A Little MORE Thanks!

Place your order today to receive

two My Acrylix stamp sets for FREE!During November I'm expressing my gratitude to you! When you place a minimum order of $100 US, you will not only receive the November Stamp of the Month set, A Little Thanks, for FREE, you will also receive one stamp set of your choosing from the 2010 Autumn/Winter Idea Book for FREE*!

This means you can increase the value of your purchase by up to $45.90-that's almost 50% more in value! It's just my way of imparting A Little MORE Thanks to you for being a great customer!

*Free stamp sets include A-D size sets. Stamps that are not available as the free set include Workshops on the Go, Stamps of the Month retail, E-size and customizable K-size. Tax and shipping/handling apply.

Offer good November 1-30, 2010.

Shop my website to get yours today! http://jillk.myctmh.com/

or Contact me with your order! JillLKaale@aol.com or 281-309-1968

Studio J! Loving It!

I am having so much fun with Studio J! I have made these layouts over the past few days. No mess and so fast, so simple and soooo easy! Want to try it out yourself? Simply go to my website (http://jillk.myctmh.com/) and click on Studio J, load your photos and start designing. It's that easy!

It's Beginning to Feel a Lot Like Christmas!

It's time to start thinking about the holidays! There is no better way to get into the Holiday spirit than by creating your own holiday cards.

Please join us for my annual Holiday Card Workshop!

We will be using the beautiful new Mistletoe line of paper from Close to My Heart, as well as some favorites from the past, including Jingle!

And, you will get to create amazing cards using our new Clear Acrylic cards...so unique and so special, your friends and family will be touched when they receive this card from you.

Like our Dimensional Elements? Wait until you see the cute new Dimensional Element ORNAMENTS we will make! Fun! Fun! Fun!

I'll also have idea for little gifts that will perfect for teachers, coaches, babysitters, co-workers...you name it!

Here are the details! Mark your calendar and rsvp to me at JillLKaale@aol.com to save your spot in this fun, creative class.

Saturday, November 6, 2010

10am-3pm (or until you are done)

My house

The cost of the class is $25 or FREE with a minimum $25 purchase from the new Autumn/Winter Close to My Heart Idea Book! I will provide lunch and refreshments throughout the day. All you need to do is bring your basic tools and supplies, I will have everything else precut and waiting for you!

Not local, but still want to participate? No problem! All you need to do is contact me with your payment information (or your minimum Idea Book order of $25) and I will ship the kit to you for just the price of postage. It's that easy!

Email or call me today to reserve your spot! JillLKaale@aol.com or 281-309-1968. Don't delay, I have just a few spots open.

It's Magnifique!

It's Magnifique! It's an all new Idea Book for Autumn/Winter from Close to My Heart! The CTMH Idea Book is produced three times a year and each volume contains exclusive products, including our papers, Exclusive Inks®, and accessories, but highlights different seasonal products in our various product lines such as Simply Snapshots®, My Reflections® Scrapbook Kits, My Originals® Card Kits, and My Acrylix® stamp sets.



Color Me Creative!

Eight fresh and fabulous new colors join our exclusive color palette and will spark innovative artwork ideas! Marc Chagall, one of the most successful artists of the twentieth century once remarked, "All colors are the friends of their neighbors and the lovers of their opposites." I agree, a color's best self is revealed when it is paired, contrasted and harmonized with other colors. Pictured here and on the cover of the new Idea Book are three of the new colors, Lagoon, Pacifica and Sky, paired with the always versatile Chocolate.

Studio J Memberships Now Available

Studio J™ is online design software that allows you to create custom-printed two-page layouts you put in your albums. There is no software to purchase and install; instead, simply log into Studio J and start designing your layouts! You can create and immediately purchase your layouts, or you can save them for later completion and purchase.

Whether you are a seasoned Studio J user, or just starting, the all new Studio J membership is essential. Being a Studio J member comes with exclusive access to benefits and content not accessible to those without a membership. On top of that, Studio J members get our best price of $6.50 per custom-printed layout, compared to the full retail price of $13. That's only $3.25 per page! Saving you an instant 50% off full retail!

Other membership benefits include:

Members can print layouts and share them online using the JPG files included free with every custom printed layout or available as a separate purchase for just $3. The JPG file includes two

versions, one that is perfect for loading on Facebook or posting to a blog. The JPG option is only available to members!

