Seasonal Expressions 1 - December 2014 to March 2015

This month is the beginning of  the first Sessional Expression Booklet, this booklet is 8 1/2"x 11"in size and offers 37 beautiful pages to inspire crafters. 

The Seasonal Expression contains:

• three new Reward stamps (only available during December to March)
• two paper collection (only available during December to March)
• new stamps (available for at least 12 months)
• new accessories

During this period there are two new consultant kits available, these kits will still be $130, with a retain value of $470.

Card Making Kit

Scrapbooking Kit

To get your hands on a copy of the new Seasonal Expression Booklet or Annual Inspirations Booklet, please drop me a line

xo Gloria

Stamp of the Month - December 2014: Cutie Pie

I just love cupcakes and I have so many photos of cupcakes especially the ones from my favorite cupcake store BTS. I know I will be whipping up a page layout or two this month

This beautiful D size stamp set can only be purchased this month and with purchases of $75, you can get this stamp set of $5.

Deal of the Decade

This year marks the 10-year anniversary of Close To My Heart’s revolutionary My Acrylix^®clear polymer stamps—and we can’t wait for you to celebrate with us! With a qualifying purchase of $75 during the month of December, you will be eligible to purchase ANY C- or D-size stamps from the Annual Inspirations 2014–2015 idea book for only $10. That’s up to $17 of savings on a single stamp set! 

Plus, once you achieve the qualifying order total, there is no limit to the number of eligible stamp sets you can purchase at this discounted price. Remember, a purchase of $75 will also qualify you to receive the December Stamp of the Month for only $5, so if you purchase both the discounted Stamp of the Month and additional stamps at this special campaign pricing your savings will compound! It is truly the deal of the decade.

Eligible Stamp Sets

Picture my Life™ 2015 Project

Preserving your best memories doesn't have to mean hours away from family and friends.

Scrapbooking your life events, whether big or small it doesn't require endless weekend hours with your tape runner attached to you permanently. Let me show you how to get your memories into albums.

The Close to My Heart Picture my Life™ Program allows you to create quick beautiful albums which reflects your life in your personal unique way.

As you work through the Picture my Life™ Program, I will be there to teach and guide you through the basic memory keeping ideas and how to organize your photos and Memorabilia.

Whether you want to document your everyday life moments, a major event, a holiday, I can help you get started with the Close to my Heart Picture my Life™ Program.

How to get started, pop over to my Business Page and choose the follow:

• Picture My Life™ Program
• D-Ring Album

• Adhesives of your choice

• Marvy® Uchida® LePen™ Journaling Pen Item Number: Z1979

• Medium Organizer Item Number: Z4139 (to store your work)

Watch this space for more information about  Picture my Life™ Classes starting in January 2015.

Cyber Monday Only: 20% Off All Cricut®Collections!

Hot off the Press

For the first time ever, Close To My Heart is offering a Cyber Monday Sale on Monday, 1 December 2014. There has never been a better time to buy Close To My Heart’s exclusive Cricut® Collections for 20% off the retail price. Whether you love scrapbooking, cardmaking, or creating 3-D projects, our four exclusive Cricut® collections make the perfect addition to any craft room! Sale starts at midnight (AEDT) on 1 December and ends at 11:59 pm Monday night. 

To take advantage of this special deal pop over to my Online Business Address (OBA). Orders placed between 12:00 am and 11:59 pm (AEDT) on Monday, 1 December in order to get the discount on your selected Cricut® collections. Enjoy extra savings on Close To My Heart's exclusive Cricut® collections this Cyber Monday!

Meaningful Mixed Media

I have been in a creative funk... I read the latest Close to My Heart Blog on Meaning Mixed Media Pieces...

Its been a long time since I have swung into action and created something... Here is my take on the article..

Here is the original link Meaningful Mixed Media

Enjoy
Gloria xo

Christmas is around the corner - what does my Christmas Tree say about me?

My Tree and Me

Time for something fun and off-beat. I read an article recently about Christmas Trees and what they say about you...

