One of the best ways to make a lasting connection with friends and family is through sharing your favorite stories. Being able to share your best-loved memories with your best-loved people is such a treat—especially when the story is accompanied by the perfect photos!
As memory keepers, we’re passionate about creating showcase pieces for our most treasured pictures and stories. Our new True Story album makes it easier than ever to preserve and retell your own priceless stories. With beautiful pre-cut pages and fold-out sections throughout, this mini album carries more of your favorite photos and stories than you might expect based on its size!
The True Story project is designed to accommodate over 40 photos in individual Memory Protectors™ and Flip Flaps™ while still leaving plenty of room for journaling to tell the stories depicted in the photos. This unique album is designed to fit in one of our Everyday Life™ 6″ x 8″ albums and comes with many of the pieces pre-cut and even pre-printed! It also includes a few clear acrylic pages and specialty die-cuts for an even more unique finish.
With so many exciting elements like no other, True Story is a joy to create and will be a treasured keepsake for years to come. To help you get the full picture of this project’s potential, including all the opportunities for journaling and photo display in the finished product, we’ve put together this short video, which shows off each page of this one-of-a-kind album. Enjoy!
We can’t wait to hear about all the amazing things our fellow crafters do with the True Story album! As a special treat, we’ll be giving away five True Story Album Kits to five lucky readers! To be eligible for this giveaway, subscribe to the Make It from Your Heart blog and leave a comment below and let us know about your plans for True Story! All entries must be submitted by 4 p.m. tomorrow, January 6 (MST). Winners will be notified via e-mail we use the email address you are subscribed with so make sure it is up to date to not miss out!).
Start off the new year with a brand-new selection of layouts and cards from our Craft with Heart™ subscription program! These gorgeous scrapbook pages and cards are a perfect way to kickstart your creativity and get your artistic wheels turning in 2022!
Every scrapbook element and card piece in a Craft with Heart™ subscription kit comes pre-cut or in convenient punch-out die cut sheets, making it quick and easy to create all of the projects included in each subscription box. Some of the papers even come pre-printed for even more crafting ease!
The newest Craft with Heart™ subscription kits will be available in just a few days, on January 1, and we can’t wait to share the awesome cards and scrapbook pages available in this upcoming Craft with Heart cycle!
As always, this round of Craft with Heart™ scrapbooking pages includes two layout options per month. Craft with Heart subscriptions are available in 4-month incremental subscriptions or in a 12-month option. Crafters can choose the option that best suits their specific needs, all with the convenience of having crafting materials delivered directly to their door!
Along with the memory keeping aspects of Craft with Heart™, this popular subscription program also includes a cardmaking subscription option! These cardmaking kits are also available in 4- or 12-month subscription options and come with all the materials you’ll need to create 24 cards—2 each of 12 exclusive designs. Each cardmaking kit also comes with mini stamp set, stamp pad, and stamp block. All you need to complete these beautiful cards is some of your favorite adhesive and a journaling pen to write your heartfelt thoughts inside!
Craft with Heart™ subscriptions are the perfect gift for yourself or any other crafter in your life this holiday season! Whether you’re giving a subscription to someone else or treating yourself, Craft with Heart is a great way to keep creativity strong as we move into the new year. Talk to your Close To My Heart Maker about starting a Craft with Heart subscription today!
Whether it’s the tropical beach vacation of your dreams or a mini staycation, we all need a little getaway every once-in-a-while, even at Christmastime. With our newest Deck the Palms collection, we have cards and scrapbook layouts for you to create an island paradise of your own during your very next crafting session!
We have not one but TWO exclusive scrapbooking Deck the Palms workshops to share with you! Like a lot of our scrapbooking workshops, both workshops make one single page and three two-page coordinating 12″ x 12″ scrapbook layouts. The difference between them is that one is in a general tropical theme and the other is a tropical Christmas theme. The uniqueness about these workshops is that the pages between them are almost identical in design, only differing in which side of the pattern paper and embellishments you use. (Even the instruction guide is the same! Download the scrapbooking workshop guide, here.)
(Both sticker sheets have glossy UV-coated accents!)
