Author Archives: Dana

About Dana

Hi there! My name is Dana Kessler and I have been a consultant with Close To My Heart since 2005. I was first introduced to CTMH at a crop - and when I saw our brand new My Acrylix Stamps, I was hooked! Nine years later, I now lead a fabulous team of over 25 Scraptabulous Designers and I have been blessed to earn six incentive trips with Close To My Heart. Scrapbooking is my passion, and I love sharing our great products with others! I offer monthly workshops, home gatherings, digital scrapbooking classes, weekend crops, and one on one training and design help.

Into the Wild We Go!

Hi friends! It has been a very long time since my last post, so let me update you on my situation. I had micro discectomy surgery on my L5 at the end of June. The surgery took a full 2 hours, as the herniation was massive. Because all the nerves were so squished, it not only caused me great pain, but also impaired my memory, cognitive ability, and stamina. I felt like I was in a fog all day every day. Recovery has been excruciatingly slow, but I am simply THRILLED to report that I feel almost back to my normal self after 11 loooooooong months. WOOHOOOOO!!!!!

So, here is Into the Wild. I know that it has sold out and retired, but for those of you who already purchased the paper/kit, I hope you can use these ideas. And, for any of you that missed it because you were so busy creating memories this summer, I do have precut page kits available.

I ADORE this kit! It is perfect for any outdoor activities – if you don’t have any little ones or boys to scrap, you can simply cover up the word “little” on the second layout with the word “great” or “mighty” or just leave those images off all together. I plan on using the Dream BIG layout for pictures of my dog, Rosie…. I am simply in love with her….

My next kit will be Craft On and it will be out later this month. After that, I need to know if you want me to move into Hawthorne or Every Little Thing (new kits will only have 3 layouts since the packs are smaller) or go back to Sweet Girl. I also have Oh What Fun from last Christmas that I could do…. Please let me know what will work best for you!

Feels Like Home

Two Page Scrapbook Layout Outdoors Into the Wild kit dream explore

CRICUT CARTRIDGES: Artbooking, You are Here, Flower Marker, Artistry,

Into the Wild Page Kit: $49.00 (plus shipping)

Two Page Scrapbook Layout Outdoors Into the Wild kit dream explore page kit ideas

Your Simply Scraptabulous Into the Wild Page Kit comes with all the supplies to create my (4) 2 page layouts with the added bonus of everything being PRE-CUT for you! You will receive the following:

Papers for all 4 layouts, PRE-CUT (including Cricut images), sorted and ready to assemble
Into the Wild Complements
Into the Wild Wood Shapes
Burlap Ribbon
A link to your Electronic Tip Sheet and photos to aid in assembly

NOTE: I can ship to US addresses only. There may be up to a 2 week turn around time for these kits, thank you for your understanding!

Workshop Guide: $10.00

Electronic Workshop Guides contain a cutting diagram, CDS files, Tip Sheet, and photos to help you complete your workshop. You must have the required CTMH Cricut cartridges linked to your account to cut the files.For more information on my Workshop Guides, please visit my website.

Make Something SCRAPTABULOUS – because CUTE matters!

Hugs,

Dana

Feels Like Home – it’s about TIME!!!!

Hey there, good lookin’!! I hope you are all enjoying this CRAZY time of year! Graduations, weddings, holidays, summer break, yard work, gardens, summer vacation – don’t forget to take lots and lots photos!! Make those memories while the weather is good so you can scrap them later on.

I know – it has been FOREVER since my last post and I am so very, very far behind. But, the good news is that Feels Like Home is still available for purchase if you didn’t already get it. I purposely didn’t do big titles on these layouts because there are so many pictures you can use on them that I didn’t want to limit your imagination! Weddings, anniversaries, prom, ancestry, special occasions, and of course – your home! Black and white or vintage photos will look SCRAPTABULOUS on these layouts if you can’t match the colors in the kit. I tried to keep the green down to two layouts so you can bring in any color you want with your photos.

The next kit that I will be doing is Into the Wild followed by Craft On.

Feels Like Home

CRICUT CARTRIDGES: Artbooking, Artistry,

I chose not to use the Watercolor Die-cuts that came with the Workshop because I couldn’t find my markers. Honestly, there are so many accents in this kit that I didn’t even miss them! I will, however, try them out when I find my markers and use them on some cards.

