Tuesday, December 31, 2024

Reflecting on the Past, Celebrating the Future …



As we welcome 2025, I want to take a moment to reflect on a chapter that closed in 2024. After 40 incredible years in business, Close To My Heart made the difficult decision to close its doors. Having been part of that journey for 15 of those years, I feel immense gratitude for the friendships, creativity, and memories we built together. It was more than a company—it was a family, and I’ll forever cherish those moments.

But as one door closes, another opens … it’s so cliché, I know … but joining Stampin’ Up! has reignited my passion for crafting and creativity in ways I didn’t think possible. This new chapter is already brimming with possibility, and I couldn’t be more excited to share it with you.

What’s Coming in 2025?

✨ New Product Lines: Fresh tools and designs to elevate your creative projects
✨ Workshops & Events: Opportunities to connect, learn, and craft together
✨ Community Challenges: Let’s inspire and support each other every step of the way

While saying goodbye to Close To My Heart was bittersweet, I am thrilled for the opportunity to grow, connect, and create with Stampin’ Up! Together, we’ll make 2025 an unforgettable year of creativity and joy.

Thank you for your ongoing support, friendship, and trust. I am truly honored to continue this creative journey with you, and I can’t wait to see the beautiful projects we’ll make together in the year ahead. And don’t forget … Sale-A-Bration is almost here!! It begins January 7th … watch your inboxes and the Facebook Group for all the details!!

Thank you so much for visiting my blog today!! I hope you did. If you did, please leave me a comment below!! If you have any questions, I would love to help you and answer them, just follow the link below to contact me. If you would like to place a Stampin' Up! order, I would be thrilled if you selected me to be your Demonstrator.







Want more crafty inspiration?
Follow me on all my social channels in the left column.


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Thursday, December 26, 2024

Four Stunning Scrapbooking Layouts You Can Create with the Season of Green & Gold Suite


Are you ready to take your scrapbooking game to the next level? This week on I Made This Myself Monday, we’re diving into the elegant and festive Season of Green & Gold Suite from Stampin' Up! This versatile collection is packed with everything you need to craft truly breathtaking layouts: the Season of Green & Gold Specialty DSP, Graceful Greenery Vellum Specialty DSP, Greetings of the Season Stamp Set and Dies, Golden Greenery Stamp Set and Dies, Very Vanilla ¾” Satin Ribbon, and Gold Foil Sheets.

The beauty of this suite lies in its versatility and its ability to bring a touch of sophistication to your albums. Whether you're designing a keepsake for your family or creating a custom gift, these layouts will inspire you to elevate your projects with layers, textures, and pops of metallic shine. Let’s break down four double-page layout ideas that will leave your scrapbooking audience wowed.


Watch the Full Tutorial!

Want to see the process in action?
Check out my YouTube video for a step-by-step walkthrough of this project.




CLICK HERE for the Layouts Supply List.
* The products used in this project were available for purchase while filming the video and/or writing this post. If something does not show in the list, it is no longer available.

What sets this suite apart is its ability to mix classic holiday themes with modern outdoorsy elegance. The rich textures of the specialty DSP, combined with the ethereal quality of the vellum and the brilliance of gold foil, provide endless possibilities for creativity. The versatile stamp sets and dies allow you to craft custom designs that suit any occasion, making this suite a must-have for any season.







Layout 1: Golden Glow

For an understated, elegant look, start with a base of Graceful Greenery Vellum Specialty DSP layered over Cardstock. The combination creates a subtle backdrop that sets the tone for your layout. Use the Golden Greenery Dies to create intricate shapes and sprigs in gold foil, and add circles from the Spotlight on Natures Dies to soften the overall look. Complete the design with stamped seasonal greetings placed strategically around your photos.

Pro Tip: To avoid adhesive marks on vellum, use adhesive placed behind decorative elements or photos.




Layout 2: Fresh Air

Layering is the star of this design. Begin with cardstock as your base. Add Graceful Greenery Vellum DSP and complementary DSP patterns for a layered effect. Use the Golden Greenery Dies to embellish with greenery cutouts and add a touch of gold thread to tie it together.

Pro Tip: Use foam dimensionals to lift some of your elements and add depth to your page.






Layout 3: Gather

This design focuses on creating visual movement with cascading greenery. Start with a patterned DSP from the Season of Green & Gold Suite and layer on your cardstock base. Use the Golden Greenery Dies to create sprigs and leaves in various shades of green and gold foil. Tie it all together with small, strategically placed satin ribbon wrapped in gold thread.