Members only kits and patterns!

Free shipping and handling on one monthly order of 4 to 10 two-page layouts!

Free memory protectors!

Contact me today to receive your own copy of this beautiful new Idea Book or visit my website to order today! http://jillk.myctmh.com

It's National Stamping Month!

ONE’S GOOD, TWO’S GREAT, and three’s best of all!

Celebrate your love of stamping by using stamps to embellish the three mini albums in our exclusive National Stamping Month kit, Triple Play. With inks, stamps,albums, and pre-cut accents for stamping,you’ll complete all three albums in a jiffy. Since each album has its own color scheme, all three are unique and ready for many different kinds of photos. Make one for yourself and two to give away—if you can bear to part with them!

In honor of National Stamping Month, you can get huge discounts on the Triple Play kit when you purchase My Acrylix® stamps from your wish list, or get it free when you host a qualifying Gathering or become a Close To My Heart Consultant.

Beginning August 15 and continuing through the month of September, there are five ways to get this outstanding mini album kit: (Note: We’ve saved the best for last, so be sure to read all five!)

1. Buy the Triple Play kit for $29.95 US.

2. Purchase $25 in My Acrylix® stamps and get the Triple Play kit for just $15.

3. Spend $40 on My Acrylix stamps and get Triple Play for only $5!

4. Host a Gathering with sales of $300 or more and get Triple Play FREE!

5. Join Close To My Heart as a Consultant and get the kit FREE!

National Stamping Month is always fun, but this year you’ll get three times the excitement with Triple Play!

Shop on my website today or contact me to get your own! http://jillk.myctmh.com/

*Qualifying stamps set purchases exclude Stamp of the Month sets, K-size custom stamps, and Workshops on the Go™ stamp sets. Tax and shipping/handling may apply. Offer valid for customers and hostesses August 15–September 30, 2010. Offer valid for new Consultant enrollees September 1–30, 2010. Limit one discount-priced Triple Play kit per order per customer. Offer valid while supplies last.

Zippidee...August Workshop

My oh my, what a wonderful day!

Brenda's layout, love the Dimensional Element stars!

Susan at work, thinking:

Oh Mickey, how I miss you!

Joy's completed layout! She still has enough left

to make at least six cards

and another double page spread!

A peek over Kim's shoulder.

She's wearing Pirate Minnie Mouse Ears!

Arggh!

Erin, our Disney expert!

If it is scrapbooking & Disney, she owns it!

Kris applying her special touch!

Joy's work in progress...cute Minnie pencil!

Brenda and Susan stamping away!

Note the Minnie Mouse ears!

Join us in September

for our ANNUAL CARD WORKSHOP!

Don't live in the area but want to participate?

I can send it to you! Contact me for more details.

Autumn/Winter Idea Book

goes live on September 1!

Contact me to get your own copy!

It's a PAPER Sale!

Huge Savings!

$2-$4-$6

(8 days only, or while supplies last)

Customer Appreciation Sale!!!

Shop my website now to get these deals! http://jillk.myctmh.com/

Our biggest PAPER Sale ever starts TODAY! Shop early for best selection! Don't delay!

$2, $4, $6... for 8 (Days only!) Customer Appreciation PAPER Sale! We want to show how much we appreciate you so here is a sale with SUPER deals to you for 8 days only. From August 4 through August 11, or while supplies last, you can purchase selected:

*** My Stickease® assortments for only $2
*** My Reflections® Level 1 kits for only $4
*** My Reflections® Level 2 paper packets for only $6

The deals are amazing and in order to bring them to you I am only able to offer them to you through my website! So get on there and start shopping! SHOP EARLY FOR BIG DISCOUNTS!

http://jillk.myctmh.com/

Ahhh... armchair shopping at it's best! Oh, and it is WHILE SUPPLIES LAST ONLY! Happy Shopping! Deals like this do not come around often... so stock up ladies!

And don't forget about the August Stamp of the Month! Yours free with a qualifying purchase!

Jill Kaale, Close to My Heart Independent Consultant
http://jillk.myctmh.com/
281-309-1968
JillLKaale@aol.com

Scrappy Hour & DISNEY Workshop

CONVENTION PICS!

Joy and I went to Close to My Heart's annual convention just a few weeks ago. It was held in Washington, DC at the Gaylord National. Here we are in our Scattered Hearts t-shirts at the opening session! So excited!