Feels Like Home Page Kit: $49.00 (plus shipping)

Your Simply Scraptabulous Feels Like Home Page Kit comes with all the supplies to create my (4) 2 page layouts with the added bonus of everything being PRE-CUT for you! You will receive the following:

Papers for all 4 layouts, PRE-CUT (including Cricut images), sorted and ready to assemble
Feels Like Home Complements
Feels Like Home Watercolor Die-cuts
Gold Glitter Gems
A link to your Electronic Tip Sheet and photos to aid in assembly

NOTE: I can ship to US addresses only. There may be up to a 2 week turn around time for these kits, thank you for your understanding!

WORKSHOP SUPPLIES

If you prefer to cut your own pages, you can order the supplies for the Feels Like Home Workshop from my website. Simply click on the pictures below, place your order, and then send me an email when you have completed your purchase, and I will send you the directions for FREE! For more information and current kits, please visit my website.

G1172 Feels Like Home Workshop Your Way $35.95

The Feels Like Home Cardstock pack is not available, but the individual colors are Charcoal, Fern, Mink, and Sugarplum. You will need 3 of each color to complete this workshop, so check your stash and see what you already have .

Workshop Guide: $10.00

Make Something SCRAPTABULOUS – because CUTE matters!

Hugs,

Dana

Sooooo Much to be HAPPY about!

Long time, no talk, my friends! I have MISSED you all so much! So, let me update you a little on my current sitch. My pain level has improved about 60%, so I am now able to sit and create again (albeit slower than usual)! There is still a long way to go for full recovery, and surgery is not yet off the table, but we’re hoping for some success with alternative methods. Turns out I have multiple disc problems and spinal stenosis, so I am literally a HOT MESS of issues.

I decided to create with So Much Happy because let’s be honest, when you are feeling down and low it is so easy to sink into that darkness. I am learning to focus on the HAPPY and to be grateful for little things and small changes. So, this kit helped fuel my happy thoughts with bright colors and bold designs. Lots of possibilities for photo themes, including pictures of your furry friends!

With Spring Break and two dance competitions coming up this month, I am going to be running short on time. I can either create with I Heart Us or Feels Like Home. Drop me a note and let me know which one you would most like to see and the kit with the most votes will be the one I complete. Thanks!

So Much Happy

CRICUT CARTRIDGES: Artbooking, Artistry, Flower Market, Art Philosophy

So Much Happy Page Kit: $49.00 (plus shipping)

Your Simply Scraptabulous So Much Happy Page Kit comes with all the supplies to create my (4) 2 page layouts with the added bonus of everything being PRE-CUT for you! You will receive the following:

Papers for all 4 layouts, PRE-CUT (including Cricut images), sorted and ready to assemble
So Much Happy Complements
So Much Happy Puffy Stickers
So Much Happy Washi Tape
A link to your Electronic Tip Sheet and photos to aid in assembly

NOTE: I can ship to US addresses only. There may be up to a 2 week turn around time for these kits, thank you for your understanding!

WORKSHOP SUPPLIES

If you prefer to cut your own pages, you can order the supplies for the So Much Happy Workshop from my website. Simply click on the pictures below, place your order, and then send me an email when you have completed your purchase, and I will send you the directions for FREE! For more information and current kits, please visit my website.

G1170 So Much Happy Scrapbooking Kit $33.95

Workshop Guide: $10.00

Make Something SCRAPTABULOUS – because CUTE matters!

Hugs,

Dana

Hello, my SCRAPTABULOUS friends!

I just wanted to pop in and give you a quick update – thanks to everyone who has reached me in the past few weeks. It was so GREAT to hear from you!

I have been suffering from severe sciatica for the past three months – which means, for me, that I have a hard time sitting. And standing, and walking, and sleeping and am pretty much in pain 24/7. In turn, that means that I have a hard time creating, which is why my kits are coming out later than I originally planned.

I also started working about 30 hours a week back in November, so my crafty time has been drastically reduced. But, I REFUSE to let this pain win. I WILL get better and take back my life!

So, what does that mean to you all? It means that I am skipping the first kit in the new Idea Book, Something Fierce. I just can’t physically do it. If you are desperate for that kit, please email me and I will try to fit it in when I am better.