All of these embellishments are available on their own or as part of their corresponding scrapbooking workshop, except for the tropical sticker sheet. This sticker sheet is only available for purchase with the Deck the Palms Paper Packet + Sticker Sheet. The paper packet patterned papers are also part of both Deck the Palms scrapbooking workshops. If you are not familiar with Close To My Heart pattern papers, they are each 12″ x 12″ plus an additional ½” accent paper along the top of each (we call those “zip strips”), and they all have double-sided designs, meaning there’s one design on one side and a different design on the reverse side of each sheet of patterned paper.
Our Deck the Palms Paper Packet is no different! One side of the pattern papers are tropical themed, and the reverse are tropical Christmas themed with beautiful accent zip strips, providing even more patterns to craft with!
Also part of this collection, and included in part in all three workshop kits, is the specially designed coordinating Deck the Palms cardstock. Each sheet has one of our exclusive colors in its usual cardstock texture on one side and on the reverse side we’ve added gorgeous UV-coated patterns to fit the collection’s theme! (Stock up on these fast because they will not last long!)
This is only part of the holiday fun we have in store with this collection, so make sure to visit our website to see all the Deck the Palms products available and also join us as we make all of the artwork from these workshops on our Facebook page! We will be making all the workshop cards on December 3 at 2 p.m., MT, and then all the workshop scrapbook layouts (both themes!) on December 9 at 2 p.m., MT.
**A little insider tip: Be sure to like, comment, or share our FB Live while we are live on the event page and get entered to win some awesome prizes!
One of the most satisfying feelings for a memory keeper is to see beautiful scrapbook pages come together. These pages not only provide a fulfilling creative outlet, but also serve as backdrops for some of our most cherished life moments. For an easy, elevated scrapbooking experience, Close To My Heart provides exclusive gorgeous products in convenient workshop kits, ensuring you can have a worthy place to tell and share your stories!
Our scrapbooking workshop kits come with materials to create three breathtaking coordinating 12″ x 12″ two-page layouts, including easy-to-follow instructions embedded with artistic tips and techniques to help you along the way! Grab your photos, trimming tools, and a journaling pen, along with a few optional additional supplies, and you’ll have everything you need to preserve your memories on beautiful, detailed scrapbook pages!
All of our scrapbooking workshop kits include patterned papers and stickers, a few sheets of coordinating cardstock, exclusive die-cuts designed especially for the workshop, and an additional accessory.
Our Isabella scrapbooking workshop kit, for example, comes with adorable die-cuts designed for a mediterranean, summertime feel. With these too-cute citrus, title, and background pieces, the layouts in the Isabella scrapbooking workshop are an absolute joy to create!
Because many of the pieces included in our workshop kits come in easy, punch-out die-cut sheets, there is minimal cutting required to complete the workshop’s layouts. This makes our scrapbooking kits ideal for all scrappers, and hopeful scrappers, who don’t have the luxury of time to create beautiful pages for their photos.
Along with die-cuts, you will love the included accessory that is often an exclusive product for our workshop kits! If we continue with the Isabella scrapbooking workshop kit as our example, you will see that this exclusive accessory comes in the form of acrylic shapes. These shapes include a few of the designs from the Isabella paper collection, itself, and a few additional designs that aren’t available anywhere else.
Additionally, every one of our scrapbooking workshops features a specific crafting technique to help you maximize your creativity and add a little flair to your artwork! For instance, the Isabella scrapbooking workshop kit guide includes step-by-step instructions on how to implement ink pad sponging for a little extra pop of color, as you can see here.
With so much crafting potential all in one place, it’s no wonder that crafters and memory keepers everywhere love our scrapbooking kits! If you have any memories you’d love to document with this or any of our other workshop kits, let us know in the comments below! Happy scrapping!
If you’re looking for a quick, easy, and beautiful way to scrapbook your photos, then we’ve got just the thing to make that happen!
A little while back, we shared a speedy scrapbooking technique that we called the 3-2-1 Formula to make 10 6″ x 8″ two-page layouts. Since it’s national scrapbooking month, we decided to pair this speedy scrapbooking method with the exclusive You Are Enough collection and share with you our gorgeous results!
