Thursday, December 1, 2022
Thursday, September 1, 2022
10 Ways to Save Money on Craft Supplies
1. Join the VIP program.
3. Share you VIP referral code.
6. Join the Club
Earn 15% credit on your purchases. Use credit on CTMH products later.
$35 to join. Get $15 credit instantly.
2. Use VIP referral code.
Through September, earn an extra $10 credit when you use a referral code to become a VIP.
Follow the math: $35 - $15 instant credit - $10 referral code credit means your "cost" is only $10.
My code is P7K4G2.
Earn $10 when your friend becomes a VIP.
You're at the breakeven point after one referral. $35 - 15 - 10 - 10 = 0
No limits!! The second friend puts you ahead $10!
With a qualifying $50 order, the SOTM is only $5. $19.95 - $5 means you save $14.95.
VIPs get the SOTM free!! That's a $19.95 value each month!
5. VIP get extra love from me as well as Close To My Heart. They receive a variety of perks such as: exclusive product offerings (did you see the Overstock Sale in August?), discounts, bonus credit (the current referral special), and VIPs can add new catalogs to their orders earlier than other customers! I make sure all my VIPs get the new catalogs.
My Stamp and Scrap Club was a hostess club. The VIP program replaced our Hostess Rewards program, but Club members still take turns and receive extra goodies from me, like Petite Perks. These exclusive stamps are not available for purchase. They are M size stamps. Club Members get notice of Flash Sales first. Club Members place a minimum order of $25 each month.
7. Club Members get an extra $10 to spend when it's their turn to be "hostess."
8. Club Members get a 50% off item when it's their turn to be "hostess."
This can be almost any product CTMH offers. Take a closer look at the bundles in the Core Catalog...
How would you like 50% off all the Glitter Paper colors?!
9. Bundle and Save
Have you noticed that CTMH loves to bundle the specials and discount them?! For instance, the Celebrating You Cardmaking Workshop Kit has a retail value of $64.84 but is only $50.95 as a bundle. Plus, you're getting what you need to make the project - 12 card bases, so you don't need to buy a package of 50.
Shop the short term sales for great deals on current and retired product. Last year the be kind Wreath kit was included in a Flash Sale for $16.95, saving $8 from it's retail $24.95 price. The Jeepers Creepers Washi tape was only $1.50 instead of $3.95. I use Washi all the time with my die cuts, so the color/pattern wouldn't even matter, plus there are two rolls making them $0.75 each!! There's also a Clearance Section on my website.
JUST ANNOUNCED: Flash Sale Friday, September 2 @ 3 pm MST to Monday, September 5 @ 11:59 pm MST!!
Okay class, back to our math...
Cathy Crafty decided to order the Celebrating You Cardmaking Workshop Kit that's on special right now. In August, she went to the website of her fabulous Close To My Heart Maker (that's me 😁) and used the referral code P7K4G2 to become a VIP. She also joined Tamara's Stamp and Scrap Club.
Cathy paid $35 for VIP and received a $15 credit plus $10 more for using the referral code, total $25 in her VIP Bank.
She ordered the kit for $50.95 ($13.89 discount for the bundle) which qualified her to get the August SOTM Teach, Love, Inspire for free ($19.95 savings). This purchase was also her August Club Order and Cathy earned $7.64 in VIP credit.
Cathy's VIP bank = $25 + $7.64 = $32.64 and she's saved $32.84.
When Cathy told her friend Sally Stamper about the VIP program, Sally used Cathy's referral code to sign up as a VIP and also joined the club. Both Sally and Cathy get $10 VIP credit.
For September's club order, Cathy orders the Crisp Air Cardmaking Workshop Kit, and two TriBlend Markers. This qualifies her for the SOTM again (Enjoy these Moments)! She also uses $25 of her VIP bank to pay only $30.95 before tax and shipping. $4.64 is added to her VIP Bank.
Cathy's VIP bank = $32.64 + $10 = $42.64 - $25 = $17.64 + $4.64 = $22.28
The new October-December catalog arrives with Cathy's club order shipment!
In October Cathy is club hostess. She purchases a M-size "Happy Holidays" stamp, VersaMark Ink Pad, Anti-Static Pouch, Gold Embossing Powder = $29.80 ($4.47 VIP credit earned). She applies the extra $10 to the embossing ink pens and gets the Heat Tool at 50% off.
