What's Up Wednesday-2010 Idea Book n' Bagels

I am sorry that I have once again been away from the blog for so long.  Our computer died again and there was a death in the family so my time was spent on other things.  The computer is now back from the shop and the funeral has passed so I am excited to get back to "normal life" if there is such a thing.

On Sat. Jan. 9th I will be hosting my 2nd annual Idea Book n' Bagels from 9-10:30 AM at my home.  This is a fun morning when you can check out the all new Spring 2010 Idea Book and new CTMH products.  If you would like to join us, just RSVP to juliedecker@comcast.net by Wed.1/6. 

I hope you have a very happy new year and I look forward to sharing with you in 2010!

Sunday Special-Holiday Heyday Sale Ends Soon!

This is your last chance to get some awesome deals on papers, stamps, and embellishments.  There is still a great selection of CTMH items discounted 50-80% at the online Holiday Heyday sale.  The sale ends Dec. 17th so go to http://www.stampandcrop.myctmh.com/ and snatch up some bargains before they are gone!

I realize that I have fallen behind on my posts and hope to resume my regular schedule soon.  Thanks for checking in and I plan on having more for you this week!

Sunday Special-Holiday Heyday Sale Continues

There are still plenty of bargains to be found at Close to My Heart's Holiday Heyday Clearance Sale!  Go to stampandcrop.myctmh.com and see what bargains you can find.  There is still time to get some great gifts for yourself and others.  Don't let this once a year event slip by.  Sale ends Dec. 17th or while supplies last.

If you would like to order non-clearance items as gifts or for yourself and need them by Christmas, please place your orders online at stampandcrop.myctmh.com or contact me no later than Dec. 15th to insure your order arrives on time with standard shipping.

I hope you find joy this holiday season!

ONLINE CLEARANCE SALE STARTS DEC. 2 @ 11AM (EST)

Close to My Heart is slashing prices 50-80% off on items that will be discontinued in 2009!  There are awesome deals like Sassy Strand packs for just $1 and stamp sets starting at $2.  There is also a ton of paper and embellishments available.  Go to http://www.stampandcrop.myctmh.com/ on Wed. 12/2 starting at 11 AM and grab some good deals for yourself and as gifts!  The sale will continue online through Dec. 17th or while supplies last.  You can preview the sale list here.  Happy Shopping!

Sunday Special-Stampaganza Ends Tomorrow!

Click on http://www.stampandcrop.myctmh.com/ and order your stamp sets today.  The Stampaganza sale ends tomorrow!  It's buy 2, get 1 free My Acrylix stamp sets.  It's the perfect time to get those sets you have had your eye on and maybe one for a friend!  Be sure you have the blocks and ink pads you may need too.  Hey, it's Cyber Monday so join the rest and shop online. :)

What's Up Wednesday-Art & Soul Sparkle of the Season

Check out Art & Soul for some inspiration.  The current CTMH TV episode is entitled "The Sparkle of the Season" and gives you some cool stamping tricks to enhance your holiday cards and layouts.   If you really love the projects shown, you can order a discounted bundle of supplies used.  Treat yourself to a little Art & Soul today!

Fast and Easy Friday- 12x12 Calendar

I will be holding a 12x12 Imagine Calendar Workshop on Monday Dec. 14 at 7 PM.  At the workshop, you'll create a 12 month calendar with the CTMH paper pack of your choice.  I'll pre-cut everything for you so all you do is assemble and stamp!  Add your photos and you're done.  What could be better?  Just in time for the new year and gift-giving.

Registration ends Dec. 2 so contact me today to register!

What's Up Wednesday (Belated)-Dry Erase Board

Here is another great and simple gift idea.  Find a picture frame you like and that is large enough to write notes and memos on.  Next, create a "picture" for the inside.  Be sure the main background is a light color so your messages will show.  On mine, I used Colonial White cardstock and decorated it with some leftover Bella My Stickease.  Slip your "picture" inside the frame and viola!  You have a custom dry erase board.  Use dry erase markers to write your messages and reminders.

The frame I am using has a glass insert.  If you have a plastic insert, I would try the markers on a corner first to be sure they will still wipe off easily.