Here is what mine says about me

I love investments that last and that I am into pretty things that aren't too fussy and maybe I might be a perfectionist! I love simplicity and stars....

My ornaments each have a special story or meaning, I value family history and the past. I also believe for a better and bigger tomorrow and am a sign seeker.... I am also a generous person.

So, what does your Christmas Tree say about you?

Here are a few of my ornaments...

decorations from family and friends travels

decorations that represent what my family love

decorations that show what I love

decorations made by my son

silly and fun decorations - because who wouldn't love a fireman Santa saving a cat!

decorations from far off lands

all trees should be trimmed with Star Wars decorations! 

and who doesn't love a Disney film!

and a little bit of your sporting side

a little bit of tradition

decorations from places you love

decorations from Starbucks are a must too

the article I read was from Moms Everyday

Remembrance Day Tradition

Being a Army BRAT (Born Raised and Trapped), I always celebrate Remember Day... For some they have no idea why today is important, here is information from Australian War Memorial

Why is this day special to Australians?

At 11 am on 11 November 1918 the guns of the Western Front fell silent after more than four years continuous warfare. The allied armies had driven the German invaders back, having inflicted heavy defeats upon them over the preceding four months. In November the Germans called for an armistice (suspension of fighting) in order to secure a peace settlement. They accepted the allied terms of unconditional surrender.

The 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month attained a special significance in the post-war years. The moment when hostilities ceased on the Western Front became universally associated with the remembrance of those who had died in the war. This first modern world conflict had brought about the mobilisation of over 70 million people and left between 9 and 13 million dead, perhaps as many as one-third of them with no known grave. The allied nations chose this day and time for the commemoration of their war dead.

On the first anniversary of the armistice in 1919 two minutes' silence was instituted as part of the main commemorative ceremony at the new Cenotaph in London. The silence was proposed by Australian journalist Edward Honey, who was working in Fleet Street. At about the same time, a South African statesman made a similar proposal to the British Cabinet, which endorsed it. King George V personally requested all the people of the British Empire to suspend normal activities for two minutes on the hour of the armistice "which stayed the worldwide carnage of the four preceding years and marked the victory of Right and Freedom". The two minutes' silence was popularly adopted and it became a central feature of commemorations on Armistice Day.

On the second anniversary of the armistice in 1920 the commemoration was given added significance when it became a funeral, with the return of the remains of an unknown soldier from the battlefields of the Western Front. Unknown soldiers were interred with full military honours in Westminster Abbey in London and at the Arc de Triumph in Paris. The entombment in London attracted over one million people within a week to pay their respects at the unknown soldier's tomb. Most other allied nations adopted the tradition of entombing unknown soldiers over the following decade.

After the end of the Second World War, the Australian and British governments changed the name to Remembrance Day. Armistice Day was no longer an appropriate title for a day which would commemorate all war dead.

In Australia on the 75th anniversary of the armistice in 1993 Remembrance Day ceremonies again became the focus of national attention. The remains of an unknown Australian soldier, exhumed from a First World War military cemetery in France, were ceremonially entombed in the Memorial's Hall of Memory. Remembrance Day ceremonies were conducted simultaneously in towns and cities all over the country, culminating at the moment of burial at 11 am and coinciding with the traditional two minutes' silence. This ceremony, which touched a chord across the Australian nation, re-established Remembrance Day as a significant day of commemoration.

Four years later, in 1997, Governor-General Sir William Deane issued a proclamation formally declaring 11 November to be Remembrance Day, urging all Australians to observe one minute's silence at 11 am on 11 November each year to remember those who died or suffered for Australia's cause in all wars and armed conflicts.