Pictured here with Joy and me is Jeanette Lynton, Founder & CEO of Close to My Heart! Everyone lined up to meet her and get a photo...kind of like at Disney World when you line up to meet Mickey and Minnie. Jeanette is a HUGE star in the scrapbooking world!

New IDEA BOOK! Coming September 1! One of the many perks of attending the convention is that you get to see, use and buy all of the new products! I was in heaven!

Pictured here is my team! Elizabeth Chu, my wonderful upline and Joy Nagel, my wonderful downline! We had a great time together! We are working at a Create and Take in this photo. I love new products and ideas! Next year: DISNEYLAND! Join my team and you can be part of this wonderful experience!

Upcoming Events:

FREE Scrappy Hour!

Friday, July 30, 6pm-10pm, at my house

* RSVP before Thursday, July 29.
* Please bring a beverage & snack to share! * Work on your own projects!
* Get a "Sneak Peek" at the 2010 Fall/Winter catalog & products!
* Get a free gift if you bring a friend who has not attended one of my events!

"Hi Ho, Hi Ho,

It's Off to Scrap We Go!"

Gather up all of those Disney pictures

and come on over!

You won't want to miss this one!

Zippidee (Disney!) Workshop
Sunday, August 8, 2pm

DEADLINE TO REGISTER & PAY: Friday, July 30 but don't delay! This class will fill up and I only have limited space available. Can't attend, but still want the kit? No problem! I can deliver or ship directly to you!

For Just $29.95 you get the Zippidee Basic Kit which includes: an exclusive My Acrylix stamp set, My Reflections Zippidee Level 2 paper packet, Dimensional Elements Stars, the workshop guide, and hands-on instruction from me. You will have enough materials to make THREE 12x12 double page spreads, six cards, and more!

Add the following items, a la carte, to take your scrapbooking design to the next level!

Fancy Fuzz: $3.95 (a must have!)
Waxy Flax Black: $3.95
Holiday Craft Buttons: $7.95

Email me at JillLKaale@aol.com or call me at 281-309-1968 to save your spot!


Coming in September: all new card workshop, featuring clear cards! Stay tuned for details!

New Art and Soul Episodes

If you are looking to be inspired, why not take a look?

Watch and learn tips and techniques from any of the project videos on CTMH TV®. Choose a project to view and select the appropriate bandwidth for your computer. Press the play arrow and enjoy. You may change volume, pause or stop the video, or alter screen size with the buttons across the bottom of the screen.

We’ve cooked up some projects and techniques that are a feast for the eyes. From decorative journaling boxes to adorable peek-a-boo windows and on to our Irresistibles™ chipboard die-cuts, we have your recipe for creative success. Watch now for some ways to satisfy your artistic appetite!

July News

Happy Fourth of July!

I am so excited! Later this week Joy and I will be traveling to Washington, DC for CTMH's annual convention. I know I will have so much to share with you when I return: new ideas, techniques, and products, products, products! A special promotion for July will be announced this week at the convention, so watch my blog for details!

Summer is going by so quickly, but I still have a few events planned for you!

Upcoming Events:

FREE Scrappy Hour: please bring a beverage & snack to share
* Work on your own projects!
* Get a "Sneak Peek" at the 2010 Fall/Winter catalog & products!
* Get a free gift if you bring a friend who has not attended one of my events!

WHEN: Friday, July 30, 2010 6pm-10pm, at my house
RSVP before Thursday, July 29


Coming in August: Zippidee (Disney!) workshop

Coming in September: all new card workshop


Watch my blog for updates from the convention!

Hope to see you at Scrappy Hour on Friday, July 30!

Jackpot June!

Hit the jackpot and win free products OR grab loaded goodie boxes at 50% off or more. Enjoy two types of deal days in June!

JACKPOT JUNE MEANS DAILY DEALS!

On goodie box days… you can purchase one box filled with popular products at 50% or more off retail value! Each goodie box day will feature different surprise items, so you can score a wide variety of current and recently retired products.

On jackpot days… 5 products will be offered for sale at discounted prices. One of the 5 products is the mystery jackpot item for that day, but we’re not telling which—exciting, isn’t it! If you happen to order the mystery jackpot item, we’ll reward you with one or more FREE Close To My Heart products, with shipping included on the free items!

