FREE FREE FREE Goodies

Who wouldn't want FREE GOODIES for doing something they were already going to do anyways--shop with me!!!!!  In July that's exactly what CTMH is giving you though.  For every  qualifing order you place on my site heatherplotzke.ctmh.com in July you'll also receive some great FREEBIES!  Details below:

Place an online order of $75 or more in July and we’ll send you a popular paper packet and coordinating
accessory—a Perfect Pair—for free! That’s a retail value of up to $17.90! Different Perfect
Pairs are available on different dates throughout the month so you’ll want to place more than one
qualifying order to snatch several Perfect Pairs. Place your order early in the availability
period, as the promotion is while supplies last. Offer valid July 1–31, 2012. While supplies last. Additional
shipping/handling and tax may apply. Discounted products do not count toward a qualifying purchase.

Order Dates ~ Perfect Pair ~ Original Retail Value

• July 1–5 Mischief Paper Packet (X7144B) and Midnight Felt Shapes (Z1462) $15.90
• July 6–10 Dreamin' Paper Packet (X7142B) and Harvest Charms (Z1633) $14.90
• July 11–15 Fanfare Paper Packet (X7138B) and Fanfare Level 2 Assortment (Z1400) $17.90
• July 16–20 Lucky Paper Packet (X7137B) and Lucky My Stickease® Assortment (X7137C) $17.90
• July 21–25 Mayberry Paper Packet (X7136B) and Mayberry My Stickease® Assortment (X7136C) $17.90
• July 26–29 Sophia Paper Packet (X7131B) and Sophia My Stickease®Assortment (X7131C) $17.90
• July 30–31Believe Paper Packet (X7145B) and Holiday Pockets (Z1486) OR Wonderland Paper Packet (X7146B) and Wonderland My Stickease®Assortment (X7146C)$14.90

Day 30: Stamping Tip - Stamping on Twill StickStock™

Day 30:  Stamping on Twill*

Step 1Ink My Acrylix^® stamp with a fair amount of a neutral-colored ink. Stamp image on twill by pressing lightly but firmly (I recommend testing this on a scrap piece of fabric first). Press the tip of your finger in a coordinating stamp pad. Begin lightly rubbing the area where you want color applied, gradually pressing harder as you go.

Step 2With your watercolor pencils, outline the stamp with the same neutral color that you used to stamp the image.

« Step 3Once the image has been completely outlined, use other watercolor pencils to color in detail. Very lightly rub a Bamboo watercolor pencil over the entire piece of twill for an aged look.

This is not washable.  For permanent ink stamping on fabric use our Staz On ink pad.  Again test first.

*2007 CTMH

Day 29: Stamping Tip - Paper Piecing

Day 29: Paper Piecing*

Step 1Dimension is created through paper piecing by placing one identically stamped image on top of another. To begin, stamp the desired My Acrylix^® image two times, once on the card or layout and again on a separate piece of cardstock.

Step 2Use Micro-Tip Scissors to cut out the second image.

« Step 3Place the second image directly over the first, adhering with an appropriately sized 3-D foam square.

*2007 CTMH

Day 28: Stamping Tip - Dressing Paper Flowers

Day 28: Dressing Paper Flowers *

Step 1Ink a Sponge Dauber with a fair amount of ink.

« Step 2Carefully use the dauber to ink the edges of the flower. Make sure to place scrap paper under flower before inking.

Step 3Add a second, smaller flower to the first and secure with a button or a brad.

*2007 CTMH

Day 27: Stamping Tip - Clear Bubble Embossing

Day 27: Clear Bubble Embossing*

« Step 1Cover Dimensional Elements frame with cardstock or Background & Texture Duos™ paper if desired. Apply VersaMark^® ink to the entire Dimensional Elements frame.

Step 2Pour clear embossing powder on the frame and shake off the excess.

Step 3Begin heating the frame, moving from one corner to the next. Once the powder starts to bubble, remove the heat. Do not overheat.

