So Excited!

Ten days ago, our new Idea Book for CTMH was released.  That's the cover, up there.  I could hardly contain myself when my box of books showed up.  Pretty sure the FedEx guy is going to avoid getting so close to the front door next time!

I'm always excited when new Idea Books come out, but this one is definitely the best I've seen yet.  One of the things I love about CTMH is that their Idea Books aren't "just" catalogs.  Sure, they serve that purpose too, but there truly are about a bazillion great ideas in each one.  Plus, new color schemes, new stamp sets, new design kits, all sorts of great stuff.  Here are a few of the new themes in this fall/winter book.

I adore that Sonoma one (the purple/sage one).  I will be investing in a few paper packs and inks from that one!  The Idea Books also have the Stamp of the Month for each month shown in the back.  The Stamp of the Month program is basically a heavily-discounted stamp set for each qualifying order you place.  Here is the set you'll get for just $5 with a qualifying order placed in August.

This is a great example of CTMH's handy practice of releasing the stamp sets at relevant times in relation to their respective occasions.  This is obviously a Halloween set; since it's the August Stamp of the month, you'll have it in plenty of time to make cards, invitations or decorations for Halloween!

Last, but most definitely not least, this fall's Idea Book marks the big premiere of the product that I am just over-the-moon excited about.  For those who have Cricut machines, CTMH has just released an exclusive cartridge all their own!!

The Cricut Art Philosophy bundle comes with a cartridge (includes over 700 shapes!) as well as - get this - THREE stamp sets that coordinate with the shapes on the cartridge.  Whoa!  Those are worth something like $60 by themselves.  Use your trusty Cricut to cut out a shape for a card or scrapbook page, then stamp a perfectly shaped design on to it for a really professional look.  There are also unique 3D features on the cartridge, like the little roses seen in the photo below.  (Everything in this image was done with the CTMH Art Philosophy Cricut cartridge!)

As a sidenote, if you do NOT have a Cricut and think you might be interested, be aware that there are several different models, and also that the full retail prices shown on the Cricut website are NOT what you're doomed to pay for the machine if you decide to invest in one.  Your local craft shops regularly have them on sale for 50% off or sometimes even more.  You could also check eBay; there are usually bunches of them on there.  Just remember to check your seller's feedback rating before you bid and be safe online!

Okay okay, I'll get off my excitement soapbox now.  Go!  Go to THIS LINK to check out the Idea Book and order your fall/winter supplies.  Ahem, Halloween, Thanksgiving, and Christmas are coming!  Don't wait!