Lest we Forget

Change of Pace... Dinner tonight

Tonight I cooked up fish for dinner... something I don't do regularly and probably not enough! We had Oven Baked Bass with Green Puree and Asparagus - dinner for two

With the Bass (about 150g each) I seasoned it with salt, pepper, olive oil and lemon juice, wrapped it in foil and baked for 180 degrees for 15 minutes

Green Puree - 180g cooked peas, 400g cannellini beans, clove of garlic, 2 tablespoons flat parsley (from my garden) - wizz up and reheat

Asparagus - steamed 

Enjoy xo Gloria

Long time between posts - Conference Update 'Card Swap'

Hi All,

Life has got in the way and I have been super busy lately...

This month I was lucky to attend the first Close to My Heart Australasian Conference in Brisbane. I had a blast. Here is a sneak peek at our first official card swap... Watch this space for more information about our conference #artisticadventure

first lot of swaps

second lot of swaps

third lot of swaps

I also created a card to swap with my CTMH sisters from Australia and New Zealand, here it is:

Cards ready to go

Packed up and ready to go to Brisbane

And finally here is the Recipe Card:

Here is a link to more photos on my Facebook Page: Card Swap Album

Hope you enjoyed
xo Gloria

August Newsletter

Hi all

Can you believe that this is our third Ideas Book with Close to My Heart. Hope you enjoy the new range of products as much as I do.

Huggs Gloria

ANNUAL INSPIRATIONS

August 2014 to July 2015

August marks the beginning of a New Ideas Book, this year we are moving to an Annual Ideas Book with two Seasonal Expressions. The first Seasonal Expressions will be offered in December through to March and the second will be offered April through to July. Both of these Seasonal Expressions Collections will complement our already existing lines in the Ideas Book. They will feature two additional collections (four in total) which will include papers, embellishments and more. Watch my upcoming newsletters for more information in the coming months.

You will also notice that our Ideas book has changed slightly, with completing stamp sets featured along with the collections. With more stamp selections on my Business Page.

Close to my Heart has also introduced a new product range, Cut Above – this range features four ready-to-assemble card and treat kits. The kits feature 10 beautiful cards or 10 treat bags. All you need to do is simply ink and personalise these kits.

We have also expanded the following Product Ranges; Picture My Life Range, My Crush Range, Designed Décor, Base and Bling and introduced five new colours to our Exclusive Colour Palette Range – Thistle, Glacier, Flaxen, Canary and Pixie.

Close to My Heart has introduced QR codes throughout the Ideas Book. To use these codes you need to download a QR App on your smartphone, scan the code which will take you to either more information about the product on offer, a video on how to use the product or straight to my Business Page to purchase the product or Join My Team.

Drop me a line to purchase your Ideas Book, or check it out online.

I hope you enjoy our new Annual Inspirations Ideas Book as much as I do.

THIS MONTHS SPECIAL OFFERS

AUGUST STAMP OF THE MONTH!

What A Hoot!

When you place an order of $75 or more, these festive owls can join your aviary for only $5! The quirky owls in this adorable stamp set will add an endearing element to any craft. You can even dress them up in costumes and wish your friends a "Happy Owl'oween"!

Whatever the occasion, these feathered friends are sure to make a hoot in your neck of the woods.

Check out my website for some cute ideas and to place an order to get yours for just $5!

August Stamp of the Month Promotion

PICTURE PERFECTION!

Save big on Memory Protectors with Picture My Life Scrapbooking Program.

I know that, as a crafter, one of your goals is to preserve and protect the images and memories from your life that you hold most dear.  During the month of August, when you purchase any of the 13 available Picture My Life™ scrapbooking programs featured in the Annual Inspirations Idea Book at their full retail price of $35, you are eligible to add your choice of one of eight qualifying Memory Protectors™ 10-packs for just $4!

Each Picture My Life scrapbooking program already includes a coordinating 10-pack of Memory Protectors, so when you add your additional 10-pack for only $4 you will be well on your way to your own picture perfect pocket scrapbooking adventure.

Log onto my website so you can take advantage of this great offer!

Picture Perfection Promotion

Check out more information about Picture My Life™ Scrapbooking Program on CTMH TV

GET YOUR CRAFTING SUPPLIES AT A DISCOUNT - CHOOSE YOUR KIT!