 *2007 CTMH

Day 26: Stamping Tip - Creating Dimension

Day 26:  Creating Dimension*

Step 1Stamp any My Acrylix^® image.

Step 2Using coloring pencils a shade lighter and a shade darker than your ink, color the image, going over the edges with a scribble-like look. Then softly trace your image using a .03 My Acrylix^™ Writer Black Pen.

« Step 3Stipple around the edges of your image using your ink pad and stipple tool.

*2007 CTMH

Day 25: Stamping Tips - Conditioning Stamps

Day 25: Conditioning Stamps *

Step 1Place any My Acrylix^® stamp on a block. Rub the stamp rapidly back and forth on the stamp pad.

Step 2Press stamp into pad a couple of times to get even coverage of ink.

« Step 3Stamp image on scrap paper before stamping on actual project.

*2007 CTMH

Only 6 more days

The Stampaganza Sale is quickly coming to an end.  The offer ends June 30th so hurry up Cinderella and don't get caught turning into a pumpkin OR worse yet miss a Fab Deal!

My favorite thing to pick up during Stampaganza (Buy 2 sets get 1 set FREE) is our Gigantic E-Size Alphabet sets....what a huge savings.

this set has 78 images...amazing

Day 24: Stamping Tip - Embellishing Metal Clips

Day 24:  Embellishing Metal Clips*

Step 1To color the edges of your Metal Clip, shave the edges of the clip with an open scissors blade.

« Step 2Using an Sponge Applicator, ink the shaved edges of the clip with the ink color of your choice. Inking both sides of the clip will create more contrast.

Step 3To accessorize, attach a letter from the My Stickease™ assortment to a small, metal-rimmed circle tag. Adhere it to the Metal Clip using Glue Dots^®.

*2007 CTMH

Day 23: Stamping Tip - Sanding Stamped Images

Day 23: Sanding Stamped Images*

Step 1Stamp any My Acrylix^® image on white core cardstock of your choice.

Step 2Cover the stamped image with wax paper for added durability and trace over the entire image using an embossing stylus.

« Step 3Turn the stamped image over and brush the raised image with sandpaper, allowing the white core to appear.

*2007 CTMH

Day 22: Stamping Tip - Texturing with the Black Stubble Tool

Day 22:  Texturing with the Black Stubble Tool*

 Step 1Rub the top of the black stubble tool on a stamp pad to coat with ink.

Step 2Press the top of your tool firmly to your paper where you want your textured circle and twist it, creating a full circle. Be sure to keep your tool in the same spot.

« Step 3Repeat on all areas of the paper where you would like to have a textured circle.

*2007 CTMH

June's Love your Layout

Hope you enjoy this month's edition of Love Your Layout.  This month our designers are showing you a super cute layout using Cruisin'

Day 21: Stamping Tip - Faux Screen-print

Day 21:  Faux Screen-print*

Step 1Stamp your My Acrylix^® monogram on the cardstock using one of two contrasting dark Exclusive Inks™ stamp pads.

Step 2Using the light stamp pad, stamp your decorative image. It's okay to overlap the image or stamp the image only halfway on the cardstock. Clean stamp.

« Step 3Using the last ink pad, stamp the decorative image overlapping the lighter image, being sure to let the lighter image still remain somewhat visible.

*2007 CTMH

Day 20: Stamping Tip - Tissue Inking

Day 20: Tissue Inking*

Step 1Apply the Exclusive Inks™ Buttercup ink to your stamp as usual.

« Step 2Before stamping, add additional ink to your stamp by blotting a crinkled facial tissue on a Hollyhock ink pad then dabbing it lightly onto your stamp a few times.

Step 3Repeat Step 2 with Topiary ink, then stamp your image.

*2007 CTMH

Day 19: Stamping Tip - Photo Stamping

Day 19: Photo Stamping *

« Step 1Stamp directly onto the photo surface and allow the ink to settle and dry. Do NOT heat the photo surface with a heat gun. The heat will cause the photo emulsion to bubble.