I do have a few of the Oh What Fun kits from the Holiday Expressions, so if you purchased that kit before it sold out, I will be doing a workshop using that collection. The first collection from the new book will be I Heart Us. And, if I can get the pain under control, I will complete a workshop featuring the Heart Happy collection, as well.

Hope your 2019 is going well – I have FAITH that this is going to be a SCRAPTABULOUS year!

Hugs, Dana

‘Tis the Season – It’s Christmas Time!

HO HO HO and Merry Christmas, friends! It truly is the happiest (and stressiest) time of the year! I have finally finished all my decorating inside and out at our new home, but I have yet to do any shopping. Can you say FREAKING OUT???

So maybe that is why I just love the simplicity and classic color theme of this paper collection! I tried to keep it simple and allow your pictures to do the story telling. I am not sure that I will complete our second Christmas kit (Oh What Fun pink and green collection) before the end of the year, but I will do something with it because I already have all the supplies! LOL Take lots of pictures and enjoy this holiday season with your family and friends – and don’t forget that these papers retire on December 31, so make sure to get your order in so you don’t miss out!

‘Tis the Season

CRICUT CARTRIDGES: Artbooking, Artistry, Flower Market, You are Here

‘Tis the Season Page Kit: $49.00 (plus shipping)

Your Simply Scraptabulous ‘Tis the Season Page Kit comes with all the supplies to create my (4) 2 page layouts with the added bonus of everything being PRE-CUT for you! You will receive the following:

Papers for all 4 layouts, PRE-CUT (including Cricut images), sorted and ready to assemble
‘Tis the Season Complements
‘Tis the Season Buttons
‘Tis the Season Snowflakes
A link to your Electronic Tip Sheet and photos to aid in assembly

NOTE: I can ship to US addresses only. There may be up to a 2 week turn around time for these kits, thank you for your understanding!

WORKSHOP SUPPLIES

If you prefer to cut your own pages, you can order the supplies for the ‘Tis the Season Workshop from my website. Simply click on the pictures below, place your order, and then send me an email when you have completed your purchase, and I will send you the directions for FREE! For more information and current kits, please visit my website.

G1163 ‘Tis the Season Workshop Your Way $35.95

x7239D ‘Tis the Season Coordinating Cardstock $9.95h

Workshop Guide: $10.00

Make Something SCRAPTABULOUS – because CUTE matters!

Hugs,

Dana

Grateful Heart Celebrates Friends and Family!

Whew!!!! Time is a-flying by, isn’t it? We just celebrated Halloween and now all the stores have gone full blown Christmas. Ummm, people….. let’s not forget the end of autumn and Thanksgiving! I am simply *not ready* to HO HO HO yet!

This page kit is designed to help you preserve what you love best about this time of year. I love the rich colors in this kit – it makes it ideal for family photos. I also think black and white photos will be STUNNING on these pages! We had family pictures done a few years ago that are going to be perfect on the I Love Us layout – can’t wait to get them printed and scrapped.

Grateful Heart

CRICUT CARTRIDGES: Artbooking, Artistry, Flower Market, You are Here

**********************

Grateful Heart Page Kit: $49.00 (+ shipping)

Your Simply Scraptabulous Grateful Heart Page Kit comes with all the supplies to create my (4) 2 page layouts with the added bonus of everything being PRE-CUT for you! You will receive the following:

Papers for all 4 layouts, PRE-CUT (including Cricut images), sorted and ready to assemble
Grateful Heart Complements
Grateful Heart Cork Shapes
Fern Stitched Ribbon
A link to your Electronic Tip Sheet and photos to aid in assembly

NOTE: I can ship to US addresses only. There may be up to a 2 week turn around time for these kits, thank you for your understanding!

**********************

WORKSHOP SUPPLIES

If you prefer to cut your own pages, you can order the supplies for the Grateful Heart Workshop from my website. Simply click on the pictures below, place your order, and then send me an email when you have completed your purchase, and I will send you the directions for FREE! For more information and current kits, please visit my website.

G1161 Grateful Heart Workshop Your Way $33.95

X7237B Grateful Heart CS $9.95

**********************

Workshop Guide: $10.00

For more information on my Workshop Guides, please visit my website.

**********************

Make Something SCRAPTABULOUS – because CUTE matters!

Hugs,

Dana

Hello, Pumpkin! You are BOO-tiful!!!