Have fun with this project and enjoy!

Sunday Special-12 Days of Christmas

My girls and I saw Santa arrive last night with fireworks (yes, unusual but beautiful) which means Christmas is coming!  I would like to spread some Christmas cheer so I am offering a 12 Days of Christmas special.  If you or someone you refer to me, books and holds a home gathering anytime during the next 12 weeks, I would like to give you the cool Petite Perks stamp set as a "thank you."

Remember, the Stampaganza stamp sale continues through Nov. 30 and starting Dec. 15 and running through Jan. 31st, you can purchase or earn for FREE the awesome Felicity pack which includes die cuts, paper, cardstock, and a stamp set which includes an alphabet!  These specials make it a great time to host a party and share your love of papercrafts with your friends and family.  I promise to make it a great time!

Christmas is coming so don't delay, call me today!

Fast and Easy Friday (Belated)- Quick Card

Here's a closer look at a couple of the cards we created today at my 50 Christmas Card workshop.  You can see the cards are simply two strips of coordinating Jingle paper and a matted stamped image.  If you missed the workshop, you can order a kit "to go".  For just $25 you'll get everything you need to make 50 cards and have 6 sheets of B&T and 2 pieces of colored cardstock leftover for more projects!  You pick the paper you like and I do the cutting.  Order your kit today.

Of course,  you can also dive into your scraps and create some of your own fun cards too!  Remember, a bundle of handmade cards make a great gift!

What's Up Wednesday-And the winner is..

I am disappointed to announce no one was selected as the Mystery Hostess for my Nov. 3 Stampaganza gathering since I did not receive enough orders.  Stampaganza runs through Nov. 30th so be sure to take advantage of this great sale when the time is right for you!  You can order 24/7 at stampandcrop.myctmh.com Thanks for checking my blog and have a great day!

Sunday Special-Place an order 11/3 and win $25!

Stampaganza begins Tues. Nov. 3rd so I'm celebrating by holding a virtual party and you could be the hostess!  Just place an order Nov. 3rd by 11 PM via phone, e-mail, or my website and you'll receive one entry for every $25 you spend.  The first person to call me with an order will get two extra entries!  At the end of the night, if I have received $150 or more in total orders, I will select a mystery hostess.  The winner will get $25 in hostess credit!
So get out your wish list and gift lists, mark your calendar and make a note in your PDA-order Nov. 3rd and have a chance to win!

Remember, buy 2 stamp sets and get one free Nov. 3-30!

Good luck!!  Check back here Nov. 4th to discover who won.

Fast and Easy Friday (Belated)-Card

Here's a simple card pattern to use.  You could stamp anything you like onto the 4 squares or use coordinating papers.  I tied a piece of organza ribbon around the bottom in a bow.  An easy way to do this is to cut a small slit along the fold line and thread your ribbon through it.  I used the CTMH edge distresser to distress the edges of the large and smaller squares.  Finally I used some homemade glimmer mist on the snowflakes. 

As the holidays approach, I wish you happy cardmaking!

What's Up Wednesday-Event Calendar

One of the most useful projects I have done is to create an event calendar.  This calendar comes with blanks for each day of the year.  You just fill in birthdays, anniversaries, etc.  I try to note the year of the birth or anniversary next to the name too.  It has really helped me keep track of these important events and I no longer have to rewrite them on our family calendar every year!  These make quick and easy gifts.  There is a 4x4 square at the top to decorate-that's it!  It can be stamped or decorated with papers.  You can see I did a very simple pattern on mine that I repeated each month.  I just varied the papers and stamps.  You can order yours today (Item # Z126) for just $8.50 each at http://www.stampandcrop.myctmh.com/. 

Hope this event calendar project helps you to stay organized and perhaps gives you a gift idea for those who already have everything!

Stampaganza is Coming!

It's Stampaganza!  Just in time for the holidays, Close to My Heart is offering it's Buy 2 Get 1 FREE stamp sale Nov. 3-30.  You can take advantage of this special online, at a home gathering, or with an individual order.  Host a home gathering in November and get even more for FREE as you and your guests enjoy this once a year sale!  The first 3 people to book a November home gathering with me will get a Petite Perks stamp set for free.

