February Stamp of the Month - Easter Bunny

Oh My Goodness - it is day 8 of February already!! This year has certainly got off to a flying start, the kids are back at school, Summer sports are winding down but the days are still very warm! If you are finding yourself with a little free time or need to escape the heat - retreat to your craft room and the air conditioning?... then I have the cutest stamp set for you to ink up.

Take a peek at this month's Stamp of the Month - a 12 piece set that will ensure you have some cute cards ready to send out at Easter time... and with a quick change of sentiment, a card for just about every occasion.

 

 

I used two of the sweet little bunny images to create this card. I coloured them with Watercolour Pencils and then paper pieced their clothing with papers from the Whimsy Fundamental and the Sugar Rush Paper Packs. The sentiment was stamped on a "word bubble" shape, cut from the Cricut Artbooking Collection. It is a little difficult to see in this photo but I stamped both the bunnies and sentiment in Cocoa Exclusive Ink™. I am finding this my "go to" colour when I want to soften the look of my cards rather than stamp in black ink.

 



I also created these 2 cards using this month's Stamp of the Month. I have developed a bit of an addiction to making "scenic cards" with my latest craze being "picket fences". Using the woodgrain print from the Rustic Home Fundamentals I cut small 1/2" strips, then roughly cut a picket shape into the top edge. Next I distressed the edges with a sponge & Cocoa Exclusive Ink™ and lined the pieces up across my base piece. The base was then trimmed with some grass shapes, again cut from the Cricut Artbooking Collection. The "There's Nobunny Like You" card came together really easily with lots of my scraps from my craft desk. Papers from the Sugar Rush and Some Kinda Wonderful Paper Packs along with stickers and die-cuts from the Hello Lovely and Springtime Complement Packs.

The "Sending Smiles" card came together in much the same way...but rather than have my bunny strolling in the grass, I decided to have her popping out to say "hello" from a flower pot...an idea that was inspired by an adorable card created by CTMH Consultant - Corinna Murphy. To further embellish the card I used a combination of flower, leaf and cloud shapes from the Close To My Heart Cricut Collections... cut in a variety of my favourite coloured cardstock - Raspberry, Lemon, Willow, SweetLeaf and Glacier.

 

February is also the perfect time for you to join the Close To My Heart family as a Consultant... especially if you love paper crafting, sharing your creativity with others and enjoy Fun, Friendship and Awesome Rewards.

 

New Consultants who join Close To My Heart in February will get the February (Easter Bunny), March, and April Stamp of the Month sets for FREE! That’s an additional $81 in retail value added to the already incredible value of the New Consultant Kit! and if you are a former Close To My Heart Consultant?? there is special offer just for you.... a lower-priced, no-kit enrolment option that will allow you to sign up and join my team for just $75! You will still receive $75 in Select Product Credit to spend on products of your choice, meaning...you basically get to sign up for free! PLUS you will receive the February, March, and April Stamp of the Month sets for FREE!

 

If you are interested in joining me and the other rewards Close To My Heart have to offer - simply click here to find out more.

 

I hope you enjoyed seeing my bunny cards and I look forward to sharing more of my Close To My Heart journey with you.

Chris xx

Sign Me Up!

If you love paper crafting and sharing your creativity with others - you may like to consider becoming a Close To My Heart Consultant - and enrich your crafting passion with lots of Fun, Friendship and Awesome Rewards... February is the perfect time for you to join the Close To My Heart family and receive some lovely bonus gifts.

New Consultants who join Close To My Heart in February will get the February, March, and April Stamp of the Month sets for FREE! That’s an additional $81 in retail value added to the already incredible value of the New Consultant Kit! 

   
If you are former Close To My Heart Consultant?? there is special offer just for you.... a lower-priced, no-kit enrolment option that will allow you to sign up and join my team for just $75! You will still receive $75 in Select Product Credit to spend on products of your choice, meaning...you basically get to sign up for free! PLUS you will receive the February, March, and April Stamp of the Month sets for FREE!
 