An adorable new Petite Perk, M size stamp comes with her order!!
Cathy has saved over 30% on her CTMH products!!
Monday, August 1, 2022
Can you believe it's August??
There's so much to share with you today, so let's jump in! There are currently THREE catalogs available this month:
- We're in the middle of the July-September seasonal book. Remember, these are now once a quarter and run for three months.
- This is the LAST month for the 2021-22 Core Catalog. Items that are retiring are available while supplies last, don't wait! Items that will carry over are still at the lower price (if they are increasing).
- RETIRING COLORS: New England Ivy, Wild Berry, Mint, Cinnamon, Sangria, and Carolina
- This is the FIRST month for the 2022-23 Core Catalog. And, it's a darn good thing we have a year for this book because it is packed fun or wonderfulness!! New items are available at the new price (if that category is increasing).
- NEW COLORS: Periwinkle, Mist, Seabrook, Honey Butter, Pine and COTY Melon!!
There may be a few things to watch when it comes to new vs old, like bundles. Be sure to look at the item number. Shimmer Brush bundle #1 had a different item number for 2021-22 than for 2022-23 because it includes different colors.
Items that are changing prices still have the same number and you will receive the lower price in August.
Z2812 is $9.95 through August 31, 2022, then changes to $10.95 on September 1, 2022.
Price Increases...😱😭💩😖 We all hate them and I know CTMH does too because they tell us that, explain the reasons, and make them as infrequently as possible. After more than twenty years with the company I know this. I also remember the point during the wood to Acrylix switch when stamp prices were LOWERED! Who does that?! Close To My Heart continues to be privately owned by our founder and CEO 💖 Jeanette Lynton. CTMH is debt free!! Jeanette is a rare combination of creativity and smart business sense. The goal is always to make smart business decisions AND do what is best for Makers and Customers.
If you need information on the economical and political reasons prices change, I will be more than happy to share facts and opinions with you, just ask!
As of today, shipping is now 8.95% or $8.95 minimum. The best way to save on shipping is to share shipping with a friend (or order large amounts 😄). If you live near me, I can add your order to mine and other local customers. If you live elsewhere, I may have other customers near you. Let me know if you have concerns about shipping rates.
Our VIP program continues to be the best way to save on CTMH products. You earn 15% credit on your purchases. Credits can be used to purchase regular products (not specials) at regular prices. If you currently have a stockpile of VIP credits, you may want to use them this month before prices increase! Plus VIPs earn the Stamp of the Month FREE with their qualifying purchase!!
Here's a great example of how a VIP member ship can be used:
Order total $50.85
FREE SOTM value $19.95
Use $25 in VIP credits
New order total $30.90 plus $8.95 shipping
Total out of pocket $39.85
Merchandise value $70.90
PLUS new VIP credit earned $4.64
For even more benefits, ask me about my Stamp & Scrap Club!!
If you love our Cut Above kits featured in the Startup Savings special, and have been considering a Craft with Heart subscription, be sure to join this month before price changes take effect September 1. This is the last month to get the extra FREE stamp set with your 1 year subscription.
There are only a few items in the new Core Catalog that aren't available yet.
Paper Strip Saver T-square Ruler
Sunbeam & Floral Slimline Embossing Folders
Monday, May 2, 2022
Workshop Guide Archive is now ONLINE!
How many times have you pulled out a card or scrapbooking workshop and realized you forgot to save the directions, or can't find the ones you printed? While you're always free to ask me for a copy (back to 2014), the archive of workshop directions for the last several years can now be found on my website! You can even sort alphabetically, by product number or by release date!
Remember, even if you didn't originally purchase the workshop, the directions and patterns can be used with other papers and products. How about making a few cards with the leftovers from the scrapbooking workshop??
Monday, March 28, 2022
Project Ideas for National Scrapbooking Day Event
Join me on Saturday, May 7 to celebrate National Scrapbooking Day! If you select the All-Day crop option and are ISO a project (or two or three), I have suggestions!!
Here are links to the products/projects in the video:
- Best Friends Furever Cut Above (6" x 8") Kit
Happiest Place (8.5" x 11") mini album kit
This kit makes 13, single page 12" x 12" pages.
Add the Base Calendar if desired.
This kit makes 13, single page 12" x 12" pages.
Add the Base Calendar if desired.
- Make It From Your Heart subscription
Any/All of the official NSDay project kits.