Make your wish list and start your holiday shopping with Close to My Heart.  Be sure to tell your husbands, mothers, etc. too so they can take advantage of this great sale and get you more of what you love this Christmas.

My Apologies

Hello-thanks for stopping by my blog today.  I apologize for not posting anything this week.  I have been busy with some family matters, and this blog (along with the laundry) have been sadly ignored.  Things should improve this weekend so please check back for a "What's Up Wednesday" post on Oct. 21st.  A perk of CTMH as a business is that I'm my own boss so when I need to step back for awhile, I can.

I miss posting and look forward to getting some new ideas out to you next week.

Thanks for understanding!  Have a great weekend!

Sunday Special-Sign up for Studio J Updates and Win!

Close to My Heart will launch it's online scrapbooking program in early 2010.  Once it is active, you will be able to access this awesome program for FREE through my website.  You can see a preview at http://www.studioj.com/ .  While there, be sure to sign up for the e-mail updates.  Once you register, every week your name will be entered into a drawing for a 12x12 Dark Cocoa Album from CTMH!  Winners will be notified via e-mail.  Check out Studio J today and good luck!

I have seen a preview of Studio J in person so if you have any questions, please ask!  It really is a great way to scrapbook your digital photos while using as many classical supplies (paper, stamps, embellishments) as you like.

Fast and Easy Friday-Check out Jeanette's Blog!

Jeanette Lynton is the founder and President of Close to My Heart.  She has an awesome blog filled with ideas, color challenges, and more.  Take some time to check it out at http://www.jeanettelynton.com/ and be inspired.  There are some great Halloween creations and cards using our new home themed stamp sets.  If you see something you like, you can order 24/7 at http://www.stampandcrop.myctmh.com/ .

What's Up Wednesday-6x6 Album

Want a quick and easy project to make for Grandma or your child's teacher or coach?  Consider creating a 6x6 album.  The 6x6 size is great since it can accomodate standard size pictures and you can get 4 pages out of just one 12x12 piece of paper!  CTMH offers traditional 6x6 albums in a variety of colors and also the My Creations Display Album (pictured here) which has 12 spiral bound page proctectors.  The cover can be stamped or covered with paper.

If you would like to create one or more of these albums for yourself or as gifts, contact me today to arrange a personal workshop or "to go" kit.  I would love to make this project "Faster. Simpler. Easier" tm for you!  I have a template that can be used with any My Reflections Kit and is easy to reproduce.  So the next time the idea of creating a 12x12 album is too much, consider a 6x6! 

Sunday Special (Belated)-October Stamp of the Month

Every month, Close to My Heart offers an exclusive stamp set available for just that month.  For every $25 you order, you earn 25% off the price of the Stamp of the Month.  Once you spend $100, it's FREE!  This month's set "Holiday Warmth" is perfect for the upcoming Christmas season.  You can also feel warm about purchasing the Stamp of the Month since a portion of every CTMH stamp set sale goes to Operation Smile and they are made in the USA!  Click here to order yours today.  Will you host a gathering this month so you and your guests can enjoy this special too?  Let me know a date that works for you!

Fast and Easy Friday-Gift Card Holder

Here is a quick way to make a nice gift card holder.  Make several of these now and tuck them away for those crazy days before Christmas when you remember you need a gift for the sitter or Cousin Susie and want to add a personal touch to the gift card you just picked up at 7-11 (been there, done that!)  Simply add an inch strip of cardtock to the inside of a card and place a thin strip of adhesive around the 3 outside edges.  Presto-a handmade gift card holder.  Now that's fast and easy!  Remember, Close to My Heart offers coordinating papers, stamps, and embellishments to make a project like this Faster. Simpler. Easier. tm

And the Winner Is...Terrie!

Congratulations Terrie!  You are the winner of the Become a Follower during September contest.  An Everyday Celebrations Card Kit is yours.  The winning name was drawn by my husband, John. Thanks for the help, honey.

Thank you to all who have joined my blog.  Keep those comments coming so I can improve and tell your friends!