Whether you want to be a self-funded hobbyist, consumer consultant, club co-ordinator, or even a career builder - there is a place for you on my team of Crafty Chicks!

Benefits of Being a Consultant:

• 22% discount on all CTMH products.
• Potential to earn FREE products with every order
• You can even be your own hostess.
• Preview and order new products before they are released.
• Access to an exclusive consultant website - containing artwork, creative insider projects, tutorials, business ideas and more.
• The opportunity to earn fun and exclusive rewards in your first 3 months...including an additional $230 in FREE products
• Free on-line training programs with creative, personal and business classes.
• Opportunity to attend corporate sponsored events and earn an all expenses paid holiday (every year!)
• Free online shop/website - with NO credit card fees
• An opportunity to purchase a Cricut® Explore Machine at a discount price

Benefits of Joining My Team:

• Mentoring that includes product marketing, blog set-up etc
• Access to an exclusive facebook group for team members only.
• Card/Project Kits & Handouts – free & exclusive to my team members.
• Card Swaps, Awards & Incentives throughout the year designed for team members only.
• To be a part of “Chris's Crafty Chicks” an Australian wide team of creative and inspiring artists.
• Enjoy team workshops/events where you receive hands on training, fun creative projects and make life long friends

• …click on the video below to discover more about me!

It is very EASY to JOIN in the FUN!

Start by clicking here  - then Let's Get Started ... fill out the information - make sure your upline is listed as Chris Lothian.

That's it!! You should hear back within the day and your kit will be shipped to your doorstep.

Do you have questions?  E-mail me for more information - lotfam@iinet.net.au

I look forward to sharing the CTMH Journey with you.

Chris xx

 

Friday Friend Feature #18

I have recently spent a weekend with my Close To My Heart consultant colleagues and the camaraderie it is one of the things I most love about my job - the sharing, the friendship, admiration and not to forget " the crafty fun"!

The projects I want to share with you today were both shared and inspired by two of my very special consultant friends - Maddy and Diane.

During some creative playtime Maddy taught us how to make a pinterest inspired cascading card with a 3D floral twist. I have such a flower fetish that it didn't take me long to fall in love with this idea and find a new addiction! I also loved Maddy's inspiring use of the little frames found in the March Stamp of the Month. A perfect way to add a sentiment to this card - don't forget there are only a few more days to left  to add this stamp set to your collection too!

The flowers and leaves are all shapes found in the  Cricut® Art Philosophy Collection and were created in much the same way as the floral idea I shared back in February... you will find that post here. The puffy glitter stickers really make these cards sparkle and I am going to be sad to see them discontinued at the end of the month - if you are a fan of these puffy embellishments too?... don't forget to place your order by the 31st March to avoid disappointment.

 

The second project I want to share with you was inspired by a notebook given to my friend Diane as a gift when she attended the Close To My Heart incentive trip in Hawaii - yes! as consultants we can earn all expenses paid overseas holidays - how fantastic is that??? and who doesn't like a pretty little notebook to record their dreams, aspirations and special memories??

 

The notebook I created was made by covering a journal/exercise book with some of the gorgeous new papers and embellishments due to be released on the 1st April - I know I am a tease but how pretty are they?? and how lucky am I to have these lovelies to play with already?? Another benefit of being a consultant is the opportunity to craft with new goodies before they are released!

 

If you are looking for a chance to shine in business, creativity and be paid for doing what you love? -  then becoming a Close To My Heart Consultant  may be just what you are looking for. March is the perfect time to join us and I would love to help you with this journey.

 

 

 - click here to find out more or email me at lotfam@iinet.net.au and what ever you have planned for this weekend... I hope it is full of fun, friendship and crafty pleasures!

A New and Fun Opportunity

If you love paper crafting and sharing your creativity with others - you may like to consider becoming a Close To My Heart Consultant - and enrich your crafting passion with lots of Fun, Friendship and Awesome Rewards... March is the perfect opportunity for you to join the Close To My Heart family and receive some lovely Bonus Gifts... two start-up kits are available for you to choose from and whatever path you decide to take, please know I am here to help you every step of the way.