Happy Halloween, my friends! I absolutely LOVE this time of year. My house is all decorated and I have pumpkins, straw bales, and mums on my porch. Fall decor just makes my heart happy. And, of course, cozying up in my sweatshirts and blankets! Such a pleasant relief from the hotness of summer.

Now – what I do not like about Halloween time is the scary GORE! I will freely admit I am a total wimp and do not like Haunted Houses or being scared. My daughter and I were almost in tears trying to get out of Six Flags during Fright Night – we are sooo dumb!

I totally love that Hello Pumpkin is cute and fresh and fun! I purposely created one layout just for pumpkins so you could take pictures of the pumpkin patch, pumpkin food, pumpkin carving, or even your little pumpkin! Two layouts can be for Halloween parties or trick or treaters. The last layout is just FUN. Lots of possibilities for photos, not even Halloween!

Hello Pumpkin

CRICUT CARTRIDGES: Artbooking, Artistry, Flower Market, You are Here

**********************

Hello Pumpkin Page Kit: $49.00 (+ shipping)

Your Simply Scraptabulous Hello Pumpkin Page Kit comes with all the supplies to create my (4) 2 page layouts with the added bonus of everything being PRE-CUT for you! You will receive the following:

Papers for all 4 layouts, PRE-CUT (including Cricut images), sorted and ready to assemble
Hello Pumpkin Complements
Hello Pumpkin Shapes
Hello Pumpkin Washi Tape
A link to your Electronic Tip Sheet and photos to aid in assembly

NOTE: I can ship to US addresses only. There may be up to a 2 week turn around time for these kits, thank you for your understanding!

**********************

WORKSHOP SUPPLIES

If you prefer to cut your own pages, you can order the supplies for the Hello Pumpkin Workshop from my website. Simply click on the pictures below, place your order, and then send me an email when you have completed your purchase, and I will send you the directions for FREE! For more information and current kits, please visit my website.

G1160 Hello Pumpkin Workshop Your Way $31.95

X7236D Hello Pumpkin Coordinating Cardstock $11.95

**********************

Workshop Guide: $10.00

For more information on my Workshop Guides, please visit my website.

**********************

Make Something SCRAPTABULOUS – because CUTE matters!

Hugs,

Dana

Beautiful Boutique is Here!

Happy September, my beautiful friends! Ahhhhh….. It is my favorite time of year – getting back into a routine, pulling out the sweaters and sweatshirts, football games, and gettin’ CRAFTY. I truly appreciate a break from the oppressive 90 degree weather! Us Northerners are just not meant to be in a constant state of heatstroke. LOL

I hope you all have had a chance to check out our brand new Holiday Expressions Idea Book. It’s full of new paper collections, stamps, colors, and even a Monthly Page Kit Subscription!

First up from the new Idea Book is out Boutique Workshop Your Way. I like that I was able to create 2 layouts that feel soft and dreamy and 2 different layouts that are fun and flirty. Lots of different options for photos and themes, I am sure you have some memories that would look GREAT on these pages!

Boutique

CRICUT CARTRIDGES: Artbooking, Artistry, Flower Market, You are Here

**********************

Boutique Page Kit: $49.00 (+ shipping)

Your Simply Scraptabulous Boutique Page Kit comes with all the supplies to create my (4) 2 page layouts with the added bonus of everything being PRE-CUT for you! You will receive the following:

Papers for all 4 layouts, PRE-CUT (including Cricut images), sorted and ready to assemble
Boutique Complements
Boutique Puffy Stickers
Mink Twine
A link to your Electronic Tip Sheet and photos to aid in assembly

NOTE: I can ship to US addresses only. There may be up to a 2 week turn around time for these kits, thank you for your understanding!

**********************

WORKSHOP SUPPLIES

If you prefer to cut your own pages, you can order the supplies for the Boutique Workshop from my website. Simply click on the pictures below, place your order, and then send me an email when you have completed your purchase, and I will send you the directions for FREE! For more information and current kits, please visit my website.

G1159 Boutique Workshop Your Way $29.95

X7235D Boutique Coordinating Cardstock $9.95

**********************

Workshop Guide: $10.00

For more information on my Workshop Guides, please visit my website.

**********************

Make Something SCRAPTABULOUS – because CUTE matters!

Hugs,

Dana

Life is Good – Document Your Story with Documented!