(Click on the individual images to enlarge.)
Now, let’s revisit the steps to making this album! As the name implies, this is a formulaic project. That means that you will follow a simple formula to cut all of your patterned paper and then assemble your layouts. As you will see, you will continue to have a lot of creative freedom to add your own flair to each of your pages. No two albums will look the same, unless you make them that way intentionally.
Here’s what you’ll need:
5 sheets of patterned paper* (in a variety of coordinating patterns)
4 cardstock sheets* in coordinating colors (coordinate with your patterned paper)
*If you are not familiar with Close To My Heart products, all of our cardstock and patterned papers come in a 12″ x 12″ format, and that is what we will be using to make this project.
Step 1: Creating Base Pages. The very first thing we cut are base pages, from the White Daisy cardstock. From 10 sheets, you should be able to get 20 6″ x 8″ pieces.
Step 2: Cutting Patterned Paper. Before measuring and cutting anything, trim all the zip strips from each of the patterned paper sheets. The zip strip is the extra ½” accent paper along the top of each Close To My Heart patterned paper sheet. Cut each of these in half and set them aside. Next, cut the remaining 12″ x 12″ paper in half, to 6″ x 12″. Here’s where the 3-2-1 comes into play. Cut these two half sheets of patterned paper into strips of 3″ x 6″, 2″ x 6″, and 1″ x 6″.
(Half of this example is showing what the pattern is on the back side of this sheet. Each one of our patterned papers has a double-sided coordinating design, for additional creative flexibility.)
Step 3: Creating Photo Mats from Cardstock. For a more polished look, we like to add photo mats behind most, if not all, of our photos. That is what we make with the four sheets of coordinating cardstock.
Cut each cardstock sheet into six 6″ x 4″ rectangles. You should have a total of 24 when you are done. If you’d like to have a few 3″ x 4″ mats, simply cut these in half. Please note that the photos you will be mounting on these mats will have to be trimmed down a ¼” in both height and width to fit.
Step 4: Putting It All Together. You’re going to need a bit of space for this part, so make sure to clear your table or a place on your living room rug or somewhere else you can keep your project safe. Lay out all 20 White Daisy cardstock base pages. Next, distribute the strips of patterned paper and cardstock mats. Each page should get one 4″ x 6″ photo mat, or two 3″ x 4″ mats, and one strip of each size, 3″, 2″, and 1″. If you’d like for the pages that will be facing each other in your album to match, keep that in mind as you distribute your papers. Lastly, decide how you want to attach these pieces to your pages and get to it! Move the components around until you are happy with your pages. Experiment with different arrangements and consider whether you want 3″ x 4″ or 4″ x 6″ photo mats on your layouts, or a combination of both.
Step 5: Embellish! Using coordinating embellishments, add your finishing touches!
If you like our finished album and would like to recreate it using our same papers and embellishments, make sure to get your You Are Enough papers, cardstock, and butterfly sequins while you still can! This collection is only available while supplies last and it has been flying off our shelves, fast! If you want to make an album like this using other papers and embellishments, that’s completely okay, too! The beauty of the 3-2-1 technique is that it can be used with any coordinating papers and embellishments you like.
As we begin to wrap up another National Scrapbooking month, we hope you enjoy creating scrapbook pages that you love and that best suit your photos and memories!
Looking for a fast way to scrapbook your photos without jeopardizing the aesthetic of your pages? Craft with Heart™ might be just what you need! Receive scrapbooking kits designed to quickly make two beautiful 12″ x 12″ layouts delivered directly to your door! No more excuses—everyone can be a memory keeper!
Each kit included in the Craft with Heart™ program is part of our Cut Above® line, which means that all the artwork is pre-designed, including pre-printed base pages and complementary die-cuts and stickers. All you need to bring to the crafting table is a journaling pen, your favorite adhesive, and, of course, your photos!
Does this sound too good to be true? Follow along in the video below as we assemble one of the layouts from our May kit!