Whether you want to be a self-funded hobbyist, consumer consultant, club co-ordinator, digital scrapbook consultant, or even a career builder, there is a place for you on my team of Crafty Chicks!

Benefits of Being a Consultant:

• 22% discount on all CTMH products.
• Potential to earn FREE products with every order
• You can be your own hostess.
• Preview and order new products before they are released.
• Access to an exclusive consultant website - containing artwork, creative insider kits, tutorials, business ideas and more.
• The opportunity to earn your $130 kit fee back in your first 3 months.
• Free on-line training program with creative, personal and business classes.
• Opportunity to attend corporate sponsored events and earn an all expenses paid holiday (every year!)
• Free online shop/website - with NO credit card fees
• An opportunity to purchase a Cricut® Explore Machine and/or Cuttlebug at a discount price.

Benefits of Joining My Team:

• One-on-one mentoring that includes product marketing, blog set-up etc
• Access to an exclusive facebook group for team members only.
• Card/Project Kits & Handouts – free & exclusive to my team members.
• Card Swaps, Awards & Incentives throughout the year designed for team members only.
• To be a part of “Chris's Crafty Chicks” an Australian wide team of creative and inspiring artists.
• …click on the video below to discover more!

It is very EASY to JOIN in the FUN!

Start by clicking here  - then Let's Get Started ... fill out the form and your kit choice -  Card Making or Scrapbooking - make sure your upline is listed as Chris Lothian.

That's it!! You should hear back within the day and your kit will be shipped to your doorstep.

Do you have questions?  E-mail me for more information - lotfam@iinet.net.au

Friday Friend Feature #6

Today's Friday Friend Feature is once again celebrating Spring and more beautiful art work from Alicia. Alicia created a stunning little set of cards using more of the fun goodies found in the New Consultant Card Making Kit and she describes these cards as showcasing her favourite design elements - the colour blue, butterflies, white space, a bit of bling!

The butterfly images can be found in the stamp set Your Own Kind of Wonderful it features 6 butterflies and some lovely uplifting sentiments. Alicia stamped the images with Lagoon Ink and trimmed the cards with a B&T Duo™ Paper from the Seaside Paper Pack and Teal Shimmer Trim - all 3 of those items are included in the Cardmakers Kit. The tiny flower images are from another stamp set found in the kit called  Lovely Birthday - which is one of my favourite stamp sets... I actually used it on the card featured in my previous blog post.

Alicia's cards were finished off & embellished with bling from the Aqua Dots and Clear Sparkle assortments...along with a sentiment stamped in Slate Ink

If you love card making and sharing your creativity with others - you may like to consider purchasing this fabulous kit - it is jammed packed with gorgeous cardmaking goodies and can be delivered direct to your doorstep simply by clicking here.

 Benefits of Being a Consultant:

• 22% discount on all CTMH products.
• Potential to earn FREE products with every order
• You can be your own hostess.
• Preview and order new products before they are released.
• Access to an exclusive consultant website - containing artwork, creative insider kits, tutorials, business ideas and more.
• The opportunity to earn your $130 kit fee back in your first 3 months.
• Free on-line training program with creative, personal and business classes.
• Opportunity to attend corporate sponsored events and earn an all expenses paid holiday (every year!)
• Free online shop/website
• An opportunity to purchase a Cricut Machine and/or Cuttlebug at a discount price.

Benefits of Joining My Team:

• One-on-one mentoring that includes product marketing, blog set-up etc
• Access to an exclusive facebook group for team members only.
• Card/Project Kits & Handouts – free & exclusive to my team members.
• Card Swaps, Awards & Incentives throughout the year designed for team members only.
• To be a part of  "Chris's Crafty Chicks" an Australian wide team of creative and inspiring artists.
• and so much more…

Click here to join in the FUN! - or email me at lotfam@iinet.net.au if you would like more information.

Have a great weekend - I hope it is full of lovely spring sunshine and all things crafty!

