Close to My Heart January – April 2022 Card Kit

Every four months I receive an adorable, simple to complete card kit from Close to My Heart. Each kit contains a full size stamp set, black ink cube, stamp block, card bases, cut apart pieces, and envelopes.

Each box is $49.95 with $7.95 shipping if purchased individually. If you sign up for a one year subscription, which is my favorite, you will be billed $131.85 yearly, which is a 20% discount and shipping is free. You can find all of the information, including FAQ here.

The current kit makes 22 cards, 2 each of 11 adorable designs. Once completed you will have thank you, birthday, just a note, sympathy and a few love cards to keep on hand for just the right occasion.

Unboxing and Cardmaking

If you would like to see a video of the contents of the current Cut Above kit and a tutorial of how to put together the cards, check out the video below.

https://youtu.be/M8xGMjuKd_w

I love card kits, and this is a great one for quick and easy card making. The Cut Above kits can be done with children who love to craft, with just a little guidance.

The only supplies I used that weren’t included in the kit were Bearly Art Glue, and small detail scissors.

Thanks for stopping by!

Dedra

Monthly Club EP Subscriptions

Echo Park Paper Company is one of my favorite sources for beautiful paper kits. I love their warehouse sales for sourcing inexpensive, good quality printed paper.

December’s kit, a smaller card kit, was called Day in the Life. The kit contained a 6 x 6, 24 double-sided sheet paper pack, a coordinating stamp set, and matching ephemera pack. January’s kit contains a 12 x 12 printed paper pack, 6 x 6 paper pad, a stamp set, chipboard pieces, stickers, brads, tags, and ephemera pieces. The theme for January is “Gather”, and has beautiful, muted neutrals, blues and greens.

I have subscribed to the company’s Club EP monthly subscription kits. The kits rotate between the smaller card making kits, and large scrapbook/memory keeping kits. If you subscribe to Club EP you will be between the 1st and 10th of each month, depending on the payment method you selected. Kits begin shipping on the 20th of each month. The card kits are currently $19.99 US, and the larger, scrapbook type kits are $29.99.

What I Made with a Day in the Life

I made mini slimline cards, mini gift tag cards, and a year in the life memory book with this great cardmaking kit. If you want to see what I made, and how I made them check out my video unboxing and tutorial.

Day in The Life Kit Video

As you can see I was able to use up most of the kit with very few scraps left over. I love using the majority of a kit and feeling like I really received my money’s worth.

Products I Used

I used a few products in addition to the card kit. The items I used with this kit are things I use almost every time I am making cards. Some of the product links are affiliate links, which means I may receive a commission on purchases, at no additional cost to you.

Lawn Fawn Watercolor 6 x 6 Paper Pad

One inch circle punch

Two inch circle punch

Scalloped circle punch

Bearly Art liquid adhesive

Thank you for crafting along with me. Club EP is one of my favorite subscription boxes and I love sharing the kits with others.

Do you have a favorite company for beautiful kits? Let me know as I’m always open to trying new companies.

Happy Crafting!

Dedra

I’ve always wanted beautiful handwriting, and used the fact that I’m left handed as an excuse for my chicken scratching.

When Close to My Heart partnered with Melissa Esplin to create a lettering system, I decided it was time to actually try to improve my handwriting.

I Need a Plan

I ordered the lettering system and brush pens as soon as they became available. The instruction book has five chapters, so I have decided to take my time and work through each chapter slowly.

The first chapter focuses on upper case print which I thought would be easy. It turns out I have even been holding my pen/pencil all wrong.

It’s taking a lot of focus for me to break some bad habits!

Flip Through of the System

I hope you enjoy the video I made of the new system, and the discussion of my plans to improve my lettering.

Improving Little by Little

I have really tried to use uppercase print this entire month, even if I’m just writing a short note. The hardest part has been slowing down and taking my time.

I’m loving the brush pens and instructions so far! I’m looking forward to seeing my handwriting improve over the next several months, and sharing my progress with you all.

Do You Want Lovely Lettering?

If you have always wanted to improve your handwriting, learn brush lettering, or need some great new brush pens, check out the links below.

Penmanship with Melissa Esplin Instruction Book

Melissa Esplin Brush Pens

Melissa Esplin Penmanship System Bundle

I hope you will check in and follow along on my new journey to have that lovely lettering I have always wanted.

May 2019 Through August 2019

This year marks the 35th year that Close to My Heart has been supplying crafters with lovely stamps, inks, and more.

CTMH has some of the best printed paper in the industry! The patterns and colors are always gorgeous, and the new papers are no exception.

Video Flip Through

Below is a video showing all of the beautiful items offered in the 2019 Seasonal Expression II. I hope you enjoy seeing everything.

Need Your Own Catalog?

You can find the Seasonal Expressions II, and have one sent directly to you here.

Of course, you can see all of the lovely items directly on the CTMH site also.

What is Your Favorite Collection?

As mentioned in the video, my favorite new collection is Sweet Girl. The colors, prints, and matching paper are gorgeous. You can see that collection here.