The new Consultant Kit just got better... you get to choose from Two Beautiful new options to Join Close to My Heart and my Team.

If you're a cardmaker or scrapbooker there's a kit to suit you for only $130 - each kit has a retail value of over $500 and includes all the supplies you need to start your crafting journey!

Contact me for more details or click the link below to learn more!

Join My Team

Workshop dates

August to December 2014

August

Friday 1^st – My House

RSVP 28/7

Cost $20

7pm to Midnight

Friday 15^th – My House

RSVP 11/8

Cost $20

7pm to Midnight

Saturday 30^th – Glenelg

Football Club

RSVP 11/8

Cost $15

1pm to 4pm

September

Friday 12^th – My House

RSVP 8/9

Cost $20

7pm to Midnight

Sunday 14^th – Thebarton

Community Centre

RSVP 1/9

Cost $20

10am to 4pm

Friday 26^th – My House

RSVP 22/9

Cost $20

7pm to Midnight

October

Friday 3^rd – My House

RSVP 29/9

Cost $20

7pm to Midnight

Friday 31^st – My House

RSVP 27/10

Cost $20

7pm to Midnight

November

Sunday 2^nd – Thebarton

Community Centre

RSVP 20/10

Cost $20

10am to 4pm

Friday 7^th – My House

RSVP 3/11

Cost $20

7pm to Midnight

Friday 21^st – My House

RSVP 17/11

Cost $20

7pm to Midnight

December

Friday 5^th – My House

RSVP 1/12

Cost $20

7pm to Midnight

Friday 19^th – My House

RSVP 15/12

Cost $20

7pm to Midnight

for further information or book into any of my classes please contact me

FUNDRAISER

BLING AND BASE FOR TRAE

My 14 year old nephew Trae is an all-round athlete and lives with his Dad in Blacktown NSW. He plays AFL for Rooty Hill Power, he has represented his local Olympic Wrestling and Judo clubs at the State and National Level where he has won both State and National Judo Titles. Trae is always positive and filling everyone with confidence. People that meet him can't help but mention how mature he is, and that he is an inspiration to many children and adults alike.

On 27 June 2014, Trae was diagnosed with a brain tumour (Pilocytic Astrocytoma). Thankfully the tumour was benign, but it was large and located next to the optic nerve and the hypothalamus, which regulates functions such as hormones, emotions, thirst, hunger and body temperature.

On Tuesday 1 July 2014, Trae had his first operation. The surgeons were not able to remove all of the tumour due to the risk of blindness because it was located next to the optic nerve. As a result Trae lost some vision in his right eye.

Following this operation, Trae's was lucky enough to get an appointment with Dr Charlie Teo, who is one of Australia's best neurosurgeons. They had 48 hours to decide whether or not to proceed with a second operation. 

Trae had his second operation on Monday 28 July 2014. Dr Teo managed to remove the remaining tumour and preserve the vision that Trae had left. This operation went well, and Trae is now on the road to recovery.

Thanks to Dr Teo and Dr Tyler and their team for making our family’s dreams come true!

As you can imagine my family have incurred significant medical bills from the two operations plus now face additional costs for ongoing treatment and medication. As a family we have set up Fundraising pages on; Facebook, and My Cause. Here you can find out how Trae is progressing and see where your donations are going.

In the coming days I will be sending out an information booklet and order form for this fundraiser. I personally would love for you to get behind this fundraiser and help my family raise the $50,000 required for the medical bills.

For further information about the Bling and Base Fundraiser for Trae, please drop me a line.

	FATHERS DAY CARD CLASS
	With Father’s Day just around the corner I am offering Father Day Card Classes for Children aged four years plus.
	Saturday 24th August My House RSVP 18/8 Cost $10 for three cards 1pm to 4pm	Sunday 25th August My House RSVP 19/8 Cost $10 for three cards 1pm to 4pm
For further information and booking into these workshops for Father’s Day please drop me a line.

Coming Up Next Month:

National Stamping Month

#30yearsofhappy