In like a lion...

 I wouldn't say the weather was particularly "lion-like" yesterday, but it wasn't as nice as Friday or Saturday.  It continues to be bipolar in my area with spring rains in the forecast for later in the week.

Check out the new products this month (starting 3/2) under the "Secret Menu," aka Online Exclusives.  I'll be showing some of the new items in my Feature Friday/Spotlight Saturday videos.  You can print the new product flyer HERE.

As always, new Kits Collection products are also available.  You can find them under the SPECIALS tab here, or by clicking the KITS icon on my website shopping page.

The March Product of the Month is a stamp set called "Notes of Spring."  It features a number 2-step stamps along with several sentiments.  Remember:  the POTM is only available while supplies last!

COMING SOON!

It's time for me to order the next catalog.  If you are interested in a paper copy, be sure to let me know ASAP so that you can receive it in a timely manner. 

Speaking of catalogs, the style and content is being revised so that there will be three issues, one every four months, with each one containing BOTH core SU! products and new seasonal offering.  The schedule is essentially the same as it was with one core and two mini catalogs, only the content will change.

• May-August
• September-December
• January-April

April/May marks the end/beginning of the Stampin' Up! years.  The 2024-2026 In Colors will soon retire.  If you need any of these items to complete your collection or to use in projects, be sure to order them now.  Some items are already listed as "low inventory."  I have created a shopping cart that includes all of the 2024-26 In Color core items.  If you would like it emailed to you, just let me know.

Surprise!  The 2026-28 In Colors have been announced early, and with exciting news:  The ink pad style is changing to the magnetic style we all loved at CTMH!!  

Next year (2027) there will be a color re-vamp and the full transition to the new style.  Just a note:  the current style pads and new style are different ink formulas.  So if you purchase, or own for example, Misty Moonlight, you need the current ink refill.  The refills for the magnetic, felt pads won't be compatible.

If you are interested in a Color Club featuring the new 2026-28 colors, let me know.  I tried this before but there wasn't much interest.  Prices, etc. depend mostly on shipping.  If everyone's local, I can split packs of cardstock, do ribbon samples. etc.  Not enough interest in your area?  Talk to your friends and see if you can start a local group!

So much happening!

Don't delay, this month's specials start right away!

May 2 Craft and Create free online class by Stampin’ Up! to kick off National Scrapbooking Day weekend.  This class will assemble the Wildflower Celebrations Scrapbooking Workshop Kit (166623). Tune in on Facebook, 1:00 pm MST.  Watch Friday for tips and tricks. The video will probably be available for 30 days on Facebook.  SU! may put a copy on their YouTube channel. You can order your kit and assemble it later.

May 2-3 Double Stampin’ Rewards on orders. (Order your Wildflower Celebrations kit.) 

May 6 new Annual catalog goes live, new Kits Collection products debut, new Online Exclusives

May 10 National Scrapbooking Day  Join me for a FREE All-Day Crop at the library in Wayne, Ohio.

Deadline to Sign-up for Paper Pumpkin subscription to receive the Mountain Majesties kit for May.

May 6-31 Starter Kit Special for Stampin’ Up! (also known as a really great bundle deal on new products)! 😂 $165 in product of your choice for only $99, PLUS a free Paper Pumpkin kit, PLUS free shipping.

More good news:  If a product is currently unavailable, a box will appear above the product detail where you can request an email notification when/if the product returns. If you are logged in, your email address will automatically populate, with the option to edit it if needed. Guests will need to enter their email address manually. 

After your preferred email address is entered, check the box to agree to receive the notification email, then click Notify Me. You will then receive a confirmation email that includes the item number and name of the product you signed up to be notified about. If you change your mind, you can click the unsubscribe button in the confirmation email and it will unsubscribe you only from that specific product notification.

When/if the product becomes available, you will receive a single email notifying you it’s back in stock. The email will include the item number, name, and an image of the product. If the product sells out again, you will need to sign up again to be notified when/if it returns.

We hope this new feature makes shopping even more convenient for you! 

Check out the new Mini Catalog!

The products in the September-December Mini Catalog will become available at 12:01 am MST on Wednesday, September 4, 2024.  In addition to the printed catalog, there is a companion Digital Catalog featuring the new Scrapbooking products from Stampin' Up!  These products are made with DSP, CS, and other SU! products to coordinate with the Suite Collections in the new Mini Catalog, but are designed after the Close To My Heart style scrapbooking workshops.

