February 1st marks the start of our Spring/Summer 2011 catalog! 

Click on over to myCTMH site to flip through the online catalog for more detailed artwork and some of our newest product additions...all the artwork below has been created by some very talented Close To My Heart Consultants...I have listed the paper collection names...enjoy..

Sweetheart

Bliss

Mayberry

Fanfare

Sophia

Lucky

Miracle

Wings

~~~~~~~

And with this being a new month, there is a new Stamp of the Month that you can get at a discount or even FREE!

February SOTM - D1453 Friendship

February's Stamp Of the Month

Hello February first!!!

Wow, how could we possibly be into our second month of 2011...I don't know about you but I've been busy with Weekend Retreats, Workshops and prep for more of the same over the next week...happy to be busy and enjoying all of it!

Make sure you check out my 'Classes' tab if you are looking for a little 'you' time to create...also, I've added an 'Around Town' tab as I seem to be booking up the next couple months with School Fundraising Day-Crops, Weekend Retreats and last but not least the Tradex!

Here's a look at the February Stamp of the Month 'Friendship' that is available now until the 28th of February...have a look online on myCTMH website for more artwork and details and of course to check out the NEW CATALOG !!!

...stay tuned for some artwork using this great set...have a great day!

Be My Valentine

Does absence make the heart grow fonder? I realize I've been rather absent lately...I had a fabulous time once again at the Ultimate Scrapbooking retreat Jan. 14-16th...from there on in I've been organizing my products and getting some display grid to have at my upcoming School Crops...check out the side column for where I'll be and when...so needless to say, I'm not sure where the past week and a half has gone...but I am back!

I thought I'd post a picture of my mini-card class that I'm having next Monday...short notice I know...but adorable, just the same...you can click on my classes tab above to pre-pay if you'd like to attend...unfortunatley I am only offering 8 spots for this class, so act fast if you are wanting to come!

Supplies used (all CTMH unless otherwise noted):
Paper:  Wings B&Ts; Sweet Leaf, Colonial White CS
Inks:  Black, Vineyard Berry, Sweet Leaf & Juniper, Pear
Embellishments:  Adhesive gems, pleated Vineyard Berry ribbon
Other:  Micro-tip scissors, 3D foam tape, glue dots, green craft wire (Michaels)


Happy Monday!

CTMH Spray Pens...Yippee

I first tried spray pens a couple years ago and I love the effect they have on projects...Glimmer Mists, Maya Roads and now Close To My Heart...only difference is that with Close To My Heart you can make your own! 

All you'll need to use these cool spray pens is some water, a re-inker and some create-a-shade pearl paint from Close To My Heart. You just simply mix them together and watch the magic happen as it beautifies your scrapbook layouts and cards. This is a fun, unique way to spruce up your projects and get a different look every time you use it.

Check out this video below from Close To My Heart to se how to use these fab new spray pens....  

Recipe:

Fill Spray pen with water to the seventh line (from the bottom) ADD the re-inker colour of your choice to the ninth line and then add a good three blobs of the Create-A-Shade paint...shake it really well...it will seem like forever to get it mixed together...but keep on shaking...then hold about 8" away from your project and 'spray' ...you might want to give a demom spray on some scratch paper for the first time you spray...make sure you cover your work space so you don't make a huge mess...and enjoy

In Stitches...

There's being in stitches, like last night in the Hospital ER, when you are laughing...no really...I was finally getting around to making supper for my family...decided to try out the brand new *sharp* Henkill knife my mother gave me for Christmas...and didn't she always tell me to hold the knife just so, and keep your hands just so...needless to say, had I actually retained anything that was said to me many a times...I wouldn't have carved my thumb instead of the Ham for supper...so I was in 'Stitches' laughing, holding my DD's hand so I wouldn't cry :( and after was 'in stitches' literally! 

Luckily, my darling daughter has started driving...well she has her 'L' and can legally drive with me in the car...so off we go to the ER...one hour 10 minutes later (really great time I might say)...I'm back home, on the couch and getting dinner prepared, served and cleaned up by my fabulous three children...so my plans to pack up Christmas will have to wait till I get help later on tonight...here's what it looks like around here today...

But this couch time today is not a total loss as I have caught up on some emails, browsed some Scrapbooking Magazine's and cuddled with my four-legged babies (they live on the couch too)

Here's a (poorly lite) photo of our Wings Workshop layout for next week...

the stamp set that comes with this Wings WOTG kit (G1016) is really great...I love the way we've used it to create a patterned paper effect, the little embellies I've stamped and cut out using some 1st & 2nd generation stamping, and the great new Black Mini-Medley collection adds the perfect final touches.

I have to say that this beautiful 'Bohemian' E-size stamp set (E1019) is now my new favourite...last catalog it was the 'Posterboard' and the time before that was the 'Rustic'...they are all my favourites, all different and function differently...but all my favourite nevertheless!