Friday Friend Feature #5

Today is the fifth instalment of the Friday Friend Feature. I hope you have been enjoying the art work shared and created by my Crafty Friends. Today I am showcasing more of Alicia's inspiring card making talents. Alicia's cards feature products from the Confetti Wishes and Seaside product ranges that are included in the Cardmakers New Consultant Kit. I love these fun and funky Birthday cards - the fabulous cake embellishments that Alicia designed were created from the icons in the Confetti Wishes Complements Pack and finished off with cute little bows made from Thistle Diagonal Striped Ribbon (this ribbon is also included the New Consultant Kit). These cards would brighten any Birthday celebration.

...and how great is this card?! - it truly highlights how well the Close To My Heart product range co-ordinates together - this card combines not only the Confetti Wishes and Seaside paper packs but some of the Specialty Papers - the Fundamentals Whimsy Assortment and Kraft Cardstock.

This card has also been "blinged" up with some gorgeous touches of gold - Gold Polka-Dot Washi Tape, Gold Shimmer Trim and Gold Sequin Assortment...all three of these items are also included in the New Consultant Cardmaking Kit....then to give it a little more "pop" Alicia added some 3D-Foam Tape & gold glitter glue.



If like Alicia, you love making cards you might like to consider purchasing a Consultant Kit - not only do you receive the fabulous products featured in these cards but you save huge $$ and continue to do so with 22% ( and more ) off any further purchases. If you would like more information of this awesome offer email me at lotfam@iinet.net.au or click here for all the details.

I hope you have a lovely weekend - and find some time to get your Craft on!!





Fun & Rewards for Crafty Chicks

This is my 150th blog post - how cool is that?? I hope you have enjoyed following my "Creative Capers". I have certainly enjoyed sharing my creative journey with you...it has been a lot of fun giving you a little insight into my life and my love of all things crafty. However, the best part of my blogging experience has been meeting new friends - fellow bloggers, craft enthusiasts, lovely customers and a great network of crafting buddies in my personal Close To My Heart consultant team.

 

If you would like to come "play" with me in real life you will find it is just as rewarding. Host a papercraft class/gathering with your friends and you are eligible to purchase some wonderful stamp sets at discount prices...and even earn free product - click here for all the details! This card uses one of my favourite Hostess Rewards stamp sets..."Better with a Friend - D1607" - another great set for colouring with the fabulous ShinHan Markers. The fine bullet tip is perfect for these images, it makes it so easy to colour those smaller more intricate areas.

 

Colours Used:

Cherry Pink, Tender Pink, Marigold, Pastel Green, Leaf Green, Cerulean Blue

 

These colours co-ordinate beautifully with the Brushed My Reflections Collection...the leaves were fussy cut from the pretty floral printed paper in this collection, using my ever faithful Micro-Tip Scissors. I also used the tip of the scissors to remove the silver centre from the Metal Flowers, which I then substituted with Gold Bling Gems for a little extra sparkle.

 

 

If you love paper crafting and sharing your creativity with others - you may like to consider becoming a Close To My Heart Consultant - and enrich your crafting passion with lots of Fun, Friendship and Awesome Rewards....two start-up kits are available for you to choose from and whatever path you decide to take, please know I am here to help you every step of the way.

 

Whether you want to be a self-funded hobbyist, consumer consultant, club co-ordinator, digital scrapbook consultant, or even a career builder, there is a place for you on my team of Crafty Chicks!

Benefits of Being a Consultant:

• 22% discount on all CTMH products.
• Potential to earn FREE products with every order
• You can be your own hostess.
• Preview and order new products before they are released.
• Access to an exclusive consultant website - containing artwork, creative insider kits, tutorials, business ideas and more.
• The opportunity to earn your $130 kit fee back in your first 3 months.
• Free on-line training program with creative, personal and business classes.
• Opportunity to attend corporate sponsored events and earn an all expenses paid holiday (every year!)
• Free online shop/website
• An opportunity to purchase a Cricut Machine and/or Cuttlebug at a discount price.