If you purchase all 5 products, you’re guaranteed to hit the jackpot! There’s no purchase limit—if you order multiple secret jackpot items, we’ll send you the same number of free items.

These special offers include discounted shipping/handling and are only available on MyCTMH® website. http://jillk.myctmh.com/ Check back every day for the latest offer.

* Offer valid June 1–July 1 at 8:00 am (MDT), on MyCTMH website only. http://jillk.myctmh.com/ New deals are posted each day at 9:00 am (MDT). To be eligible for discounted prices, your order must contain only Jackpot June items. Visit facebook.com/closetomyheart or closetomyheart.com to see what the mystery Jackpot item was for the previous day. Offers are while supplies last.

Sweet as Pie! June Workshop

How cute is this layout using the Cherry-O paper line from Close to My Heart's just released Summer 2010 catalog and idea book?

Please join us for a Cherry-O workshop:

Sunday, June 13, 2010

2pm-4pm

Jill's house

Deadline to register & pay: Friday, May 28

Planning to come? I've changed our workshop process just a bit.

Read on to learn the NEW details:

Instead of buying the workshop kits, this month we will do a two-page spread...think of this as a Level 1 & 1/2 workshop. I will teach you two new techniques. (Notice the distressing on the wood fence and the photo corners with ties.) Plus, I will have everything pre-cut and ready to go!

For just $15, you will get:

* Colonial White cardstock (2 sheets)

* Chocolate cardstock (2 sheets, pre-cut)

* Sweet Leaf cardstock (2 sheets, pre-cut)

* Tulip cardstock (1 sheet, pre-cut)

* Cherry-O B&T paper (2 of each, pre-cut)

* Antique Copper metal brads (50)

* Chocolate Waxy Flax (4 yards)

* two new techniques

Additional items you will need:

(pre-order from me, if you don't already have them)

* Opaques Cherry-O Pearl Stickers $4.95 (Z1319)

* Distressing Inks $3.95 (Z1296)

* Edge Distresser $2.50 (Z1297)

* Piercing Tool $5.95 (Z1114)

* Sponge Daubers $3.95 (Z726)

* 3 D Foam Tape (or Pop Dots) $5.95 (Z1151)

Deadline to register and pay: Friday, May 28. Hope to see you at the workshop!

P.S. if you haven't had a chance to play around with Studio J yet, take a look! Go to my website http://jillk.myctmh.com/ and click on the Studio J link on the left side. Have fun!

May Stamp of the Month

Want to join an exclusive club? Every month Close To My Heart offers you an exclusive My Acrylix® D-size stamp set FREE or at a large discount. The stamp set is available to qualifying customers for that month only. It’s our way of saying thank you, and your way of getting fantastic deals on our amazing stamps!

May's Stamp of the Month is:

Cherish the Moment (Set of 8)

Recommended Blocks:

2 1/2" × 2 1/2" (Y1004), 2" × 3 1/2" (Y1009)

Here’s how to get a fabulous deal

on your very own Stamp of the Month!

When you spend: $25.00, get it for 25% off!

You pay only: $17.21 (D1421A)

When you spend: $50.00, get it for 50% off!

You pay only: $11.48 (D1421B)

When you spend: $75.00, get if for 75% off!

You pay only: $5.74 (D1421C)

When you spend: $100.00,

get if FREE! (D1421D)

Contact me or visit my website to get one of your own! http://jillk.myctmh.com/

Make It Digital, and From Your Heart!

It’s Finally Here!

Studio J goes live!

Close to My Heart, always the leader in trends and design in the industry is pleased to present the FASTEST, SIMPLEST, and EASIEST studio scrapbooking tool available today. It’s called Studio J….FREE online scrapbooking design software that can be accessed via my website http://jillk.myctmh.com/, beginning 9am CST Tuesday, April 27.

Take this short quiz to find out if Studio J is right for you:

Do you have hundreds (or even thousands) of photos on your hard drive waiting to be printed?

Do you like the 'idea' of scrapbooking but don't want to buy all the tools and products?

Are you a classic scrapbooker who's fallen a little behind and want to catch up?

Do you find yourself feeling crafty, yet only have thirty minutes so you don't want to pull out all your stuff, get inspired only to run out of time, and then have to clean it up again?

Have you ever yearned to be creative outside of your crafty space, say while on vacation or even at work on your lunch break?