Cut Above® kits are an excellent balance of convenience, ease, and creativity, making them an ideal option for crafters of all ages and experience levels. While your pages do come pre-designed, you still reap the joy and benefits of creating something yourself and that comes together in just minutes with an easy-to-follow instructional guide (which you don’t have to follow if you don’t want to!).
Let’s take a closer look at the layouts currently available for May through August:
The designs for this year’s May layouts are a perfect example of how the intricate, pre-cut pieces come together in mere minutes for effortless crafting! Whether you’re an expert scrapbooker looking for a quick and easy project, or a newer crafter looking for a project more suited to your budding skills, these layouts are an excellent way to stretch your creative muscles!
Since there is absolutely no cutting involved, get younger crafters involved! These kits are so easy to work with, putting them together with the kids can turn into a beautiful bonding activity as you reminisce of the adventures had in the pictures you are scrapping.
Looking to document your vacation photos? The Craft with Heart™ July layouts offer an ideal backdrop! From snapshots of a weekend getaway to photos of an epic road trip, these layouts are a natural go-to as you document your unforgettable memories!
As you wind down your summer adventures, the August kit is just what you need to capture the feel of sunny, fun-filled days. With vibrant colors and eye-catching patterns, these layouts are a perfect way to display your favorite pictures!
There is a Craft with Heart™ scrapbooking subscription option for everyone! You can choose to sign up for a monthly, 4-month, or 12-month subscription. The longer period of time you choose, the better deal you’ll get! With a 12-month subscription, you’ll receive four layout kits, every four months at a 20% discount, AND you also get FREE shipping! To see more details about each subscription option—monthly, 4-month, and 12-month—just click here.
…AND just because we are celebrating all things scrapbooking this month, that does not mean we can’t still remember how much we love cardmaking! We have amazing Craft with Heart™ cardmaking subscription options, too! For more information about the card subscription kits, click here!
No matter the type of crafter you are, a Craft with Heart™ subscription makes preserving memories something that anyone can do. In a matter of minutes, you can have completed layouts for your photos and stories. Click here to sign up today, and your first delivery will arrive before you know it!
Our National Scrapbooking Month celebrations are in full swing around these parts, and what better way to get everyone to join in the festivities than with a free downloadable scrapbook pattern, complete with cutting diagrams and all!
Making its original debut with the Daydream Workshops On the Go®, we paired this timeless 12″ x 12″ pattern with our gorgeous You Are Enough collection!
The You Are Enough collection is a celebration of life and all of its perfect imperfections. “You are enough” does not mean that you are or have to be everything. You don’t have to be perfect, just be who you were designed and made to be. Our You Are Enough collection features beautiful stone designs with stunning rose gold accents and a gorgeous sticker sheet full of positive affirmations, enabling incredible artwork that celebrates everything that life has to offer!
Along with providing products that you will consume and not just collect, we also pride ourselves in being the “let me show you how®” memory-keeping company, and in providing the most comprehensive scrapbooking and cardmaking patterns. When you download the Daydream scrapbooking pattern, you will find that it also comes with cutting diagrams, making it even easier to create these pages from any of your favorite papers and embellishments, not just what we are showing you here. All of our patterns lend themselves to any memories that are special enough to preserve.
Download this free scrapbook pattern below and let us show you just how easy scrapbooking can be!
For even more timeless scrapbook patterns, check out our Make It from Your Heart™ pattern books! If you love the free scrapbook patterns we share on the blog, you’re sure to be blown away by the patterns and inspirational artwork in all of our how-to books.
It’s time to party, because National Scrapbooking Month is officially here! We started things off with a bang last weekend, with a two-day National Scrapbooking Day Celebration virtual event, where everyone was welcomed to follow along and create beautiful scrapbook pages, cards, and even a mini album with us! If you missed out on any of these projects and would still like to participate, the instructional segments are available under the past Events tab on the Close To My Heart (Official) Facebook page. (For example artwork photos and information about the product bundles to make these projects, visit our website, here.)
We’re thrilled to continue our National Scrapbooking Month celebrations with a new and exclusive patterned paper collection and suite of coordinating products, only available for the month of May and while supplies last. The gorgeous You Are Enough collection is built on a foundation of affirmation, encouragement, and celebration of all the beautiful qualities we admire in our loved ones and ourselves! It was inspired and designed around a gemstone concept, making it a perfect complement to treasured memories.