Step 2After the ink dries, use sponges or markers directly on the surface of the stamped photo to color.

Step 3Seal the color with a glossy spray sealant, if desired.

*2007 CTMH

YMCA Camp Studio J View

As my son has headed to my second year at YMCA Camp, I thought I'd share my layout from last years camp.  I made this using Studio J.  Take a look at how I layered the floral My Stickease to make a larger bunch.  It gives the page a fuller look and more depth.  I had my son write out a note telling me what camp had meant to him.  I typed it just as he wrote it, because I loved the fact that it was in his own words.

Day 18: Stamping Tip - Masking

Day 18:  Masking*

Step 1Stamp the My Acrylix^® image onto scratch paper in one color. Cut out the image in sections of desired ink color.

Step 2While using the cut-out sections to cover unwanted portions of the image, stamp the image on cardstock.

« Step 3After pulling the scratch paper image away, you will have a multicolored, interacting image.

*2007 CTMH

Day 17: Stamping Tip - Accentuating the Textured Cardstock

Day 17:  Accentuating the Textured Cardstock* 

Step 1Stamp your chosen My Acrylix^® image on textured cardstock. For best results, use the foam pad provided with your stamps to cushion the image and ensure even coverage.

Step 2Add a small amount of Exclusive Inks™ re-inker to a craft jar. Dip a stipple tool into the jar and wipe excess ink off the tool onto a tissue or scrap piece of paper.

« Step 3Wipe the tool back and forth and up and down across the stamped image until the image is completely covered. Cut the image out of cardstock if desired.

*2007 CTMH

Day 16: Stamping Tip - Water Mist

Day 16:  Water Mist*

Step 1For a watercolor effect, spray a very fine mist of water 12 inches away over your My Acrylix^® stamp.

Step 2Stamp the image on cardstock. Try more or less water for various degrees of watercoloring.

« Step 3Stamp the image with ink only to outline or add depth to the watercolor image.

*2007 CTMH

Southfork here I come!

22 days and I'll be on my way to Southfork!  J.R. and CTMH's convention ready or not here we come~YeeHaw

Day 15: Stamping Tip - Using a Blending Pen with Watercolor Pencils

Day 15:  Using a Blending Pen with Watercolor Pencils*

Step 1Stamp any My Acrylix^® image on paper of your choice.

Step 2Using one or more watercolor pencils, color the areas in which you wish to have the watercolor effect.

« Step 3Using the blending pen, smooth over the areas on which you used the watercolor pencils. To achieve a darker effect, place the blending pen directly on the pencil tip then apply the pencil. Go slightly outside the lines of the stamped image to give your work a great watercolor look.

*2007 CTMH

Day 14: Stamping Tip - Using Stipple Tool with Re-inker

Day 14:  Using Stipple Tool with Re-inker*

Step 1Add a few drops of each Exclusive Inks™ re-inker to separate containers.

Step 2Dab stipple tool in color. Wipe off excess on tissue before applying.

« Step 3For a dramatic effect, drag a saturated tool across the paper in long strokes. Use less ink and shorter strokes for a lighter, wispier application.

*2007 CTMH

Day 13: Stamping Tip - Color Shading Using One Stamp

Day 13:  Color Shading Using One Stamp*

Step 1Stamp a My Acrylix^® floral image in your desired base color. Clean stamp. Re-ink it in a second ink color by rocking and rolling the image so only the outside edges of the image are inked. Carefully stamp over the first image. 

Step 2After cleaning the stamp, ink the center of the image with the third ink color using a Sponge Dauber. Use a tissue to wipe areas of the image where you do not want color to show.

« Step 3Carefully stamp over the previous image. Be certain to align the stamp correctly each time so the image is crisp and clear.