Would you like to have some super-fast, super-beautiful layouts that coordinate perfectly with your classic scrapbooking layouts?

If you answered 'yes' to any of these questions,then Studio J is perfect for you!

Studio J is online design software for creating fabulous scrapbooking layouts. It's FREE - nothing to download, no software to buy, no updates to worry about, no compatibility issues. You pay only for the layouts you decide to buy. Additionally, Close To My Heart does all the printing so you can always be sure of premium quality and true colors that match with CTMH's line of classic scrapbooking products.

The printed layouts from Studio J are visually stunning. You have to see it to believe it! Visit my website http://jillk.myctmh.com/ NOW to try it out for yourself! You don't even have to create an account or enter any personal info until you want to save the work you've done on a project. YOU CAN PLAY FOR FREE!

Want to learn more?

Here are the answers to some frequently asked questions:

What is Studio J™ Design Software?

Studio J™ is free online scrapbooking design software brought to you by Close To My Heart. Studio J helps you easily create custom-printed two-page layouts using our foundational scrapbook patterns, exclusive color palette, and themed designs all delivered in 12″ × 12″ custom prints ready for your albums. It’s a snap!

Is Studio J easy to use?

Studio J software is extremely intuitive and easy to use. The program walks you through five steps that include:
1. uploading your photos;
2. choosing your desired themed kit;
3. selecting an exclusive layout pattern;
4. adding photos, embellishments, titles, and journaling;
5. purchasing custom-printed layouts ready for a cherished album.

It’s super simple and extremely fun to use!

I love Close To My Heart products. Will Studio J use the same great papers, patterns, colors, and embellishments?

Of course! If you like Close To My Heart’s scrapbooking philosophy and our exclusive color palette, then you will love Studio J.

Do I need to download any software to my computer to use Studio J?

Not at all! You only need an Internet connection, and then you simply log in to my website http://jillk.myctmh.com/ to get started. Feel free to design to your heart’s content-you are not required to buy anything or provide any personal information to get started!

Can I save what I am working on and come back to it later?

You bet! You can create a customer profile at http://jillk.myctmh.com/ that allows you to save and return to a project in progress at a later time. Your active projects will be saved for up to 90 days, giving you plenty of time to work on them. You extend that timeline for your active projects by 90 days each time you make a purchase, and your purchased projects will remain archived for one full year after purchase.

Do I need a printer that can print 12″ × 12″ pages to use Studio J?

No. Your Studio J layouts are not available for you to print from a home computer. In fact, we take care of the printing for you. When you purchase your designed layouts, we print and ship them quickly and directly to you using only top quality printing technology and archival-quality papers.

What is the price?

You are not charged a thing until you order your custom prints. The price per printed two-page layout is $12.95 US. We also offer some fantastic rewards for larger orders. You can receive FREE Memory Protectors® to protect your layouts in your albums, and FREE shipping/handling based on the number of layout prints you purchase in a single order as follows:

Purchase 5-9 layouts: receive a pack of 5 Memory Protectors FREE!
Purchase 10-20 layouts: receive FREE shipping/handling PLUS a FREE pack of 5 Memory Protectors for every 5 layouts in your single order.

If you have any questions, I am MORE than happy to answer them.
Take a look at Studio J today! http://jillk.myctmh.com/
Email me at JillLKaale@aol.com or call me at (281)309-1968.

It's a Miracle!

You will love this pretty Miracle kit, designed exclusively by Close to My Heart for National Scrapbooking Month in May!

The month of May is National Scrapbooking Month and you can celebrate the month with this wonderful kit designed especially for you! And guess what? You don’t have to wait until May to get it! It is available now through May 31!

This charming scrapbook kit is beautiful and easy to assemble! You can create your own designs or follow the easy HOW TO brochure and create two unique double-page spreads. No stamping required! This kit is definitely a must have!

Here’s what you get:
* 6 cardstocks (Colonial White, Bamboo)
* 2 B&T Duos (one floral, one stripe)
* 2 die-cut Duos (Crystal Blue, Sweet Leaf)
* 6x12 My Stickease assortment
* 6x9 Irresistibles chipboard die-cuts
* Mini Medley Accents Collection (Colonial White)
* 12” Colonial White Waxy Flax
* 3 4x6 Memory Protectors Flip Flaps
* 2 sponge wedges
* an easy to use HOW TO brochure that breaks it all down for you

Want it?
* Purchase the kit outright for $19.95. (CC1009)
* Place a minimum order of $40 and purchase the kit for only $10.00(CC!009)
* Place a minimum order of $60 and purchase the kit for only $5.00.(CC1009B)
* Sign up as a new consultant between May 1-31 and receive the kit for FREE!
* Host a home gathering between April 15-May 31 with minimum sales of $300
and receive a kit for FREE!

