Friday, July 10, 2009

Why are CTMH My Acrylix stamps so great?

Have you ever wondered why Close to my Heart My Acrylix® stamps are so much better than other company's clear stamps? There are a lot of technical reasons why, but there is a video that says it all. Click here to see the fun video.If you are interested in the technical reasons why CTMH stamps are better than the rest, here is some GREAT information!Acrylix®
Close To My Heart began producing clear polymer stamps in 2003, one of the first to offer clear stamps on the market. This introduction created a revolution in the industry and has been a major milestone in the growth and success of the company. The clear, decorative stamps are easy to use and store, offering complete creative control and artistic precision on every project.
RETAIL PRICE:
$10.95-$34.95 (stamp sets, sizes A-E)$3.95-$17.95 (acrylic blocks)
FEATURES/BENEFITS:
Precision: Clear mounting blocks make it possible to stamp in exactly the right spot, time after time. Our exclusive blocks allow you to see exactly where the stamp is placed and whether there is even coverage of the ink on the design.
Versatility: Mix and match stamp images to create your own unique designs, backgrounds, and borders. You can choose a block that perfectly fits an individual image, or design your own “scenes” by placing multiple images on a larger-sized block.
Simplicity: Stamps are easy to maintain, store, and transport. Pre-organized storage envelopes are durable, well-labeled, color-coded by category, and compact.
Assemble a title, word, or phrase on your block, then just keep stamping (no more individual letter stamping). This is especially useful when creating invitations, announcements, or a set of cards.
Manipulate the stamp images on the block to create curves or waves. Stamps have a “memory,” and will always go back to their original shape.
Available in over 4,000 designs, styles, and themes. My Acrylix® stamp sets come in five sizes (with corresponding prices): A, B, C, D, and E.
Compact, durable, portable, easy-to-use organizers are available for both stamp sets (My Acrylix® Organizer) and acrylic blocks (My Acrylix® Block Organizer).
DIFFERENTIATORS: As clear stamps are becoming more popular on the market, other companies are starting to follow the trail Close To My Heart blazed almost six years ago. But not all clear stamps are created equal. Close To My Heart My Acrylix® stamp sets reflect the production expertise, the variety of designs, and the quality materials that guarantee a superior stamp set that will deliver consistently beautiful, lasting artwork. Three areas make Close To My Heart My Acrylix stamps different from anything else on the market:.
1.) PRODUCTION PROCESSUsing state-of-the-art manufacturing equipment in an on-site production facility, a team of experts in polymer work know exactly how to handle the materials through production, carefully controlling temperature, moisture, production speed, and the many other variables that affect quality. This labor-intensive process ensures the highest quality standards and allows for the production of very finely detailed stamp designs that many other manufacturers can’t duplicate. Base-and-shade stamps, distressed designs, toile-and lace-style artwork, and even tiny script fonts, to name a few, retain incredible clarity and detail not found in most clear stamps on the market. The depth and cut of the stamp grab the ink well, but minimize blurring and “fill in.”
2.) MATERIALSWhile clear polymer is available from a variety of sources, there are many levels of durability, flexibility, and quality that may be initially indistinguishable to the human eye. As the leader in clear stamps, Close To My Heart has continued to refine materials and improve their performance and aesthetics, using the top grade of polymer produced today. By putting the polymer through rigorous testing including aging and environmental tests to ensure that with proper care the stamps will last for generations. The stamps can be easily stretched, arched, or angled for a variety of different “looks” in artwork, where as many other companies’ products are stiff and rigid, with a strong smell, too sticky or not sticky enough, and yellow easily within a few weeks of purchase.
3.) DESIGNSWith approximately 450 “active” stamp sets at any time, Close To My Heart offers more than 4,000 individual designs in My Acrylix® clear stamps. Many of these designs were created to complement each other, making it easy to build a library of sets that coordinate in themes and sentiments. The packaging is also unique on the market—not only does the flexible envelope protect the stamps inside, it allows for convenient storage, organization and retrieval. The unique carrier sheets include all designs already cut (many manufacturers require the purchaser to cut out the stamps), and make it easy to view the positive design.
TIPS FOR USE:
Initial Use: Loosen the image on all sides and peel slowly from the carrier sheet. To condition a stamp for first time use, rub the stamp vigorously across the surface of any stamp pad and stamp on a scratch paper. Repeat the process two to three times, clean, and then stamp as usual.
To minimize the amount of staining on a new stamp, use a light neutral stamp pad first, like Bamboo.
Center the image on an appropriately sized My Acrylix® block. When using alphabet stamps, place each letter on the line guide for accurate spacing and alignment.
Ink the stamp, place the image in the designed location, and apply even downward pressure. For best results, always use the included foam pad to cushion your card or layout.
Cleaning: The My Acrylix™ Spritz Cleaner and the Double Scrubber are available to clean the stamps and help retain the ability to cling to the block and the carrier sheet. After use clean both the front and the back of the stamp. And there you have it. Close to my Heart makes the best clear stamps in the industry!