What's Up Wednesday(Belated)-Clippy Board

Here's a cute and easy project.  Take a drink coaster and binder clip and cover them with coordinating paper or stamped images.  Next, take some memo paper or Post-It Notes and put them onto your new clippy board.  Feel free to distress the edges, stamp images onto the memo paper, or add extra embellishments.  You can add a ribbon to the top or a magnet to the back for easy hanging.  Have fun using up your leftovers on this fun project.

Sunday Special-Print Ten Studio J Layouts for FREE

Close to My Heart will be launching Studio J in the spring 2010. It is an awesome online digital scrapbook studio that will allow you to create 2 page 12x12 layouts using CTMH layouts, papers, colors, and embellishments. Studio J will be free to use and you pay only for the layouts you order. If you would like to get a sneak peek and be able to print 10 layouts for free, consider joining my team as an independent consultant in October. For just $99, you'll receive our awesome consultant kit with over $300 in CTMH products and credit for 10 FREE Studio J layouts you'll create using Studio J. That is a $130 additional value! If you enjoy digital scrapbooking or have friends that do, this is an awesome time to join CTMH. All consultants will have access to Studio J and will receive commission on all Studio J layouts that are created through their website.

You can check out Studio J at http://www.studioj.com/

If you have questions or would like more information, contact me today at juliedecker@comcast.net. I would love to help you be one of the first to play with Studio J.

Fast and Easy Friday-Check Out My Stickease Backside

If you have brain dead moments like me when the creative juices dry up, consider flipping over your My Stickease sheets for inspiration. On the back you'll find layout ideas and tips for enhancing your pages. Of course, the stickers on the front will help you too! CTMH offers My Stickease for every paper pack. You can view them all on my website.

So the next time you need inspiration, just flip your Stickease!

What's Up Wednesday-Stamp Inventory Organizer

One of the greatest things about being a CTMH independent consultant are the ideas you get from other consultants. One project I completed at this weekend's retreat was an inventory binder of all my stamp sets. It is just a decorated 3 ring binder with blank paper and dividers inside. While there are several ways to get images of the stamp sets, I choose to cut pictures of the stamp sets I own from old Idea Books. I made a section for each category of stamps we sell and taped the picture to a blank paper in the right section.

This is a great way for me to keep track of the sets I have, mark which ones are discontinued, and it's easy to revise. I know I have many friends and customers who ask how to keep track of their stamp sets so they don't purchase similar (or even the same) set twice. I hope this is an idea that will help some of you.

Other organizational ideas include making a spreadsheet of your stamps sets or creating a 6x6 album of the sets you have.

I wonder how many sets I have...Do I really want to know???

Sunday Special (Belated)-Become a Follower and Win!

My special offer continues for just 9 more days! Sign up as a follower of my blog by Sept. 30th and you'll be entered to win the fabulous Everyday Celebration Card Kit ($39.95 value). You'll love this kit complete with a stamp set, mini ink pads, card bases, envelopes, 12x12 paper, embellishments, and directions!

I love to see new faces on my blog so make my day and join. :)

Fast and Easy Friday-Date Your Pages

My husband is always reminding to include the date somewhere on my layouts since it won't be long until we forget just when the event happened. One of the first stamp sets I ever purchased from CTMH is called Calendar so I can quickly do just that. Here is a quick sample of a journaling box where I included the date at the bottom. Consider adding a calendar stamp set to your scrapbooking supplies to make adding the date to your page fast n' easy!

What's Up Wednesday-Altered Binder Clips

I love these little clips. Just a small scrap of paper attached to a binder clip with Tombow Adhesive, an embellishment attached with a foam square, and a little ribbon and you have an instant memo/photo holder. A great project for using up your scraps. Have fun!

Sunday Special-Free is Now Tax Free!

Great news! Now when you earn a free Stamp of the Month, or any other special promotion, like our current Everyday Celebration Card Kit, it's tax free too! In these difficult times, every little bit helps so enjoy this additional savings.

Fast and Easy Friday (Belated)-Photo Pages

Sorry for this belated post. I was in a great back to school groove until Friday-the day went well but went by too fast! Anyway, here is "Friday's" fast n' easy tip.

