograph and post them.
• Each person may submit two projects in each category.
• Winner will receive a $5 gift certificate redeemable on a Close To My Heart order with April Nourse.
• Winners cannot win two consecutive months in the same category, nor can one person win in more than one category in the same month.
• One winner from each category will be chosen by the 20th of each month and posted at www.curlsandgrins.blogspot.com and www.facebook.com/aprilctmh.  All decisions are final.

February Layout Challenge

Here is the layout challenge for February.  You can get all of the details here.

Below is a layout that I started using this design.  At the end of the month I will post my completed layout.

Don't forget to embellish and make it your own!

Flowers and Ladybugs Blog Hop Day 2

Hello and welcome to the Flowers and Ladybugs Blog Hop! If you are here from leslie-rahye at http://leslierahye.blogspot.com, then you are in the right place. If not, please go back to the beginning at http://beyondscrapin.blogspot.com so you can see all of the great projects!

This weekend I am sharing two layouts from a baby book created using the Lucy papers, stamps and embellishments from Close To My Heart. The flowers are cut using the Art Philosophy Cricut cartridge and the lettering is from the Artiste Cricut cartridge, both available only from Close To My Heart.

This layout has two pull-out journaling cards, one for mom and one for dad to record their thoughts for baby.  There is also a place for a photo of the proud parents.

Thanks for stopping by!  I've enjoyed sharing these layouts with you.  Later in the week I will post the rest of the photos.  Your next stop is www.craftycardgallery.blogpsot.com.

Nicolette- http://beyondscrapin.blogspot.com
Cheryl - http://cardsbycg.blogspot.com
Ashley - http://theglamoroussideofscrapping.blogspot.com
leslie-rahye~ http://leslierahye.blogspot.com
April - http://www.curlsandgrins.blogspot.com - you are here
Jennifer- www.craftycardgallery.blogpsot.com

Flowers and Ladybugs Blog Hop Day 1

Hello and welcome to the Flowers and Ladybugs Blog Hop!  If you are here from leslie-rahye at http://leslierahye.blogspot.com, then you are in the right place. If not, please go back to the beginning at http://beyondscrapin.blogspot.com so you can see all of the great projects!

This weekend I am sharing two layouts from a baby book created using the Lucy papers, stamps and embellishments from Close To My Heart. The flowers are cut using the Art Philosophy Cricut cartridge and the lettering is from the Artiste Cricut cartridge, both available only from Close To My Heart.

This layout is a place to record the baby's special first events and her prints.  Across the bottom are spaces for photos or journaling.

Thanks for stopping by!  Make sure you come back tomorrow to see another fun layout!  Your next stop is www.craftycardgallery.blogpsot.com.


Nicolette- http://beyondscrapin.blogspot.com
Cheryl - http://cardsbycg.blogspot.com
Ashley - http://theglamoroussideofscrapping.blogspot.com
leslie-rahye~ http://leslierahye.blogspot.com
April - http://www.curlsandgrins.blogspot.com - you are here
Jennifer- www.craftycardgallery.blogpsot.com

Studio J Free For All - Get Your Free Scrapbook Layout

Have you tried Studio J Digital Scrapbooking from Close to my Heart? Now is the time! During our Studio J^® Free-for-All in June, we're giving everyone a FREE Studio J^® JPG file—no purchase required! Simply log on to Studio J, create a layout, then order one JPG file of your layout during the checkout process. It's as easy as that! We're offering one free JPG file per customer account during June, so customers who already have a Studio J or a MyCTMH^® account are ready to log on and start creating. If you don't have an account, no worries—you can log on and create an account and then order your free JPG file with no strings attached. Make June the month you try Studio J with our FREE JPG promotion. You will love it and return for more!    

I'd Rather Be at the Beach Blog Hop - Day 2

Welcome to the "I'd Rather Be At The Beach" Blog Hop. This blog hop runs from May 18-22. If you are coming from Dana's blog, you’re on the right track. If you just joined us, you can go back to the beginning HERE and hop along with us. We’ve had so much fun creating this hop, and we have a wonderful line up with some oh-so-talented crafters. You will find loads of projects with a beachy theme throughout this hop! If you love the beach as much as I do, then you won't want to miss this one! We have LOTS of blog candy to offer! Please check back daily for your chance to win!

Here's the lineup:

Emily: http://www.createserendipity.net/

Dawn: http://dawnsdesignsthatdelight.blogspot.com/

Tricia: http://lshdesigns.blogspot.com/

Margaret: http://auntmargaretdesigns.blogspot.com/

Janet: http://www.createatdreamscrapbooks.blogspot.com/

Lisa: http://honeybearzdesigns2011.blogspot.com/

Theresa: http://www.thescrapbookingqueen.com/

Lisa: http://handmadewithlove-lisa.blogspot.com/

Elsa: http://justafewdesigns.blogspot.com/

Martha: http://pattisscrapingtime.blogspot.com/

Dana: http://danascraftycorner.blogspot.com/

April: http://www.curlsngrins.blogspot.com/ You are here

Kim: http://kimmarieskorner.blogspot.com/ - Your next stop

Gill: http://www.creationsbygillm.blogspot.com/

Jackie: http://jackrabbitscrappin.blogspot.com/

  

For today's project, I created a beach layout.  This is from a recent trip to Huntington Beach in sunny California, my native state.  The cardstock is sponge-daubed with Desert Sand ink to give it the sandy look.  For directions to make the pinwheels, click here.  To fill in the 

Most products are from Close to my Heart.  Miracle papers, White Daisy cardstock, Chocolate Alphabet stamp set, Chocolate & Desert Sand inks, Pewter brads, Kraft borders. Additional stamps from the Miracle Workshop on the Go.  Buttons are from my stash.  

To win my blog candy, please leave a comment on this post AND become a follower of this blog.  For a bonus entry, become a fan of Curls & Grins on Facebook and comment that you have done so. Winner will be announced June 1st, so come back here to see if you've won!

Thanks so much for stopping by! Make sure you hop along and see what Kim has in store for you!

National Scrapbooking Month with You & Me

We are celebrating National Scrapbooking Month in May with a fabulous promotion! During May, when you place a minimum order of $50 for any Close To My Heart products, you can grab an exclusive You & Me scrapbooking kit for just $15—that’s more than half off the retail value of the kit! Woo-hoo! You can also purchase the kit outright for $34.95 with or without a minimum purchase. It’s a charming kit you and your customers are sure to love. It features two fully embellished layouts, each with their own unique personality, a D-size stamp set, and an instruction guide to step you through the creation process. As part of our promotion, we’re also offering new Consultants who join Close To My Heart in May one FREE You & Me scrapbooking kit plus 50% off their New Consultant Kit! It's an incredible value just for May!

Friday Night Scrappers

Friday Night Scrappers is moving to the 3rd Friday of each month.  As always, you may bring your own projects to work on or create a layout or cards using the featured Workshop on the Go.  On March 18th, we will be using the Miracle Workshop on the Go.  You have 2 choices for ordering the workshop on the go:

1. Order the Miracle Workshop on the Go Kit that includes the Miracle Level 2 Paper Pack, Miracle Stamp Set and Kraft Borders.

2. Order the Miracle Level 2 Paper Pack and Kraft Borders.  You may use my stamp set at the crop night.

If you'd like to save on the shipping cost, email me with your order and I will order the supplies for you and they will be available for pickup at the crop night.  I will be placing my order on March 11th.

Below are photos of the layout and the cards you can make using this kit.  Instructions are included to make additional cards and a second layout.