Greetings....

It has been a long time since I blogged.   I have been swamped with my regular, day job as a special education teacher.  I have been busy working on creating the 2016 calendar of events.   So many wonderful new and exciting classes are being planned for you in the new year.

There will be a new Seasonal Expression Idea Book coming January!!!  Loads of wonderful new products coming your way...thin cuts, new paper collections, new stamps, washi tape, puffy stickers and so much more.

There will be a new card class on January 7, 2016 at our newer location in Allen Park.  We now meet at City Coffeehouse on Allen Road.  During the card class you will be making 3 cards for $6.00.

There will be a new scrapbook class on January 21, 2016.  This class is also at City Coffeehouse.  During our class you will be making 3 full layouts.  January's class will feature the paper collection "Charlotte".

I will save the announcement of the January campaign until the first of the New Year.  But I will say the product will work great in the newly released Planner from Close to My Heart.  You will want to get your hands on the planner as soon as possible.  You can purchase it as a bundle during this month of December.

Until later,

Hugs, Holly

Water color technique...

    Did you know Close to My Heart has created some wonderful water color paints?  Today I will share a video a created with creating a water color affect using your ink and a water brush.  It is a 2 part video.

Upcoming September events...

   It is almost time for the new 2015-2016 Close to My Heart Idea book to be revealed...

Do you have anything planned for August 29 or August 30?  If you answered no, then you need to come over to my house for one of the Open House events.  This is where you will be able to get your hands on the new book, a few days before it goes live to everyone.  The Open House is always a blast.  We do a craft, look at the new book and best part is you get to see some of the product up close and personal.  I will have a display set up with the new products I got from Convention.

Would like to see the upcoming September Coffeehouse classes?  First up is the Card Class that will be on September 3.  We will be making 3 projects starting with this class.  Then the next 3 pictures are of the Zoe scrapbook class.  You will be making 3 layouts during the Zoe class on September 17.  Make sure you sign up by Monday, August 30 for both classes.

If you have any questions you can email me.  Please leave a comment.

hugs, Holly

Home from Convention

  Convention is always a highlight in the summer for me.  It is a time for me have a little vacation with friends, get inspired with artwork, and to reconnect with the Home Office from Close to My Heart.  This year's convention was out of this world!!!  Have you ever thought of joining Close to My Heart...let me just say...Do It!  It was one of the best decisions I made 7 years ago.

Here are a few highlights from convention...

As you can see, we had so much fun!!!  Next year's convention is at Walt Disney World, June 23-25.  I would love for you to join me in all of the excitement.  Call or email me with your questions.

hugs, Holly

Life is Wonderful...

     Life is wonderful for so many reasons...

1. My husband, we will be celebrating our 21st. Wedding anniversary next Thursday, July 9. It also happens to be his birthday.  So happy birthday honey!
2. My son, he is a very talented artist and is coming a wonderful young man.  He just finished his first trip with the church group to Cleveland. I am so proud of him.
3. My family, my parents help me out and support me in all parts of my life.
4. My friends, too many to name, but they help me find who I am.  They give me direction and guidance when I need it.
5.  My job, both jobs. Teaching is very rewarding and Close to My Heart has brought many happy moments to my life.

  Convention is coming in just week.  I will fly out to California, Disneyland, on July 8.  It will be a great 5 days with my friends and always helps me to get reenergized in my business.  Watch Facebook for my adventures during my stay at Disneyland.

 The month July has a wonderful stamp set that will help you make some pretty layouts and cards.  You will be able to get it for free when you purchase $25 in stamps. Here are a few samples of what I made using the stamp set.

Typed Note...

   Have you seen the new stamp of the month from Close to My Heart?  This set is perfect for cards of all kind and vintage scrapbook layouts.  The vintage typewriter is my favorite image on the set.

        

What would you do with this stamp set?

Hugs, Holly

Update.......

Ladies, if you get my monthly newsletter please read it when it comes this week.  The newsletter is filled with a ton of information for classes that will be held over the next 3 months.  There is a bonus coupon in it for your next purchase.

If you don't receive my monthly newsletter, I just want you to be aware my monthly Biggby classes have moved to City Coffeehouse in Allen Park on Allen Road.  The first class at City Coffeehouse will be the Baby Card class.  We will continue to meet on the first and third Thursdays of the month for both card and scrapbook class.  Please come see us at our new home.

hugs, Holly

What is coming????

   This is my last day of Midwinter break...
   I have so many things I want to work on.    I am trying to design for future classes at Biggby and at my house.  So many projects but so little time!  What projects have your worked on lately?
   Here is a sneak peek of upcoming class...

Here is a picture of the upcoming campaign from Close to My Heart....sign up to be a consultant and get the shoulder tote for free right away with your kit.  After you have placed $300 in orders in your first 40 days, you will the rolling tote for free.   If you have questions let me know!!!  I would love for you to join my team.

hugs, Holly

Favorite tools

 Do you have a favorite papercrafting tool?  I have a few that are my favorites!

1. A good paper trimmer-SureCut Deluxe Craft Paper Trimmer by Fiskars-totally rocks!  This cutter has a wider front base and a swing arm for more measurements up to 15 inches.  It is lightweight, portable, and easy to read.

2. Micro-tip non-stick scissors-these scissors from Close to My Heart are fabulous!  You can cut ribbon or paper after cutting something sticky and have NO problems.  Love them!

3. Foam tape from Close to My Heart is awesome!  It comes in 2 different widths in one package.  I am able to add dimension to any project with no worries.

4. Adhesive-I am switching over from Tombow to 3L E-Z dots adhesive.  You get more on the roll and it is easier to roll onto my projects.

5. Versa Mat from Close to My Heart is amazing!  It helps line up a true 12x12 layout and get perfect paper placement every time.

If you have a favorite tool make a comment below and tell me what it is and why.  I would love to hear from you.

hugs, Holly

Love on Target

  Have you seen the new stamp of the month for January yet?  Oh boy, I am loving it!  It has a great target, adorable arrows, and fabulous words. This set is perfect for all crafters.  Today I will share with you a few projects I made with the set. If you need help getting yours let me know.  You can shop at http://hollyvalerius.ctmh.com

Happy New Year!!

      I would love to wish all of you a very Happy New Year!  2015 is going to be incredible!!!

Have you set your New Year's resolutions yet? What will you be doing in 2015?  I am going to post mine here so everyone will help keep me accountable.
1. Continue to follow my Weight Watchers plan.  I have slipped a little and need to get back on track.
2. Post here 2 times a month or more.  I have not posted regularly and I feel so bad about that.
3. Make 3-6 videos this year.  I know we all learn better when we see how to do something.
4. Scrapbook for myself.  I have a freshman this year and his graduation will be here before I know it.      I want to be on top of it with no stress.

Happy National Papercrafting Month!!!
Have you seen the amazing January special from Close to My Heart?  We are celebrating National Papercrafting month with an adorable paper kit.  Your kit will come with special paper, cardstock, gold stickers, and a C stamp set, all for $5.00 when you spend $50.  You can add the mini album for just an additional $5.00.  Here I am showing you a little bit of my mini album and some cards I made with the leftovers.  Today I plan on making a layout with the rest of the leftovers.  Contact me if you are interested in the special.http://hollyvalerius.ctmh.com