Let me know your favorite collection or item in this new catalog.

Dedra

Systems

Even though I know the systems that really work for me, sometimes I fall off track.  I decided that August was my month to get it together, so that my life would run more smoothly, after a rocky July.

GTD

One of the systems that really works to keep my life organized is the GTD, or Getting Things Done, System. Getting Things Done was created by David Allen, and explained in the book by the same name. 

I believe in this system so much that I own the paperback, kindle, and audio versions.  I will often listen to the book in the car for a refresher/reminder. 

If I perform the GTD weekly review while planning out the upcoming week, I know things will go more smoothly. 

Besides the book, there are podcasts, videos, etc on the system. If you have heard of this system and thought it wasn’t for you because you aren’t a CEO of a big company, you should give it a try. This system would be helpful for anyone. 

12 Week Year

The 12 Week Year, by Brian Moran, was an eye opener for me. Mr. Moran believes that setting yearly goals makes it all too easy for people to think they have lots of time to reach those goals. However, he explains if you set goals for a 12 week completion date, there is a sense of urgency, and you are more likely to reach those goals.

Because of this book I took a hard look at my big visions for my life. I decided how I wanted my life to look in five years, three years, and one year. From there I decided what I could do in the next 12 weeks to move me towards those big visions.

I checked Amazon and found that there is a workbook/field guide being released in late September 2018. I’m not sure I need it, but I sure do want a copy. 

7 Habits of Highly Effective People

My biggest take away from Stephen Covey’s book was the quadrant method of assigning priorities to the things that are on my to do list. 

The method really helps me see what is important for me to do, can be delegated to someone else, or doesn’t need to be done at all.

Tying it All Together

I created a video showing how these three systems work together for me.

I hope you will follow along with me as I get back on track in my planner. My planner is something I use everyday to keep my life in order, but without good systems in place the planner alone is not very effective.

I would love to hear about the planner(s) and systems that keep your life running smoothly.

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Finding Time to be Creative

If you are like me you have dreams of making beautiful cards, gift boxes, gift bags, tablescapes, party decor and all the things that look easy on Pinterest. You want to make people feel special by giving them something you made yourself. 

The problem is time is at a premium. When you finally find the time, you don’t have the supplies on hand, or you need a tutorial, or inspiration. You either spend a lot of time searching online for the perfect project, or you need to shop for the supplies, sometimes both.

If this sounds like you, I have a solution.

A Box Full of Creativity

How would you like to receive a box of fun projects with the hard parts done for you? All you need to do is open your box, click on the email, and follow the directions.

The Hello Fall Creativity Box has the supplies to make four cards, four gift tags, and one gift bag, including an 11 piece stamp set. Your first box will include a black ink cube and mini adhesive. There will be instructional videos for every project.

Hello Fall is the first creativity box, but the Nothing But Treats Creativity Box will be available soon. 

Something for the Planner Gals

There are also Hello Fall Planner Kits available. Right now the kits are available for the Big Happy Planner, Classic Happy Planner, A5, and Traveler’s Notebook. Each kit has the same theme and stamp set, but the projects are adapted to the planner styles. The planner kits also come with a black ink cube, mini adhesive, and a video with suggestions on how to use the supplies. 

Below is a video showing how I used the kit to decorate my Big Happy Planner.

More Available

My shop is new and will be expanding each month. I have had a request to add some ready made items to my shop, so there will be a few of those available also. 

If you are ready to check out the shop, simply visit the Creativity Box Shop and have a look around.

Please feel free to ask any questions below, or email me at papercraftsandplanners@gmail.com.

Thanks for stopping by,

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I was able to attend the Fun Stampers Journey Convention this year, so I had the 2018/2019 Inspiration Book and Catalog in my hands a few weeks before it went live. 

The wonderful thing about the convention was getting to see, and use, some wonderful new products. It was really hard to stick to my budget!

Take a Look for Yourself

I filmed a flip through of the new catalog highlighting some of my favorite new stuff. Because of the size of the catalog I filmed two videos.

Part 1

Part 2

Get a Copy for Yourself

I will send catalogs to the first five people who email me at papercraftsandplanners@gmail.com. You can also purchase one for yourself on my FSJ site.

Stay tuned for lots projects made with the lovely new products I’ve purchased. I hope you get lots of inspiration from the new catalog.

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I first heard about the Blog Well Retreat from Rebecca at Rebecca’s Roadmap . I decided to take the leap and invest in my business. It is always a tough call when deciding how much to invest on your business before you are turning a profit.

I hadn’t yet met Rebecca in person, so deciding to share a hotel room was also a part of the leap I took. I figured I would either form a new friendship or need to find another hotel room on the fly. Fortunately, I made a great new friendship and no one needed to call 911.

Katie Horner 

The event was run by Katie Horner of Blogging Successfully. I was not familiar with Katie, but I would now highly recommend checking her out. After I returned from her retreat I joined her Blog Connection group. I have not had time to delve into all of the training yet, but I’m already loving the support from the other members.