The products in the annual catalog will continue and you can find additional products that are Online Exclusives.  Remember that two new kits are introduced every month! 

If you have any questions about availability, please don't hesitate to contact me.  I can look up the expected back in stock date for products and let you know when they are available to order, or order for you.

To view, print, and/or download either the Mini Catalog or the supplement, go to my website and scroll down to the bottom where you will see the current catalogs to view and/or download.  

 

July 6, 2024

Are you looking for new products?  TWO new kits are released by Stampin' Up! every month.  Find all the kits HERE.

If you're interested in the Stampin' Up vs Close To My Heart catalog schedule, this post is for you!

There are still NEW products every two months, but not everything is printed in a catalog. 

New online exclusive products were just released, in addition to the final collection of #CTMH branded items. Use THIS LINK to reach the Close To My Heart branded items. The exclusive online items can be found HERE.

I will be sending out mini-catalogs soon! This publication will be valid September-December.  Make sure you have your Stampin' Up! login set up with me to be on the mailing list.

The latest CTMH --> SU! info

In the coming week and months there will be a lot of new information and changes.  I don't want you to miss out, but I also don't want to bug you every time a new product pops, so, please make sure I have your updated contact information (email, phone, address) and that you are following my social media accounts, if you do any of those.  ANYONE can use my blog as it is basically a website address.  If you are limited in your use of technology, that would also be good for me to know.

CURRENTLY

I am a Close To My Heart Maker and you can shop via my website:  Tamara.CloseToMyHeart.com or contact me. 

AS OF MAY 1

I will be a Stampin' Up! Demonstrator.  You will be able to shop at StampinUp.com. When you are ready to check out, create an account and you will be asked to select a demonstrator.  Type in my name.  The next time you login, it should default to me.

If you shop from CTMH after May 1, you will be redirected, or can go to CloseToMyHeart.com.  I believe they are doing a liquidation sale in May.

When I learn more about placing Stampin' Up orders, I will probably do a video how to.  I can't even practice, or try the SU! ordering system until May 1. And I will be up until 2 am Tuesday night/Wednesday morning to place my first SU! order, along with many of the other former CTMH Makers and customers like YOU!  Watch for any ordering news and updates on my Facebook Page. 

I suggest you make a list (use item numbers) and familiarize yourself with the SU! website ahead of time.  One thing I do know, is that you earn 10% Stampin' Rewards on a $150 order.  So if you are looking at that amount, or ordering with a friend, keep that in mind and spend those rewards before submitting your order.  (Everything will ship together.)  If you are not placing a large order, look for a host code on my Facebook Page. A host code is kind of like a party designation.

You should put this on your to do calendar for May 1.  Why?  Because that's the day NEW Close To My Heart products will be released!!  

The Enjoy the Ride suite is scheduled to be released May 1 and is the familiar, "regular" CTMH product that was designed and ordered before the closure decision was made. Stampin' Up! purchased the product and it will be sold through SU! only.  And the only way to purchase is if you had an account with CTMH (as a customer or Maker) and use the SAME email.  The suite features bright summery colors. You can view the pdf flyer.  

Please note that the ink pads will be EXTREMEMLY limited on quantities.  All products are only available WHILE SUPPLIES LAST.  Products will NOT be restocked.

May 1 begins at midnight MST.  At least that's one thing that is not changing! If you go to bed before ordering, things will sell out! If you want me to place an order for you, contact me BEFORE May 1.  I cannot guarantee that I will be able to get your order in, but I will definitely try. If you are local I will have everything ship together (assuming that works!).

But wait, there's more!  VIP customers will get a FREE Stampin' Up catalog when they order!!  That is a special goodie for you from SU! that they normally do not offer, and didn't have to provide. I do have catalogs on hand if your are local and not a VIP, or not placing an order.

I have been impressed with how welcoming and helpful the SU! corporate people have been, as well as my new SU! leader.  I have so much more information and training opportunities, including local (Michigan) support.  I selected my leader on purpose after interviewing several. 

10 Ways to Save Money on Craft Supplies

1. Join the VIP program.

    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.

3.  Share you VIP referral code.

    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!

4. Stamp of the Month Program

    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.

6. Join the Club 

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.

10.  Flash Sales 

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!!