Start with the incredible You Are Enough paper packet, which features 12 double-sided paper sheets, two each of six double-sided designs—that’s double the number of designs and sheets than in our other paper collections!
The beautiful coordinating stickers and cardstock feature stunning rose gold foil accents and designs. (Click on the thumbnail images for a closer look!)
Increase your crafting potential with a coordinating stamp set, pocket cards, and sequins!
Use the materials in this kit to create 24 standard size cards, 2 each of 10 designs and 4 unique designs.
If you’re not quite sure where to begin, let us help you out! We are giving away FIVE You Are Enough Paper Bundles, right here, right now! That five sets of the You Are Enough Paper Packet + Sticker Sheet and the You Are Enough Coordinating cardstock! For a chance to win, you must be subscribed to this blog AND leave us a comment below letting us know what you like most about this amazing You Are Enough collection! All entries must be submitted by 4 p.m. tomorrow, May 6 (MDT). The five lucky winners will be notified via e-mail (we use the mail address you are subscribed with, so make sure it is up to date to not miss out!). (In order to subscribe, simply click here.)
We have so many exciting things lined up for this year’s National Scrapbooking Month! Keep up with all of our festivities by continuing to follow us here, as well as on Facebook and Instagram (@cmthofficial).
As we continue to celebrate National Papercrafting Month with our adorable Home Sweet Home frames, we want to share a few more ideas of how you can use elements of this versatile kit in other crafting projects! A top-notch accent or background can be the crowning jewel in a scrapbook page, card, or 3-D art piece, and we know you’ll love creating projects of your own with the beautiful pieces from our Home Sweet Home special!
The Home Sweet Home special features the Home Sweet Home Frame Kit, which includes a wide variety of exclusive patterned papers and die-cuts, along with large wood circles. These elements are not only beautiful when used to create a Home Sweet Home frame but make charming additions to other projects as well!
Adding a pre-cut accent or background to a scrapbook page or card is an excellent way to simplify your crafts, while still yielding beautiful results. As you can see with this gorgeous layout, the inclusion of these vibrant floral die-cuts placed over the corner of a photo add dimension and pops of color, and when paired with other small embellishments, tie the whole thing together with a stylish flourish!
The Home Sweet Home die-cuts can also be placed partially behind photos to add some flare to your backgrounds. These sunflower and silver sprig accents are the perfect touch to not only complement the bright colors in the photograph, but also serve to dress up the background of the page.
It doesn’t matter which die-cut shape you decide to use—each one can produce fantastic results. Just look at how these rainbow and silver glitter die-cuts are placed over a piece of grey polka dot patterned paper for a simple, yet stunning card!
For this adorable get-well card, the scalloped piece at the center makes a perfect backdrop for the simple sentiment piece and is offset beautifully by the die-cut bow.
To help round out your inclusion of Home Sweet Home pieces in your own cards or layouts, you can include them alongside other embellishments, as you can see with this adorable slimline card. The cupcake die-cut and silver glitter stars are offset beautifully by the large, iridescent sequins and Thin Cuts border at the top!
Along with the die-cuts, the Home Sweet Home wood circles can also be used in scrapbook layouts. While the circles themselves are relatively flat, they can be used to add dimension and blend well into backgrounds, lending additional texture. Here, you can see how a wood circle has been covered with pinstripe patterned paper and offers an ideal platform for the journaling on this page!
As you can see, there’s a wealth of creative opportunity included in the Home Sweet Home special, far beyond the creation of a Home Sweet Home frame! Each piece is full of possibility and can be used to boost the aesthetic of any art project, from scrapbook pages, to cards, to 3-D pieces. No matter how you choose to repurpose these gorgeous pieces, they’re sure to dazzle wherever they’re placed. Have you used any of the Home Sweet Home die-cuts and wood circles for other art projects, or do you have some ideas? Leave a comment below to tell us what you’ve used them for, or how you’d like to!