Need A Smile?

Have you heard of Operation Smile? I have been an Independant Consultant for Close to my Heart for 18 months now and have just come to grasp the effect that my Business has had on many children around the world.

When we take the time to think about all the causes and organizations there are that need help, it's wonderful to realize that without even knowing it, you and I have helped change the lives of children with cleft lip and cleft palate around the world.

Next time you place an order with me or your Close To My Heart Consultant, consider 'topping up' your order with a donation to Operation Smile...at the bottom of each Customer Order form is a spot where you can simply top-up your order to the nearest dollar, or even more....think about the smiles you'll have had a hand in making.

Please take the time to check out the Operaton Smile website and our CTMH link as well.


Close To My Heart is partnered with Operation Smile^®, an organization that provides life-changing surgery that repairs smiles and reshapes lives, one child at a time. A portion of the proceeds from every My Acrylix^® stamp set sold is donated to Operation Smile. Buy with pride. Your business with Close To My Heart makes a big difference in the life of a child.

  

Something Old is New Again...

I have always felt the greatest personal temptation with being a Consultant with Close To My Heart is wanting everything that is new, the minute a new catalog is released....this one is no exception...a late add-on to my New Year's resolutions needs to be #4 - be happy with what you've got!

Sure, sure, I say to myself, easier said than done....and for any of you out there that know me....they know that 'If they build it...I will come' ...well I'll probably buy it anyways :)

Luckily for me, I am seeing some of my favorite stamp sets in the newest Spring/Summer 2011 catalog...and with that being said...I have made something new, with something old...I have had the 'Shining Star' stamp set (D1320) for several years...since it's first release back in the Autumn/Winter 2008 catalog!!!

Yesterday, Matthew was heading out to a pals 12th birthday party and I quickly...let me emphasize quickly...made a card for him to give. I snapped the picture just before my son snapped it outta my hands...hence the poor quality...

Supplies used (all CTMH unless otherwise noted):

Paper:  Colonial White, Black, Cranberry CS

Stamps:  Shining Star (D1320)

Inks:  Archival Black

Embellishments:  Grey and White twine (unknown), Sizzix embossing template

Hello January!!!

I have to say that after seeing our newest promotion in the Inspirations Brochure, that I was beyond excited about what was coming next with the Company...now that I have flipped through the *new* Spring/Summer 2011 catalog I can't wait to start sharing some bits with all of you...but not just yet...let's start you all off slowly with CTMH's newest addition to 2011 

and this beautiful 'Wings' paper collection.

It is available to purchase right now, one month prior to the release 

of our Spring/Summer 2011 catalog. 

G1016 Wings Workshop on the Go

 






 Wings Workshop on the Go™ Kit contains:
Wings Level 2 Paper Packet
My Acrylix Wings Workshop B-size Stamp set
Mini-Medley Accents Black Collection
Spray Pen (1)
Workshop Guide


Follow the included step-by-step instructions to create the two workshop projects featured in the workshop guide: a two-page layout and six cards (2 each of 3 designs). Layout and card patterns are Jeanette Lynton originals created exclusively for this workshop.

Here's a look at some more artwork created by some talented CTMH consultants

Happy New Year!!!

Wow! Another year has come and gone...where does the time go? Time for resolutions, cleaning and getting into the Workshop...

Resolution #1 - take more time to care for me

Resolution #2 - make more home-cooked meals!

Resolution #3 - try to be more organized with my time

Resolution #4 - update my Blog at least twice weekly!

Resolution #5 - be more productive with my business

Well we all know how New Years Resolutions tend to be great in theory, but not always in practice...it is always good to set goals...even if that is all we are doing...I hope that by writing it down, these goals for the coming year may become a new reality for me.

I hope that 2011 brings us all health and prosperity and creativity.

11 more shopping days till Christmas...

I guess I should get busy and start! Sure, I have the odd present here at home...but haven't seen the need to enter the malls yet...I must enjoy the thrill of deadlines...who am I kidding...I live for them!

I have been too busy re-organizing closets and playing with paper for any silly 'ole shopping...nobody really needs anything nowadays...do they?

Last weeks Workshops were fun, we worked on some cards and crafts that I pre-cut for my gals...we had some appetizers and goodies, listened to Christmas music and enjoyed each others company...what a great group of ladies, I am really lucky to be able to spend time with fellow crafty ladies that share my LOVE of all thing paper...and everything else that matches paper!!!

Close to my Heart has just shipped me one little 'ole sneak peek of their newest paper line 'Wings'...and it is BEAUTIFUL!!! I might have also picked up all the accessories, stamps and additional papers to go with it...just sayin'...

So needless to say, I've been playin' around...luckly for me, it's my job! Stay tuned for some photos of next months Workshop projects and maybe a card or two...