Well, I tried to add some photos of great CTMH My Acrylix stamps, but haven't been able to get that to work, so just come and see them in person! Hands on time with these stamps is the best way to fall in love with them. Thanks to Jennifer and Lisa for the suggestions they gave me!

Saturday, July 4, 2009

and the winner is . . .



Lori Bengtson! Lori placed an order on my Close To My Heart website at jeanie.myctmh.com during June. I said that I would draw one name to win a present from me. Lori will receive the Magic Moments Scrapbooking kit. It contains 24 12" x12" preprinted layout pages (in photo to left, you can see suggestions for using these layouts to cover a year's worth of activities), 8 - 6" x12" My Sticease Adhesive Sheets, 2 - 12" x 12" Colonial White Cardstock Sheets, 13 - 12" x12" Memory Protectors, 50 cocoa brads, 24' cocoa 3/8" grosgrain ribbon. Congratulations Lori and thanks to everyone who ordered from my website during June. Remember, my website is available 24/7 for your convenience (shop in your jammies!).

I have heard from other consultants that this paperpack works well with our July Stamp of the Month (SOTM) set, You've Got Flair. You can get this 8 piece stamp set at a reduced price by ordering other items during the month of July.

Thursday, July 2, 2009

Now IS the time to join my team at CTMH

If you have ever thought about owning your own scrapbook and paper crafting business by becoming a
Close To My Heart Consultant, now is the time!

Sign up during July and choose five fabulous products from our Favorite Five list for FREE (no addtional shipping/handling or taxes added either) This means you get around $100.00 of additional product for no charge, just for signing up in July! Around $400 total retail in product will come your way for your $99 sign-up fee.

Interested? Here are the items you can choose 5 of (only 1 of each item selected):
My Acrylix Thank You Stamp Set (D1361; $22.95)
Magic Moments Scrapbook Kit (Z9071; $34.95)
Basic Textured Cardstock Combo Pack (Z5747; $14.95)
Life Delights Memory Schowcase (Z1199: $12.95)
My Originals Hello Birdie Card Kit (X8621; $12.95)
Creative Basics Sihouette Collection (X5803; $8.95)
HeartFelt Whimsy Die-Cuts (Z1145; $9.95)
All-Out Adventure Rub-Ons (Z1153; $9.95)
Window Charms Squares (Z820; $9.95)

Sign Up Today. . . It is easy to sign up! You can do everything electronically just by going to my website and following the steps below:
1. Go to http://jeanie.myctmh.com
2. Click on "Your Opportunities"
3. At the bottom of the screen, locate the line: To sign up or for more information to become a consultant "Click Here"
4. That will take you to the application which will only take a few minutes to complete.

What are YOU wating for? If you have questions, please e-mail me at basket55992@yahoo.com