July-August Catalog

 Woot! Woot! It's time for a new catalog!! Our seasonal catalogs are released every two months. Stamps sets may continue (look in the online only section of my website), but paper collections, embellishments and Thin Cuts (dies) are not intended to be in stock after the two-month period ends. Everything is while supplies last. If you want it, order it!

The paper suites in the July-August catalog are:

Wander

Isabella

and the Mix-In pack

Plus a selection of new stamp sets:

A new card-size Thin Cut - Butterfly Background:

Plus, the July and August stamp of the month sets!

Comment below with your favorite new item!

Sold Out and Retired List

Here's a link to the retired list. 

This is a list of products from the current Core Catalog that will retire at the end of August. All available items are WHILE SUPPLIES LAST. A few things are already sold out. As more items become unavailable, I will update the list. 

Sometime an items is on the retired list because the packaging is being changed, not necessarily that the product is being discontinued. Sometimes the manufacturer changes, that's also a new item number. If you have a question, or are in a panic, just ask me.

If your list is really long, talk to me about Hosting a Facebook Party or Catalog Show. You can also click above on the Opportunity for You tab and jump in with both feet!

For the two-month long Seasonal Catalogs, products are featured for those two months and many are not intended to be in stock for longer. Stamps are being kept current longer than they initially were. Anything that is available, that is not in the Core Catalog or current Seasonal Catalog, can be found on my website under the Online Only section.

What will sell out first?

Wait a minute while I get my crystal ball...oh right, I don't have one. But, here are my educated guesses (and I've been wrong before!).

• More than once, demand has exceeded supply and we've surprised the corporate office wizards  who study trends, buying habits, etc. You Are Enough and Stars and Sparklers flew off the shelves the last couple days of June!!
• Paper collections are promoted in same order as they are in the catalog. They may sell out in the same order. 
• Items for the retiring colors usually sell out fast as consultants rush to fill existing orders, buy supplies for upcoming workshops, complete collections and get back ups for their favorites.
• It is easier to control items made "in house" than those we carry from other manufacturers. That is why sometime a product is just gone forever with no warning. When we attempted to re-order from the supplier, they had discontinued the product, or moved on to a new model. Stamp sets are made by CTMH, so if a quantity is low, they make more. 

The following colors are retiring (watch for updates!):

• Color of the Year - Blue Belle

You already know one of the new colors...Mulberry! This was included in the May Special - You Are Enough.

 Any guesses on the new Color of the Year??

Can't find an item on my website? 

                           What do the banners mean?

                                                                            Is it sold out?

• Back Order/Delayed Shipping
• More are on the way. 
• Item may cause order shipping to be delayed (up to 6 days) until it becomes available.
• We know they'll be here soon so we're going to wait X days and ship everything together.
• If you don't want to wait, remove the delayed items from your order before submitting. You can always ask me if I have something in stock (especially cardstock).
• 
  
• Low Quantity

• Is is almost gone forever? 
• current items-not necessarily
• clearance and going soon items-likely
• Is it going on back order? 
• current items- maybe.
• clearance and going soon items-unlikely
• Will they be gone in 5 minutes or 5 months? Yes.
• there might be 100, or 1000
• ASK ME TO CHECK
• 
  
• Out of Stock

• Is it gone forever?
• Apparently not. This seems to be code for "be back soon." Example: Sugarplum reinker in the Summer of 2020, I would not have been surprised if it was gone forever, but more stock was coming within a week. 
• Is it during a Flash Sale?
• The "quantity set aside for the sale" is probably gone. Look for the item (especially current products) to return to stock (at regular price) after the sale.
• ASK ME TO CHECK

• Where did it go?!?!
• During a flash sale, I had something in my cart, and then it disappeared! Now I can't find it online!! 
• The item probably sold out. If it is a regular, current item, it will probably be back at regular price after the sale.
• If it was a retired item, it is probably out of stock and gone forever.
• It's only 3 weeks into the new catalog and I can't find a new product online.
• Sometimes it's glitch.
• I can tell you if the item actually sold out.
• It may be temporarily unavailable to order. More are coming, but it will be too long to hold on back order. The items is "gone" temporarily until more are back in stock. (Example: the happened with Thin Cuts once)
• It was in Going Soon or Clearance forever, now it's gone, along with several similar items.
• They may have been pulled for an upcoming sale. (I saw this before Stamptacular.)
• They may be gone, especially if they are really old and not selling.
• It sold out. - These are generally a guess, unless I happen to catch it right after it goes. Retired items don't get placed on the list I receive.