*2007 CTMH

Day 12: Stamping Tip - Distressed Borders and Backgrounds

Day 12:  Distressed Borders and Backgrounds*

Step 1Stamp your image in the center of a piece of cardstock, trimmed to finished size.

Step 2Slide the edges of your cardstock along an ink pad, applying ink as liberally or as little as desired.

« Step 3Apply ink to the corners of your cardstock by placing the corners directly on the ink pad and pressing very lightly.

*2007 CTMH

Superhero Studio J

Want the look of handmade layouts, with the luxury of it only taking a few minutes.  No mess to tiddy up after your craft time.  Anywhere your internet travels, so now can your craft time.  My favorite time is when watching tv at night when its my hubby's turn to pick the show. 

Day 11: Stamping Tip - Ghosting

Day 11: Ghosting*

 Step 1Find a stamp image of swirls, snowflakes, bold images, or shadow-like images.

Step 2Ink the stamp with embossing ink and stamp with it. Do this several times on the card. Do not apply embossing powder or heat.

« Step 3Ink the brayer with a single color dye-based ink pad, and roll it over the card. The embossing ink acts as a resist; the images will appear as more color is applied. Leave this as is or emboss in a complementary or contrasting color.

*2007 CTMH

Day 10: Stamping Tip - Stamping with Watercolors

Day 10: Stamping with Watercolors *

Step 1Stamp desired image with Exclusive Inks™ Archival Black ink and let dry. Clean stamp with Archival Stamp Cleaner after use.

Step 2Transfer a small amount of any Exclusive Inks™ ink to the stamp pad lid by placing the pad between the thumb and fingers of both hands and gently squeezing towards the center.

« Step 3Press the bristles of a filled waterbrush on a dry surface until they become moist. Dab the wet bristles in the residual ink on the stamp pad lid and apply to the stamped image in even strokes.

*CTMH 2007

Day 9: Stamping Tip - Dyeing Paper Flowers

Day 9:  Dyeing Paper Flowers *

Step 1Mix any Exclusive Inks™ re-inker and water in a craft jar. The ratio of water to re-inker will determine the saturation of your chosen color.

« Step 2Use eyelet tweezers to gently and quickly place the paper flower into dye bath and pull out. (The longer you leave the flower in the dye bath, the wetter it will get, increasing the chances of losing flower ridges and shape.) Rinse if color is too dark.

Step 3Lay flower on paper towels to dry. Make sure you have several layers of towels, as the inked water will soak into them.

*2007 CTMH

Six years - wow time flies

So I got this super cool email and wanted to share it....Gosh I love my company!!!!!

Heather,

Congratulations on celebrating year 6 as a Close To My Heart Consultant! We're happy you're part of our papercrafting family and we wish you all the best in the years to come. Happy anniversary!

Sincerely,
Close To My Heart 

Last year on my fifth I was surprised to receive a silver pendant in the mail to mark my Anniversary.  I love how much they care about us.  If you'd like to join our Close To My Heart Family I'd love to help you celebrate as well.  Click Here Now and start the 5 minute process! 

Day 8: Stamping in Chocolate

Day 8: Stamping in Chocolate *

Step 1Select a very simple My Acrylix^® stamp, then clean and sanitize it well.

Step 2Take chilled chocolate out of the refrigerator and unwrap it. Put the pieces you wish to stamp on a cookie sheet or tray, flat surface up.

Step 3Point the heat tool only at the area that you want to stamp. Do a quick count to three (you'll see a sheen on the chocolate as it starts to melt), then turn off the heat tool.

« Step 4Stamp the image on the chocolate while the chocolate is still hot. Put the cookie sheet in the refrigerator to chill the chocolate.

TIP: Read the label of the chocolates you buy with stamping in mind. Avoid chocolates with paraffin or beeswax. The best chocolate, in terms of taste, smoothness, and ease of stamping, are those richest in cocoa butter.