Hey there, my friends! I hope you all are enjoying the end of your summer. I am getting ready to move my son into his dorm room for his freshman year of college and am STRUGGLING with letting him go. I am so very excited for him, but my mama’s heart is heavy. A very special phase of my life is over, but I am so grateful for my scrapbooks that let me DOCUMENT the every day moments with him that I will miss. I am going to have to drown myself in creativity!

Documented is such a versatile kit! I will totally admit that this was my *least* favorite kit in the Idea Book. However, I was able to create 4 unique color schemes and it turns out that I really like the pages! I love when I can create multiple layouts from the same paper but end up with completely different looks. Don’t forget to grab these papers before they are gone. Everything retires August 31 and are while supplies last!

Documented

Two Page Scrapbook Layouts Page Kits Documented Memories Story Happy Beautiful Family #ctmhdocumented #scrapbooking #pagekits #workshopguides #cricutexplore #scraptabulousdesigns

CRICUT CARTRIDGES: Artbooking, Artistry, Flower Market, You are Here

**********************

Documented Page Kit: $49.00 (+ shipping)

Two Page Scrapbook Layouts Page Kits Documented Memories Story Happy Beautiful Family #ctmhdocumented #scrapbooking #pagekits #workshopguides #cricutexplore #scraptabulousdesigns

Your Simply Scraptabulous Documented Page Kit comes with all the supplies to create my (4) 2 page layouts with the added bonus of everything being PRE-CUT for you! You will receive the following:

Papers for all 4 layouts, PRE-CUT (including Cricut images), sorted and ready to assemble
Documented Complements
Documented Titles
Documented Dots
A link to your Electronic Tip Sheet and photos to aid in assembly

NOTE: I can ship to US addresses only. There may be up to a 2 week turn around time for these kits, thank you for your understanding!

**********************

WORKSHOP SUPPLIES

If you prefer to cut your own pages, you can order the supplies for the Documented Workshop from my website. Simply click on the pictures below, place your order, and then send me an email when you have completed your purchase, and I will send you the directions for FREE! For more information and current kits, please visit my website.

G1154 Documented Workshop Your Way $29.95

X7234B Documented Coordinating Cardstock $9.95

**********************

Workshop Guide: $10.00

For more information on my Workshop Guides, please visit my website.

**********************

Make Something SCRAPTABULOUS – because CUTE matters!

Hugs,

Dana

Celebrate SUMMER with Central Park!

WOW!!! It has been a LONG time since I have been able to get crafty! Learning a completely new state is rough, I admire those of you that move regularly. I finally have my house set up to a point where I can stop decorating and planning and shopping and assembling and stressing – so it is back to my craft room I go! I will have Documented out next week in preparation of our new catalog releasing on September 1!

Central Park is WAY WAY fun! I love the primary colors – if it is a little bright for you, try pairing it with black and white photos or taking out some of my layers. I LOVE the Summer Bliss layout I created that will be perfect for the pool or beach! I hope you all are busy creating memories this summer, but don’t forget to grab these papers before they are gone. Everything retires August 31 and are while supplies last!

Central Park

CRICUT CARTRIDGES: Artbooking, Artistry, Flower Market, You are Here

**********************

Central Park Page Kit: $49.00 (+ shipping)

Your Simply Scraptabulous Central Park Page Kit comes with all the supplies to create my (4) 2 page layouts with the added bonus of everything being PRE-CUT for you! You will receive the following:

Papers for all 4 layouts, PRE-CUT (including Cricut images), sorted and ready to assemble
Central Park Complements
Central Park Alphabet
Central Park Sequins
A link to your Electronic Tip Sheet and photos to aid in assembly

NOTE: I can ship to US addresses only. There may be up to a 2 week turn around time for these kits, thank you for your understanding!

**********************

WORKSHOP SUPPLIES

If you prefer to cut your own kits, you can order the supplies for the Central Park Workshop from my website. Simply click on the pictures below, place your order, and then send me an email when you have completed your purchase, and I will send you the directions for FREE! For more information and current kits, please visit my website.

X7231D Central Park Coordinating CS $9.95

G1151 Central Park Workshop Your Way $29.95

**********************

Workshop Guide: $10.00

For more information on my Workshop Guides, please visit my website.

**********************

Make Something SCRAPTABULOUS – because CUTE matters!

Hugs,

Dana