Benefits of Joining My Team:

• One-on-one mentoring that includes product marketing, blog set-up etc
• Access to an exclusive facebook group for team members only.
• Card/Project Kits & Handouts – free & exclusive to my team members.
• Card Swaps, Awards & Incentives throughout the year designed for team members only.
• To be a part of “Chris's Crafty Chicks” an Australian wide team of creative and inspiring artists.
• and so much more…

Click here to order your kit choice and join in the FUN!
Do you have questions?  E-mail me for more information - lotfam@iinet.net.au

Come Get Crafty With Me!

April is an awesome month for joining the Close To My Heart family of crafters with an amazing opportunity to purchase a collection of products and receive a special bonus gift of a Cricut Cartridge -  together they are valued at over $500 but could be yours for just $130. What do you need to do? - just click here and place your order....no obligation - you can take this wonderful collection of crafty goodies and simply play or you have 6 months to trial the joys of being a consultant - the choice is all yours!

 

....the most difficult decision will be to decide what cartridge to choose. I love, use and have all three!! - one of the benefits of being a consultant is that I get all my craft supplies at a discount! However, to help you with your decision making you might like to watch this fabulous video that showcases a little of what can be done with the Cricut Artbooking Collection

 

 

I am rather addicted to making paper flowers to embellishment my craft projects and after watching this video I have become addicted to using the overlay grids found on the Artbooking Cartridge too! - they are so much FUN!

 

 

This card was inspired by the video and was made entirely of scraps - including some cardstock off-cuts that I had previously embossed with the Dot Embossing Folder and a little Glitter Paper. My flowers and leaves were cut from the Cricut Artiste Collection and embellished with some Clear Sparkles - then just a few Aqua and Flamingo Dots were added as my finishing touch!

 

...and because these cards are so addictive and easy to make I thought I would share a couple more with you. I wish I was able to photograph this card a little better so you could see all the beautiful glossy accents in the Fundamentals Paper and the gorgeous "Free To Be Me" paper pack. The "Free To Be Me" papers are another good reason to join Close To My Heart this month - this pack is our exclusive National Scrapbook Day collection and can be purchased for only $5 with a qualifying order in April or May. It includes, decorative paper, printed vellum and glossy embossed cardstock and is ideal for a variety of papercraft projects.

  

 

This card shows how vibrant the "Free To Be Me" papers are and how they co-ordinate so well with other paper packs in our range. The feathers were hand cut from the decorative paper with my ever favourite Micro-Tip Scissors and matted with some Silver Glitter Paper. I also used a different overlay grid from the Cricut Artbooking Cartridge to create this card - there are just so many possibilities!

 

 

If you would like more information about joining my Close To My Heart family or would like to place an order for the "Free To Be Me" paper pack just visit my Online Shop or contact me at lotfam@iinet.net.au

 

...and to keep up to date with all that happens in my crafty world follow me on Facebook - I'd love to have you share the crafting journey with my team and I.



Special Cricut Bonus Offer

I am VERY EXCITED to share an amazing offer for April from Close To My Heart, join my team this month and receive a FREE cricut collection....yes you read that correctly!, If you join my team as a consultant this month you can choose a $130 Cricut Collection for FREE...but even better is the fact that this offer has a retail value of over $550!! - Click HERE for more information.

I would love to have you join my team... Close To My Heart is the perfect solution for those who live in rural areas of Australia looking for a home based business or an online source to purchase your own crafting needs (at a discounted price)...our products are in demand, they are trendy, affordable and we have everything you could possibly want to make your projects sparkle!
 
Do you love Papercraft? and would you like to belong to a fantastic network of Fellow Crafters?....then this in an opportunity not to miss!!

For just $130 you can sign up to become a Close To My Heart Consultant and receive your FREE Cricut Collection plus....

• The New Consultant Kit with over $400 in products
• Your own online store – the company host and pay for the website
• The Opportunity to earn more free goodies and cash back

and there is more!!!

• The Opportunity to join a fun and caring team

•  The Opportunity to get great discounts on high quality product

• The Opportunity to purchase a Cricut and/or Cuttlebug machine at wholesale price including a $100 worth of bonus accessories.

 

I welcome any enquiries and would love to have you in my team, help you grow your business and inspire your creative endeavours.