*2007 CTMH

Day 7: Stamping Tip - Stamping with Markers

Day 7: Stamping with Markers*

Step 1Place any My Acrylix^® stamp on an appropriate-sized block and color with markers. In our example, we applied different colors to the stems and berry edges.

« Step 2Prior to stamping, exhale on the image to lightly moisten the ink, then stamp as usual.

Step 3Drawing ink from a stamp pad, use a Sponge Dauber or E-Z Sponge Applicator to add additional color to the image, rubbing the ink in a circular motion. (We added a lighter shade of ink to the inside of each stamped berry.) As a general rule, Sponge Daubers apply more color more quickly than E-Z Sponge Applicators, but E-Z Sponge Applicators allow for greater color control.

*2007 CTMH

 

Show your Superhero some Super Love this Father's Day

Father's day is coming....here is a super cute book for your very own Superman:

 

This adorable book was made using Superhero papers, and coordinating products.

Superhero

 

Superhero Complements

Day 6: Stamping Tip - Streaking

Day 6: Streaking *

Step 1Thoroughly apply ink to a stamp image that could be in motion, such as a bat, ball, or shoe. Stamp the cardstock.

« Step 2Without lifting the stamp from the stamping surface, pull it away from the direction in which the image should appear to be going.

* 2007 CTMH

June Workshop

I wanted to THANK Dana Simone-Kurtz for being our Guest Designer and Master Kit Crafter with superb eye of details when creating directions, for the month of June's workshop!!!!  All those that attended loved their finished projects.  I wanted to also thank Kay Pekin who originally shared this with us.

Day 5: Stamp tip - Flocking

Day 5: Flocking *

Step 1Stamp an image on selected cardstock.

Step 2Working quickly, apply Bonding Memories^® glue thickly. Before the glue has dried, generously shake on the flock. Pat it down and allow flocking to sit for a couple of minutes.

« Step 3When the glue has dried, gently rub your finger over the top to remove the excess and create a smooth, even surface.

Day 4: Stamping Tip - Shading with Chalk

Day 4: Shading with Chalk *

Step 1Stamp the desired image on cardstock using an Exclusive Inks™ or a VersaMark^® ink pad.

« Step 2Using a Sponge dauber or cotton ball/swab, add chalk to the image, applying the color liberally or lightly to achieve the desired effect. Chalk can also be applied using a blending pen to create a softer, more muted look.

Step 3Cut out the stamped image and attach it to your project as desired.

*2007 CTMH

Here birdy, birdy...Tweet your way through June

Life Is Tweet (S1206)

If you have taken a look at June's Stamp of the Month, you are in for a tweet, oh I mean TREAT!  This set has cuteness oozing from it, and I love both birthday AND anniversary sentiments in one set! Here are some samples from our corporate art team. I can't wait to see what you'll do with yours.

Day 3: Stamping Tip - Creating a Foam Texture

Day 3*:  Creating a Foam Texture

 Step 1Fold the foam cushion from your stamp set in half, and then in half again, creating a 3" x 3" square.

« Step 2Press the foam into the stamp pad until ink is visible on the foam.

Step 3Press the foam onto your paper in a rolling motion, starting with your index finger and rolling across to your pinky finger until desired texture is achieved.

To clean, spray the foam with My Acrylix™ Spritz Cleaner and then scrub on the Double Scrubber. Let the foam dry completely before placing it back into the stamp envelope.

*2007 CTMH

So we are only up to day three....seen some tips that make you want to stop what you're doing and rush to your craft area yet?  Remember now that you have your Stamping juices flowing, that stamp sets are on crazy sale this month (Stampaganza)...Buy any two stamp sets, get one free!  This offer lasts only through June 30th...make sure you take advantage today.

One last time for my SoCal friends to see us...

Just wanted to thank everyone that stopped out at our LuWOW to see us today!!!!!!  We had a blast at the San Luis Rey Clubhouse on Camp Pendleton.  For those of you that missed us Satuday we will be back there Sunday 12-5p.  Hope  to see you out there!