Katie’s experience was invaluable. She has been there, done that. I will be processing, and implementing, all of the information she shared for a long time.

Other Speakers and Sponsors

These ladies weren’t just speakers, they were mentors. They each had so much to share. 

Robin Smith of Be Social Get Success shared her wisdom with “dazzling visuals that increase engagement and help you be known.” I will be changing/improving a lot of my images, especially on this blog, because of the information she shared.

I was able to get some one-on-one time with Robin, and we worked on improving my blog. The improvements will continue.

Sandy Lawrence of Perceptive Public Relations impressed with “success practices with press releases.” Sandy primarily works with writers (yes, a blogger is a writer too), and I had several “ah ha” moments as she spoke.

Cynthia Charleen of Dallas Organizing found the location, and helped organize things locally since Katie currently lives in Mexico.

The kind gentlemen at Innovation Finances allowed us to use their space in the Intel Bank building. It was a lovely building and we had plenty of room to spread out. 

Accommodations and Dining

Rebecca and I stayed at the Highland Dallas, and it was impressive. The entire hotel looked like a fancy take on ranch life. There was cowhide on the elevator wall, and all of the wall art symbolized ranch life. 

The Restaurant, The Knife, was all about the aged beef. We had a bacon sampler, a cheese plate, steak, and a little dessert plate. I do not normally splurge on a meal like that, but it certainly was an experience. I am certain I have never eaten bacon from Spain before. 

Final Thoughts Before Heading Home

Rebecca and I wanted to share what we learned at this great training. We filmed a video, and I think it was as much for us as anyone. It helped us organize our thoughts a bit before heading to our prospective homes.

Watch this video if you can get past the driving- home- soon looks, and a bit of rambling. 

The learning, and friendships, will continue for a long time. If you have been considering spending money on training to help with your business, just do it! This won’t be the last time I spend money on training to help move my business, and life, forward.

Thank you for visiting my blog. I hope you will hang out a bit, and don’t forget to sign up for email notifications, and my monthly newsletter.

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This set of die cuts turned out to be a lot of fun to work with once I learned a few tips and tricks.  It is a very versatile set to help you make cards that look like you spent a lot of time on them.

Helpful Tips

My first attempt to use the Designer Frames Die set was not successful. The frame is very thin and I had a hard time keeping everything straight as I adhered it to the card. 

I did a little searching, asked a few questions, and soon it all came together for me.  Below is a video tutorial with the tips that really helped me.

Ordering Info

If you are interested in any of the items I used to make these cards, simply click on the links below. Many of the items I used are on the retirement list which means they are discounted, and available while supplies last.

Designer Frames Die Set

Through the Year Paper (polka dots)

To You Stamp and Die Set Bundle

To You Stamp Set Only

Color Burst Pencils

Unfortunately the Mystic Romance Paper I used (floral with yellow background) sold out as I was finishing this blog post.  If there is an item you want, please do not hesitate to order as things are going quickly.

Thank you for visiting my blog! If you have any comments or questions, please leave them below. I would love to hear from you.

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What is a One Sheet Wonder Card?

One Sheet Wonder Cards utilize a cutting pattern for your printed paper. I typically use a 12 x 12 sheet of double sided, printed paper. There are other cutting patterns for 8 1/2 x 11 paper, and 6 x 6 paper. 

The idea behind one sheet wonder cards is they allow you to make many cards from one piece of printed paper. The should go together quickly. Don’t take a long time coming up with designs, just go with the pieces you have just cut out, and add some solid colors, and some stamping.

Here is the pattern I used to make my cards. It may look complicated to cut, but I will show you how in the video below.

Getting the Most of My Printed Paper

The Fun Stampers Journey retirement list has been published and the retirement sale is going on until the end of June. All of the printed paper in my stash is on the retirement list. That means I need to get serious about using it up.

Not only do one sheet wonder card use up printed paper so you can make room for the new, it also makes the best use of that paper. Very little of a 12 x 12 piece of printed paper is wasted.

Cards

The first cards I made from one 12 x 12 will be nice additions to cards I keep handy for different occasions.  Both sides of the patterned paper coordinated with each other, which is helpful. I only made 7 cards because I used several pieces on the  cards.

For the second set of cards I picked a more challenging piece of paper. The two sides of the paper did not really coordinate with each other. It allowed me to get some very different looks to my cards.  I still have lots of paper that is cut and ready to go to make more cards.

I probably overthink my designs, but I tried to make them as quickly as possible which a great perk of this type of card.

Below is a video of me making some cards to give you an idea of how easily you can make some lovely cards.  Please forgive my head in a few shots and the excessive hand movements.  I needed to speed up this video because it would have been nearly 40 minutes long! 

Links

Here are links to products I used that are still available. Things are going fast on the retirement list! 

Mystic Romance Paper  on the retirement list and selling at a discount

To You Stamp Set

To You Stamp and Die Bundle

Thank you for visiting my blog! Please look around while you are here, and come back often for new content. Better yet, sign up to receive emails when I post new content and/or sign up for my newsletter.

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