Amaze yourself and your friends during National Scrapbooking Month in May with gorgeous layouts you create using our Miracle Kit! Call me today or visit my website to buy your own! http://jillk.myctmh.com/

Thanks to everyone who attended ScrapHappy Saturday! What a great day! Watch my blog for future events!

Two Cute!

Just finished these two layouts in the past few days and couldn't wait to share!

YOU ROCK!



YOU ROCK and so do your layouts! So cool and funky, the YOU ROCK line of paper features bold colors and hip graphics. My workshop group completed this one Friday night and everyone was very pleased with the colors and layout. Like it? Get one of your own!

Here's what you need:

You Rock Workshop Kit (G1006) $29.95 (This kit includes My Acrylix stamp set "Just Be You", You Rock Level 2 paper packet, Mini-Medley Accents Outdoor Denim, and a guide.)
Top Coats Rockin' (Z1272) $4.95
Bitty Sparkles (Z1263) $2.95
Outdoor Denim Exclusive Inks Stamp Pad (Z2140) $5.25
Goldrush Exclusive Inks Stamp Pad (Z2123) $5.25


VERANDA



Like a nice spring breeze, this layout features cool spring colors that will refresh and delight! The addition of the metal accents gives a nice rustic look to this fresh design. The Veranda line is absolutely beautiful and the perfect colors for a Mother's Day layout! Joining us for ScrapHappy Saturday on April 17? This layout will be featured in my scrapbook breakout class that day for just $10! Like what you see, but can't make the crop? No worries, you can still make this at home!

Here's what you need:

Veranda Level 2 paper packet (X7119B) $12.95
My Acrlix Authentic Stamp Set (D1401) $22.95
Mini Medley Accents in Antique Copper (Z1275) $4.95
Brad Assortments in Metal (Z1217) $4.95
Just Blooms Paper Flowers (Z1266) $7.95
Cocoa Exclusive Inks Stamp Pad (Z2114) $5.25
Juniper Exclusive Inks Stamp Pad (Z2165) $5.25

April Flowers! The Prettiest Little Stamp of the Month Ever!

I am so excited to finally share this cute My Acrylix stamp set with you! It is called Flower Pot and is a limited edition Stamp of the Month, available April 1-30 only.

If you are attending ScrapHappy Saturday on Saturday, April 17, please consider taking a little bit out of your cropping time to join me for a card class and/or scrapbook class. Details for both to be revealed soon, but as a little tease, one of the cards pictured above will be part of the card class, so you will get the chance to use my stamps from this cute collection! I have just a few spots left, so if you are planning to attend and haven't registered, please let me know as soon as possible. Deadline to register is Saturday, April 3.

Great news! The new summer idea book and catalog has been released to consultants and I am happy to report that you will want to get your hands on this idea book! One line of paper is especially exciting and I can give you just a little hint....M-I-C...HiHo...When You Wish...got any idea of what I am hinting at? Join me at ScrapHappy Saturday for a special peek!

Like the cards pictured above and want to make your own? Here's what you need:

My Acrylix Flower Pot stamp set
My Reflections Veranda Level 2 kit (X7119B)
and/or Creative Basics Veranda Collection (X5809)
Creme Brulee Designer Ribbon Rounds ((Z1131)
Clear Sparkles (Z1104)
Exclusive Inks markers in Desert Sand (Z2318), Hollyhock (Z2128), Creme Brulee (Z2167), and Juniper (Z2165)
Exclusive Inks stamp pad in Cocoa (Z2114)
Corner rounder (Z578) or scalloped scissors

Like what you see? Why not forward this on to your friends? Have a great day!

A Gift Idea That Will Make Her EXPLODE with Happiness!