I love our photo storage pages. CTMH carries two styles. One holds four photos (z4117) and another six (4113). I use them when I have lots of pictures of an event I want to include in my scrapbook but don't want to create layouts for every photo. I also like to put journaling and embellishments in some of the photo squares. You can even stamp right onto the pages with Staz-On ink if so inspired. The example on the left uses one of each and the sample on the right has one traditional layout page and a 6-photo storage page.

Hope this gives you some ideas of how to quickly add photos of your next big event to your scrapbook fast n' easy!

What's Up Wednesday-Home Organizer

Well school has started here. I have already filled out forms and put dozens of events on the calendar. Sometimes the paperwork can be overwhelming.

I got the idea for this organizer from one of my customers. For me, I have a hanging folder for each of my girls, one for food coupons (i.e. pizza), one for other coupons (i.e. Bed, Bath, and Beyond), one for newsletters, and the all important "Other."

I picked up the crate at a garage sale and decorated it with some Close to My Heart Animal Cookies paper and My Stickease to cover up the logos that were on it.

It's not a foolproof system but it sure has helped. Hope you can be inspired in some way.

Sunday Special-Become a Follower and Win!

As a way to thank you for following my blog, I am giving away an Everyday Celebrations Card Kit ($39.95 value) to one lucky person this month. To enter, just become a follower of my blog during the month of September. On October 1st, I'll draw the winner.

This incredible kit includes everything you need to make 16 cards including an exclusive stamp set, mini inks, embellishments, cards, and envelopes. You can even use the 12x12 paper to make a layouts if you wish.

You do have to create a Google account to become a follower but you do not need to create a Google e-mail. You use your current e-mail address for your Google account.

Thanks for looking and good luck!

Fast and Easy Friday-Layout

Here is another fast and easy layout for you. You will need 2 strips about 2 inches wide and 12 inches long. You will need 2 more strips about 2.5 inches wide and 8 inches long. I used 2 different B&T from CTMH Expedition papers. Create a border around the base with the strips. Add your pictures, title, journaling, and you're done. I did sponge my base with some brown ink to add a bit of color and depth. Hope this helps you create some quick and easy pages!

What's Up Wednesday-Make Your Own Shimmery Mist

One of the hot products in the stores is Glimmer Mist-a spray that adds a fine glittery shimmer to your project. Here is a quick and inexpensive way to create your own. Here's what you'll need.

-small spray bottle (look in the beauty-travel products section)
-water
-CTMH Create-A-Shade Pearl Paint (z1039) $2.95 for a 2 oz. tube that will probably make gallons!
-optional CTMH Re-Inker 60 Colors to choose from! $4.95 1 0z. bottle that will probably make gallons!

Add 1-2 drops of the Create-A-Shade Pearl Paint to the bottle. Add water and shake. If you want to color your spray, add 8-12 drops of your favorite reinker. Without reinker, the spray will be iridescent.

Depending on how fine a mist your bottle produces, hold the bottle about 6 inches from your item and spray! I would test on a scrap first. Works great for cardstock, Just Blooms flowers, and dimensional elements. I suggest spraying once and let it dry for a moment and then reapply if you want more shimmer. If you have stamped your project, be careful not to wet it too much or your ink may run.

This is a perfect way to add some custom sparkle to your holiday cards, layouts, and other projects!

I sprayed a Just Bloom and dried it in a snap with my heat gun. It's hard to capture the shimmer on camera but it's there. The possibilities are endless...

Enjoy!

Belated Sunday Special-25% off September 1st

On Tuesday Sept. 1st Close to My Heart will release it's Fall/Winter 2009 Idea Book full of new papers, stamps, embellishments, and more! To celebrate the release of the new catalog and CTMH's 25th Anniversary, I am offering 25% off one item for any order placed on Sept. 1st. You can view the new items and Idea Book online at http://stampandcrop.myctmh.com/ and place your order right then and there. I will send you a check to refund the 25% off your most expensive item. If you prefer, you can view the items online and then contact me (juliedecker@comcast.net) with your order and I can take the discount off your total immediately. Either way, enjoy this one day only sale!

