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!

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.

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

Congratulations, Sarah!

Today our family helped my nephew's daughter Sarah celebrate her high school graduation. The weather was a bit "iffy" as we drove from my sister Karmen's - we were in and out of rain numerous times, but it was dry by the time we arrived. As is pretty traditional for MN summer parties, the celebration started in the garage. This party provided me with an opportunity to get a photo of my sister, Karmen, with all six of her grandchildren. Sarah is the far left of the picture. I think that may have not needed any pointing out as I look at the composition of this picture - there really isn't another option. Aren't they a good looking group?

Completed cards

Here are the six card bases I posted yesterday with some finishing steps added. As I said yesterday, all but the Christmas cards have an intended home and will be used this weekend. I figured I'd better capture them quick in a photo before I started using them.

This weekend Zumbrota is having it's summer celebration the Covered Bridge Festival, so there will be a lot of activity and events going on today and tomorrow. This year I am going to miss most of it since I will be heading out of town later today. I am hoping to swing by some of the events this morning. There will be a flea market in front of the Congregational Church. East Park - only a couple of blocks from my house - will be the site of a crafts festival, music and food vendors. I never make it as far as the actual Covered Bridge Park for the events happening there. The weather seems to be holding and no rain so far. Birds are chirpping and its time to get the day started, so I'd better close and post this.

Cards for July 11 Workshop (Card Camp)

Here are the three paper combinations I have selected to work with for the Just Because Card Workshop being offered at my place on July 11th. The back paper pack is Evensong (a good Christmas mixture), Silhouette, and then one of our new paper packs Bella. I have cut each of these workshops as described in the new Wishes book and now have the makings for 60 cards. This comparison without stamping or embellishing gives you an idea how different the same card "recipe" can look with the different papers. I am just showing 2 of the 10 recipes included in this workshop.

Tonight after work I will begin personalizing these cards for some of the events I have coming up soon. Just this weekend I have a 50 year wedding anniversary and 2 high school graduations to get the cards out for. In the near future I have a bridal shower and a wedding. Then a wedding reception for a destination wedding that took place this winter will also happen this summer. Now throw in a few summer birthdays and I don't know how many of my 60 cards will even be here to share by July11th! Let me know by July 1 if you intend to attend this workshop or the whole 12 hour crop being held that day. See the calendar listing on my web site for more details.

For most people, the Christmas cards can probably wait a while. Although, one year I did receive a Christmas card in the summer. It occurred when a friend had been working and attending school. No Christmas cards had gone out from her the previous Christmas and as she said in her letter included with the card it probably wouldn't happen the following Christmas either. We could consider that card as late or early because it would probably have to cover both! That card did take me by surprise!

Have you been to my web site yet today? If not wander over there (just click on link in upper right corner of this site) or enter jeanie.myctmh.com. The Deal-A-Day offer for today is a $60.00 goodie box (this will be available for purchase only on the web site until 9am tomorrow morning). It will contain about $120.00 worth of CTMH products. Check back a few days to see the photo of what I got in my $40.00 box.

Haave a good weekend. It sounds like the weather is supposed to be about mid 80's here in Minnesota - finally some warm weather - along with it comes the humidity! More from me next week.

Happy Birthday, Marion

Yesterday was my sister Marion's birthday, so, of course, I am getting the card in the mail today! She is a blue lover. Anything you give her in blue she will like better than another color. I wonder if' she's caught on that I always make her birthday card with blue paper? Here I am using our new Moon Doggie packet. The little strip of multiple colors is really part of the surfboard paper! Then the solid blue strip I cut a little extra long, ran it through my corregator and cut to the correct length for the width. Add a little random stamping (stamp set C1257 $18.95) and a little bling (Clear Sparkles Z1104 $2.95). The card layout is from the new Wishes book pg. 27 Lucky Layers. This layout was randomly picked. Yes, I literally just opened the book to a page and picked a card on that page. There are so many ideas in this book. Consider ordering your copy today (9033 $29.95).

We had some bad weather around here last night, luckily not close enough for me to head to the basement, but a tornado did touch down in Austin MN, with extensive property damage being done. Sounds like we may be in for some more stormy weather today. I still have plants that I haven't planted. Seems like I run out of day before that comes up on my list.

I had a discussion with my neighbor Rozie last night - about garbage! Our garbage pickup is on Tuesday. Every other week we have recycling pickup along with garbage. Rozie puts her garbage bins out on Monday night. I do mine on Tuesday morning, and I've gotten into the habit of following Rozie's lead. Well, she was out of sync this week! Pickup isn't until next week for recycling, but we both had our bins out there and the garbage men just left them. Looked like Rozie was going to leave her recycling sit there for the week, so I was going to too. She hauled her's back in last night, so I did too. Rozie's daughter thought she should appologize for leading me astray!

Hope your Thursday is a great one. Today's Deal-A-Day is our 6" x 6" accordion album called Memory Showcase. Check it out (and order it, along with a stamp set, on my web page jeanie.myctmh.com). Keep your eyes open for more goodie boxes to be offered yet this month. Take a chance, you can always see about trading for something else if you get something you know you won't use. Remember my Crop and Swap day July 18 fro 10 til noon.