Any currently available Card or Scrapbooking Workshop Kits (GXXXX). Shop early for best selection!
Exclusive VIP Highlights kit.
April Album Retreat (order by April 2)
any Story by Stacy mini album kit
Home Sweet Home frame kit
More ideas coming!
Tuesday, February 15, 2022
Stunning Stencils - CTMH Technique Blog Hop
Whether you arrived from CatScrapbooking or just stumbled upon us, WELCOME to TheScrapBuzz blog and this month's Technique Hop. We are using stencils for February; there are several new ones in the Core Catalog. Follow the links to hop from blog to blog for techniques, tips, and artwork!
If you get lost, find broken links or have other issues, you can find a list of all this month's participants on Melissa's page. We have over a dozen CTMH Makers participating this time! Be sure you are commenting so they know you appreciate their efforts and continue to share their projects!
I spend several days of quality time with one of three new Card Front Stencils, Pack #3.
Did you see this post on the Make It From Your Heart blog? I was having trouble with the diagonal stencil until I watched this video from that post. One thing I'll suggest is when you are sponging with our Exclusive Inks, is to use the corners of the stamp pad. We usually ink stamps in the middle of the pad. Whenever I use small stamps, or sponges, I try to use the corners. As you'll see in Karen's video, press the sponge into the pad to absorb in, then pounce the sponge when the stencil wants to "wiggle."
I made my own background paper with the diagonal lines then featured it with Pattern #18, from Volume #4 of Make It From Your Heart.
In between the lines, I stamped the little bee from the Sweet As Honey - Cardmaking stamp set.
After you leave a comment, hop over to see what Wendy has created this time. Thank you for stopping by!
Products Used:
Cardstock: Black, Shortbread, Sundance, Mink
Exclusive Inks: Black, Sundance
Sweet as Honey paper pack
Saturday, January 15, 2022
Let's Get Geometrical - CTMH Technique Blog Hop
Whether you arrived from Danielle's page or just stumbled upon us, WELCOME to TheScrapBuzz blog and this month's Technique Hop. For January, we are focusing on Geometric Shapes/Patterns. Follow the links to hop from blog to blog for techniques, tips, and artwork!
If you get lost, find broken links or have other issues, you can find a list of all this month's participants on Melissa's page. Our group is larger this month - how exciting!! Be sure your are commenting so the Makers know you appreciate their efforts and continue to share their projects!
I was uploading digital images to my Cricut account recently, including Geometric Circle, and thought it would perfect for our theme.
I used a pattern called Circle Collection from one of our retired How To books called Wishes. It's also similar to this card from the current seasonal catalog.
The circle shape reminded me of one of the the Candid Moments papers, so I used that collection for my color palette and the patterned paper. It was hard to decide if I wanted to feature the triangle or circle on my project.
I used an extra image as a stencil and sponged onto the 5x7 card front with matching Carolina ink.
The circle made me think of shakers so I pulled out the Happy Birthday die. I was surprised that the orange Bitty Beads coordinated with the peach and papaya! They look like sundance in my picture.
And now for some sad news: While working on this card I discovered one of the Thin Cuts from my Party Gnomes set is missing. I know I had it several months ago. I looked for a while but it wasn't anywhere obvious. Perhaps it will show up on the bottom of an ink pad or in a pack of cardstock someday. I hope it didn't get tossed with paper scraps!!
Make sure this tragedy doesn't happen to you!! Always put your Thin Cuts back onto the magnetic sheet (included with all Thin Cuts). I usually do, so I'm not sure what could have happened, other than the gift is smaller that the other shapes. Another tip was shared by a Maker back when we carried chalk markers, but it works with White Gel Pens too! (We featured the pens in our hop last month.) Simply trace around your dies so you know they're all there when you put them away. Be sure to let the ink dry before you move your shapes. I found the 0.8 size (medium) worked best for me.
While fussy cutting the gifts, I realized I could easily make a present with the bow on a horizontal box by using a sticky note to Pick-and-Omit the stamp image.
This is the first time I used any of my Precious Metals Metallic Markers. I colored the fork and belt buckle, then added a little stitching here and there. These are definitely something I need to play with in the future!
PRODUCTS USED
Spectrum Noir TriBlend Marker Colors: Fair Skin, Coral, True Blue, Brown Grey, Red Brown, Gold Yellow
Precious Metals Metallic Markers
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