Fast and Easy Friday-Layout

OK, here's a layout that will take only minutes to create and you can't be more thrifty. Just cut some strips into pieces about 1-2 inches long and arrange them across the top. Then take a 12 inch strip and run it across. Add a few strips for journaling/titling and embellish. I used a flourish from CTMH Playful Flourishes and covered it with our Liquid Glass for dimension and shine. I used 4 small pictures but you could place a single larger image on the page too. Create a picture mat from coordinating cardstock that is about 1/4 inch larger than your photos(s).

It's sad that I made this layout about 2 years ago and I still have to get it in the album! Hopefully it will get to it's final home soon!

What's Up Wednesday-Pocket Calendar

If your life is anything like mine, back to school time means it's time to get the calendar out. I have already started to fill in my 2010 calendar with dance recitals and church musicals for the girls. I also have blocked out the CTMH convention in DC for myself. :)

Anyway, I have enjoyed sprucing up calendars from the dollar spot for my purse. Simply remove the calendar from it's plastic cover and cut a piece of cardstock or paper the same size as the calendar when flattened. Then, embellish as you like with what you have around. I used some CTMH Sorbet cardstock stamped with Sorbet ink and some scraps of coordinating ribbon and paper. As a final touch, I added a few brads at the bottom. Not a great work of art but I like it better than the original generic photo.

Hope this inspires you go back to school with a little of your own style.

Sunday Special-Card Kit and Discounts

The celebration of National Stamping Month continues with the special offer of receiving an Everyday Card Kit for FREE with a $60 stamp purchase, hosting a gathering of $400 or more, or becoming a consultant in September. Go to http://stampandcrop.myctmh.com/ to learn more and order yours today!

I will also be offering special discounts at my Fall/Winter 2009 Idea Book party on Sept. 1st. Someone may also win $25 in FREE products! If you would like to come and enjoy the 25th anniversary celebration of CTMH and our new products, just let me know!

Fast and Easy Friday (Belated)-Card

My deepest apologies for not posting this on time. I realized Friday night I had left the card at a crop I had just set up for in Sterling Hgts.

I love this card because of it's simple design. It's a great way to use up those scraps in your stash. Just find two prints and a couple of cardstock pieces that coordinate and off you go! I used the August Stamp of the Month for the words and cake and the colors Clover Meadow, Dutch Blue, Tulip, and Sunflower. The printed paper is from the Animal Cookies Creative Basics Kit. I added some Liquid Glass to the candle flames for a bit of dimension and shine. The pattern is CTMH.

Hey, let's see what you can create. E-mail a picture of your card and you may win a prize for sharing!

What's Up Wednesday-Personalized Plaque

When I asked my daughter what her Kindergarten teacher may like as an end of the year gift, she said "Quality Work!" Well, who could argue with that. I had to think about it for awhile but this is what we created. These plaques are so easy and are a great way to use up those scraps of precious paper and ribbon you just can't seem to throw away. Here's what I used:

• 1 wood plaque (purchased at a dollar store)


• scraps of paper to cover plaque and to cut out letters (I used my Cricut but you could also stamp them)


• Mod Podge-a little goes a long way and it comes in matte or glossy finishes


• scrap of ribbon to replace the twine the plaque came with

I just traced the plaque and attached the paper with Mod Podge between the paper and plaque. Be sure to let it completely dry. I then attached my letters with adhesive runner and coated everything with Mod Podge. After it was completely dry, I added a final coat. The Mod Podge helps to protect the paper, giving it a clear, hard finish that can easily be dusted. You can sign the back with a marker.

Next time you are in need of a personalized decoration or quick and easy gift, consider a personalized plaque. You can decorate it with names, sayings, scriptures, quotes, pictures, or images of a favorite object like horses or airplanes.

I'd love to see what you create. Please e-mail me picture of your creation.

