PLEASANT GROVE, UT – August 9, 2007 – Close To My Heart, the stamping and scrapbooking innovator and industry-leading direct sales company has designated September as National Stamping Month and September 8 as National Stamping Day (the second Saturday of September in the future) in celebration of the popular hobby.

To kick off the new annual observance, the company has planned a number of activities in September to celebrate this exciting form of artistic expression including:

• Online contest at www.closetomyheart.com with thousands of dollars in prizes. The first 15,000 eligible entries will receive a special My Acrylix® stamp set. One grand prize worth over $1,000 in stamping supplies and a daily prize will be given.
• A daily stamping tip will be featured on Close To My Heart’s website, helping beginners and pros take their stamping experience to another level of expertise.
• From Me to You, an exclusive card kit will be available only during the month of September containing everything needed to make 16 handmade cards. The kit includes a My Acrylix stamp set, all the accessories, pre-cut pieces, and step-by-step instructions.

The tens of thousands of independent Close To My Heart Consultants across the U.S. and Canada will host their own unique stamping celebrations in honor of the month. On a corporate level Close To My Heart is the title sponsor for the Utah Valley Women’s Expo on September 7 and 8 at the Utah Valley State College McKay Events Center. Those in attendance will have the opportunity to learn a variety of unique stamping techniques through workshops, a scrapbooking crop, and other activities planned. The company will also donate over 100 stamp sets, Exclusive Inks™ stamp pads, and My Acrylix blocks to local elementary schools.

“Close To My Heart is proud to launch National Stamping Month to celebrate this fine art that often brings friends together as they do paper crafting projects,” said Jeanette Lynton, Close To My Heart founder and CEO. “We are also pleased to donate a portion of every sale of our My Acrylix stamp sets to Operation Kids®. As you add new designs to your collection, the company donates a portion of the sales to Operation Kids. By purchasing My Acrylix stamp sets and enjoying this great hobby, you are helping ensure a better life for children throughout the world.”

Close To My Heart is an industry leader in innovative scrapbooking and stamping products, including the My Acrylix line of clear stamps, My Reflections® scrapbooking kits, and several top-selling how-to programs, including the newest scrapbook layout volume, Imagine™, available now. Headquartered in Pleasant Grove, Utah, the company distributes its products at Home Gatherings through thousands of Independent Consultants across the U.S. and Canada. For more information about the Idea Book, ordering exclusive Close To My Heart products, or becoming a Consultant, go to www.closetomyheart.com.

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