Looking for a new and different idea for Mother's Day? Why not try this easy exploding box. When you lift the top off the box the sides "explode" or fall down to reveal 24 surfaces for pictures, notes, embellishments, and design while leaving enough room in the center to hold a small gift. This is a great way to present a gift, bag of candy, gift certificate or gift card instead of the standard card and envelope. And best of all, the box itself becomes part of the gift! Mothers and Grandmothers will explode when they receive this thoughtful gift!

MY RECIPE:
Daydream Level 2 kit (X7108B)
White Daisy Variety Pack (Z1300)
Blush and Lilac Mist Re-inkers (Z2206 & Z2233)
Blush Collection Ribbon (Z1138)
Bitty Sparkles (Z1263)
Bone Folder (Z1204)

Spring Blossom Brads (Z1213)

Hole Punch
Tombo Adhesive
Ruler

LID INSTRUCTIONS: Select a 12” x 12” B&T (background and texture) paper for your lid.

Find the center of the paper: the best way to do this, as all papers are not perfectly square, is to mark two diagonal lines from corner to corner.

Fold the corner points to the center point and crease with the bone folder. Fold the opposite sides to the center and crease with the bone folder. Unfold everything.

Cut along fold lines on opposite sides of the square. Do not cut into the center square, as this is the top of the box.

Refold the point of the triangular side to the center. Fold the tail over to match the diagonal and trim off the overhanging triangle. Fold the flap you have just created under the point piece. Repeat on the other three triangular sides.

Fold up the box top and wrap the points you’ve created around the outside. Line them up and punch holes through the entire thickness about half an inch from the points. Use double sided tape to hold the points in the center of the box lid. Use the brads to hold the sides together.

BOX CONSTRUCTION: Select three pieces of 12” X 12” cardstock or paper for the box.

Select a piece of 12” x 12” cardstock for the outside layer. Measure four inches in from each corner on all sides and then using the ruler draw lines creating a 4” square in each corner. Cut these squares out, you will end up with a cross. Fold each side of the cross using the bone folder to make your crease crisp. Now you have four sides, your top should fit right over them and hold them up.

Select a piece of 12” x 12” cardstock or paper for the second layer. Trim ½” off on two sides to make it 11 ½” x 11 ½” and follow the same instructions as above.

Select a piece of 12’ x 12” cardstock or paper for the third layer. Trim to 11” x 11” and follow the same instructions as above.

Use Tombo adhesive in the center square to hold the nested layers together.

Add pictures and/or journaling to each layer, front and back. Embellish each page and the top as desired.

Drop in a little gift and give to someone you love!

It's a Happy Day!

How cute is this little card? I used the March Stamp of the Month: A Little Everything for the sentiment. It is so great for EVERY occasion! This stamp set is available exclusively this month only, March 1-31, 2010. Contact me to order the stamp or to learn how to get it FREE!

I made this card especially for my mom, who had surgery a few weeks ago after breaking her shoulder in Mexico! Yikes! Fortunately, the surgery was done in the states, Tampa, to be exact. The arm/shoulder was broken in three places and she ended up with several pins and a plate in her arm as a result of the surgery. I have been sending her a handmade card here and there to lift her spirits as she recovers. I remember once when someone sent me a handmade card, I was so touched. I just imagined the time and effort she spent (Rachel Keehn!) and I still have the card! I hope this little card lifts my mom's spirits and lets her know we are thinking of her all the way over here in Texas.

If you are planning on attending ScrapHappy Saturday, this card will probably be one of several I feature in the card class. The card class will be offered for a minimal price, probably $5 and we will make 6 cards or so. If you are interested, let me know!

Also, wanted to point out the custom stamp (from CTMH) that says "Handmade with Love, by Jill Kaale" that I stamp on the reverse of every card I make. These custom stamps are great! You can have one made with any name or sentiment you like, you can select the font and a graphic as well! This one was just $12.95 and I will use it forever. And, the best deal is that a 1" x 3-1/2" acrylic block is included in the price! Makes a great gift! See page 87 of the current catalog for more details or visit my website to order one of your own! http://jillk.myctmh.com/

The Things They Say

OK, this is not really a crafty, creative entry...which I promised myself I wouldn't do...I plan this blog to be purely crafty, scrappy, etc...but Ella Rose said the funniest thing tonight and I had to share.