It's National Stamping Month (Almost)

September is National Stamping Month and CTMH has started the celebration early. Our ever popular, all included card kits are available starting today! Each kit includes everything you need to create 16 cards including mini inks,a stamp set, papers, embellishments, card bases, envelopes, and directions. These kits sell out quickly. You can order yours today for $39.95 or get it for FREE with a purchase of $60 or more of My Acrylix stamps. Check out the details and order today at stampandcrop.myctmh.com

Also, in September, hostesses with a sales of $400 or more and new consultants will get a card kit for FREE too! Contact me today at juliedecker@comcast.net to find out more.

Upcoming Weekly Features

I have heard back from many of you and have decided to do my best to post 3 types of features weekly.

What's Up Wednesdays-Check out a fun, easy project every Wed.
Fast and Easy Fridays-I'll post a simple layout, card, or organization idea.
Sunday Special-Information about the latest special offers and discounts from CTMH or myself.

I'll also be including info. on upcoming workshops, classes, crops, etc. throughout the week.

Keep those suggestions coming. I hope this becomes a fun and helpful place for us all!

Check out the blog Wednesday for the first What's Up Wednesday project.

Tight Budget? Lots for under $7

At the leadership conference, I learned that nearly 50% of the items we sell are $7 or less! What are some of my favorites?

Chocolate ink pad (z2111) $5.25-my favorite shade of brown (of course)
Black dual tipped marker (z2305) $2.95-something you always need
Distressing Inks (z1296) $3.95-mini ink pads in black and chocolate
Edge Distresser (z1297) $2.50-rough up those edges, not your fingers
Memory Protectors Flip Flaps-pack of 15 (z4114) $3.95-great for layering photos on your pages
Journey Journaling Spots-pack of 34 (x1409) $2.95-quick and beautiful journaling spots

You can explore our Idea Book and browse all of our products at http://stampandcrop.myctmh.com

We are off camping this weekend-looks like the weather will be great. I've got to download my camera now so I have room for more pictures!

Thanks for visiting-please become one of the first followers of my blog. :)

Bella Workshop on the Go

Thursday Aug. 27

7-9 PM

$28

Come and join me as we create this beautiful 2 page layout. You'll learn some new techniques, enjoy some good company, and I'll provide some tasty treats.

Your workshop fee includes a Level 2 Paper Pack (22 sheets so you'll have lots of leftover for more projects), My Stickease, Foundry Tabs, full color workshop guide, instructions from me, and light refreshments.

This is a great way to dive into a paper pack and get the creative juices flowing.

Contact me by Aug. 17th to register.

You can see all of my upcoming events at http://stampandcrop.myctmh.com/.

Highlights from the Leadership Conference

I had the opportunity to attend the 2009 CTMH Leadership Conference in Long Beach CA at the beginning of the month. It's nice to be a "real" adult and take a business trip-plane ride and all. I also love meeting consultants from all over the US and Canada. My roommates were all from Canada in fact. Since I live near Canada and travel there several times a year, I was used to their "eh?". They are an awesome bunch of women.

A perk of going to CTMH conferences is I get to see the new products for fall. I love all of our new papers and we have some very cute new stamp sets. Usually there is one paper I don't love at first, but this time they are all winners in my book. I can't wait for some time scrap with them.

I am most excited about Studio J, CTMH's new online scrapbooking program which will launch in 2010. It uses CTMH papers and patterns and is super easy to use. While I will always enjoy "classical" scrapbooking, I can't wait to scrapbook with my laptop while sitting on the couch. :) If you're curious, you can check out the intro. video at http://www.studioj.com/

The new Fall/Winter Idea Book goes active Sept. 1st. If you would like to see it, you can access it Sept. 1st on my website http://stampandcrop.myctmh.com/ or contact me for your own copy.

Hope you have a great weekend!

Thanks-a-bration

It's a Thanks-a-bration! From now through August 17th, when you order $100 you will get the August Stamp of the Month AND a Level 2 Paper Pack (22 sheets of 12x12 paper & cardstock) totally FREE. You can browse our products and shop 24/7 at my website http://stampandcrop.myctmh.com This is a great time to stock up on your favorites, retiring products, and gifts.

It Begins...

I have decided to jump into the world of blogging. We'll see how this all develops but I am excited about the possibilities. I hope it will be a great way for me to share about the Close to My Heart products I love, my Close to My Heart (CTMH) business, and a bit about my life as well.