Pro Tip: Adding tags in a triangular pattern across the double-page spread helps keep the layout balanced and the eye focused and moving across.





Layout 4: This Is Us

For a clean and organized look, opt for a grid-based design. Cut smaller circles with the Spotlight on  Nature Dies using your favorite DSP patterns and arrange them in a triangular formation. Highlight each section with foil circles too for added texture. Using the Alphabet A La Mode Dies to create a beautiful title using the gold foiled DSP. This layout works well for showcasing multiple smaller photos while keeping the design cohesive and visually appealing.

Pro Tip: Incorporate alphabet dies when creating personal titles that makes your layout even more meaningful.


Thank you so much for visiting my blog today!! I hope you enjoyed these elegant layouts. If you did, please leave me a comment below!! If you have any questions, I would love to help you and answer them, just follow the link below to contact me. If you would like to place a Stampin' Up! order, I would be thrilled if you selected me to be your Demonstrator.







Want more crafty inspiration?
Follow me on all my social channels in the left column.


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Monday, December 23, 2024

Last-Minute Crafty Gift Ideas with Stampin’ Up!


Are you scrambling for those final handmade touches to make your holiday season unforgettable? I’ve got you covered with four quick and easy projects using Stampin’ Up! products! These charming last-minute gifts are perfect for neighbors, teachers, coworkers, or anyone who deserves a little handmade magic.





More Than Autumn Treat Holder

Using the Sweet Days of Autumn DSP and More Than Autumn Bundle, create a delightful treat holder that will make anyone smile. With warm autumnal colors and intricate designs, this project is both simple and stunning. Add some festive ribbon to complete the look.




Reindeer Fun Treat Box

The Reindeer Days DSP, Book Treat Box, Reindeer Fun Bundle, Real Red & White Adhesive-Backed Peppermints, and Festive Glimmer Paper come together to create a holiday showstopper! This treat box is perfect for small gifts or candies and is as festive as it is functional.




Christmas Labels Chapstick Holder

Looking for a small but thoughtful gift? Use the Reindeer Days DSP and Christmas Labels Bundle to craft a charming chapstick holder. It’s a practical and adorable stocking stuffer that’s sure to be appreciated.



Humble Home Treat Holder

Bring joy with the Take a Bow DSP, Humble Home Bundle, and Real Red & White Adhesive-Backed Peppermints. This treat holder is whimsical and heartwarming, perfect for sharing a little sweetness during the holidays.

These projects are quick, fun, and customizable for any occasion. 

Check out my YouTube Channel for information on creating these projects. Let’s get crafty together!


Thank you so much for visiting my blog today!! I hope you enjoyed these last-minute craft ideas. If you did, please leave me a comment below!! If you have any questions, I would love to help you and answer them, just follow the link below to contact me. If you would like to place a Stampin' Up! order, I would be thrilled if you selected me to be your Demonstrator.






Want more crafty inspiration?
Follow me on all my social channels in the left column.


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Thursday, December 19, 2024

DIY 6-Page Christmas Scrapbook: A Step-by-Step Guide Using Stampin' Up! Reindeer Memories Kit


Christmas is the perfect time to preserve precious memories, and what better way to do it than with a few handcrafted layouts? Using the Stampin’ Up! Reindeer Memories Scrapbooking Kit, I’ve designed a 6-page layout that’s both elegant and festive.


Watch the Full Tutorial!

Want to see the process in action?
Check out my YouTube video for a step-by-step walkthrough of this project.



CLICK HERE for the Layouts Supply List.
* The products used in this project were available for purchase while filming the video and/or writing this post. If something does not show in the list, it is no longer available.






Follow my step-by-step process as I show you how to:
1️⃣ Create cohesive layouts with festive embellishments.
2️⃣ Incorporate adhesive-backed berries and peppermints for a pop of texture and color.
3️⃣ Add finishing touches to make each page unique.






✨ Whether you’re new to scrapbooking or a seasoned pro, this workshop has something for everyone.



Thank you so much for visiting my blog today!! I hope you enjoyed these beautiful fall layouts. If you did, please leave me a comment below!! If you have any questions, I would love to help you and answer them, just follow the link below to contact me. If you would like to place a Stampin' Up! order, I would be thrilled if you selected me to be your Demonstrator.







Want more crafty inspiration?
Follow me on all my social channels in the left column.


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