We were watching "Glee" after American Idol. (I know she is barely 7 years old, just 6 still, but this girl LOVES to dance and sing, and she loves herself some GLEE!) If you are a fan, you will know that "Glee" is only playing repeat episodes now, (returns April 13) but Ella Rose and I can never get enough. So, we are re-watching last Fall's season finale...you might remember the Glee kids go to sectionals, Emma (Irma?) is supposed to marry Ken Tanaka, Mr. Shue leaves his wife, the bad girls steal their songs...remember?

Anyway, the last scene features the Glee kids singing to Mr. Shue the now classic Kelly Clarkson power ballad "My Life Would Suck Without You" and we see Mr. Shue running through the school hallway to find Emma (Ms. Pillsbury). So, we are watching, snuggled up in the chair...Ella Rose and I are enthralled, nay, mesmerized, as Rachel and Finn are singing to each other....get ready...Ella Rose, oh so eloquent and yet casual, says..."Bad word, GREAT song". How cute is that?

Don't "Bee" Late, Register Early for ScrapHappy Saturday!

Great news! As a special gift to the first 15 of you who register and pay for ScrapHappy Saturday, you will receive this precious little stamp set, Bee Mine. Perfect for spring! Thanks to those of you who have already registered, I have your stamp sets set aside. Don't delay, I only have a few spots left for this special offer! Just contact me at JillLKaale@aol.com or by phone: 281-309-1968, to register and receive your Bee Mine stamp set. This My Acrylix stamp set is really cute when used with the Veranda paper line. If you plan on registering early and receiving one of these petite "perks", here are the recipes for the two cards pictured.

4 & 3/4" x 3" Bee Mine Card

* My Acrylix Bee Mine Stamp Set

* Veranda Level 2 paper pack

* Cocoa Ink Pad

* Creme Brulee Ink Pad

* Garden Green Ink Pad

* Natural Hemp

* Clear Craft Buttons

* Brads Essential Assortment

* Just Blooms Summer Posies Paper Flowers

3" x 3" Bee Yourself Card

* My Acrylix Bee Mine Stamp Set

* Veranda Level 2 paper pack

* Creme Brulee Cardstock

* Creme Brulee Ink Pad

* Cocoa Ink Pad

* Natural Hemp

* Brads Essential Assortment

Two Gifts in One: It's a GIFT CARD holder!

I love these cute gift card holders! I decided I had to make some to show you guys! They are so easy! I made several to have on hand for those last minute gift card needs!

Note: if you are planning on attending the ScrapHappy Saturday on April 17, these little gift card holders will be included in the breakout card class.

Here are the directions:

Cutting Dimensions:

Card Base - 4" x 11"

Top Stripe - 1 1/2" x 4"

Bottom Stripe - 1" x 4"

Middle B&T Paper - 2 1/4" x 4"

Cut appropriate size paper for your focal, stamped image.

Cut a mat 1/2" larger to frame stamped image.

Instructions:

1. Cut a base piece of cardstock 4" x 11".

2. Score at 4" and 8 1/4".

3. On the smallest flap (inside the folded card), use a circle punch to cut a semi-circle. Use a coordinating brad to close each edge and form a pocket.

4. Cut a piece of striped paper for the top of the card. Trim to 1 1/2" by 4". Use scalloped scissors to create an interesting edge. Adhere to the top but leave a little of the card showing (about 1/8").

5. Cut a piece of striped paper to 1" x 4" for the bottom. Glue down the bottom stripe at the bottom of the card.

6. Cut a piece of coordinating B&T (background and texture) paper to 2 1/2" x 4" and glue in between the top and bottom stripes.

7. Stamp main image. Trim.

8. Color image using markers, watercolor pencils, or chalks.

9. Decorate with Liquid Glass and Bitty Sparkles.

10. Adhere colored image to the mat that has been cut 1/2" larger on all sides.

11. Glue to the front of the card.

12. Stamp greeting.

13. Place a gift card inside and give away! It is two gifts in one!

Supplies I Used:

My Reflections Life Delights Level 1 kit

My Reflections Daydream Level 1 kit

My Acrylix Piece of Cake Stamp Set

Sweet Leaf, Blush, Lilac Mist, Black, and Chocolate Exclusive Inks Stamp Pads

Sweet Leaf, Blush, Lilac Mist, Chocolate and Buttercup Exclusive Inks Markers

Chocolate, Blush, and White Daisy Brads

Liquid Glass

Bitty Sparkles
Tombo Adhesive

Thanks to Tina Sutton for sharing such a great idea!