BIG NEWS...I have been asked if I would like a booth to be the CTMH Rep at the Great Canadian Scrapbook Carnival...this April 1st and 2nd, 2011 at the Abbotsford Tradex!!!

I am sooo excited to showcase some of the new products Close To My Heart has...I'm not even sure what they are yet as I haven't received my Spring/Summer 2011 catalog yet and there are BIG changes involved in the new 6 month catalog...can't wait to see them myself and pass on the excitement.

Have a great day!

It's Beginning To Look A Lot Like CHRISTMAS.....

November 25th...one month before Christmas, we get about 3-4 inches of snowfall!!! The kids were extremely excited about the possibility of there being a 'Snow-Day' where school is closed!!! I have teenagers that enjoy the thought of school being closed for just about any reason...3 inches of snow in the Valley can be enough depending on the ice factor here...if the busses aren't moving, then we don't have too either :)

My son always clears the snow on the driveway...he might complain about other chores, but shovelling snow doesn't seem like a chore I guess!

The view from my front porch, down the street...thought I'd snap a picture as it could be all the snow we'll see this year...you just never know what you're going to get here in British Columbia!

My good son in action...even did the sidewalk...

The only negative thing about snow...Chloe LOVES IT !!! and as a result, she literally turns into a snowball...she was hardly even able to climb the back stairs when Marissa made her come in...that's the other problem, she won't come in on her own, you have to go out there and get her!

This is where she sits in the laundry room, waiting for a bath...this is the easiest way for us to get the snowballs off of her, poor thing ;)

Christmas Pretties.....my favorite part of getting into the spirit of the season.....

The Elves have been super busy here and it's beginning to look a lot like Christmas...lights up on the house, trees trimmed, banisters embellished, 

trinkets here and there...

I was sooo excited with this find at Winners...I think I might finally have found the tree star that works the best for this tree...I love it!

VINTAGE CHRISTMAS MINI-ALBUM CLASS

Webster's Pages is one beautiful paper company...a little bit old-fashioned but at the same time, quite trendy...this class will be a real treasure of gorgeous paper, hand made embellishments and plenty of leftovers for you after!

Each kit contains a 6X6 package of 36 double-sided sheets, a mini-CD case filled with 18 designer journalling cards, double-sided as well, a full sheet of cardstock stickers...and a few other surprises...can't give you all the details:)

We will be painting, crackling, tying and best of all, having a great time 'Creating' a keepsake of Christmas that you can keep for yourself, or present to someone special so they can fill it with their own Christmas Memories.

Click on my Classes tab to register for this Vintage Mini-Album Class.

Thanks for stopping by :)

Hot Chocolate anyone???

I know I just showed you all the fantastic Webster's Pages papers yesterday, but this morning as I tidy up my work space and contemplate decorating for Christmas...I noticed in my tidying that I have some Hot Chocolate Kits from Fancy Pants Designs...it is a fantastic kit which features 14-doubled sided cardstock weight papers, one bracket & one floral die cut sheet, one Alpha & two Element sticker sheets...great value for $23.00!!!

Check out some of the product in this kit, the quality isn't the best as I have just copied these images from the Fancy Pants Designs products page, but click on over to the Fancy Pants Designs site for some up close images and great product ideas!

Lovin' the UPS man....

Delivery days are some of the happiest days for me:) Today my box of goodies arrived with the last bit of supplies for my Holiday Stack card class so I've been busy pre-cutting everything for my class Monday night...still spots available if you'd like to join me for some easy breezy craftin'.....the job is done and now I can start working on some other product that was delivered yesterday for my Christmas mini-album class...coming soon...and some GORGEOUS product for January and February classes...

Webster's Pages is one of my new favorites, other than CTMH of course ;) Whatcha think of this new one called 'Waiting for Santa' ...I love how beautifully it works with CTMH's Mistletoe collection...

These papers will be destined for a fantastic mini-album class where

each person will get Webster's Pages 'petite papers'...a combo pack of 6x6 papers featuring 'Waiting for Santa' and Sweet Season on 36-6x6 double-sided papers, a full sheet of image & phrase stickers as well as a CTMH's My Creations All-Sorts Mini Album...6 chipboard pages. We willl be playing with varius textures...that's all I'm going to say about that...;)

As a bonus, I'll be adding a two page layout, complete with instructions! Check back again for more details about this project and to reserve your spot!

Holiday Stack Card Class

 Good morning!  I thought I would give you all a sneak peek of the Holiday Stack of Cards Class that I am running next week for some of my lovely ladies...

CARDSTOCK: Cranberry, Cocoa, New England Ivy, Colonial White, Black

INKS: New England Ivy, Cranberry, Cocoa, Black

STAMPS: I Believe (C1427), Father Christmas (D1449) and Just for the Holidays (D1380) 

EXTRAS: Gold satin ribbon, Colonial White grosgrain ribbon, Antiqued Copper Brads, 

Basic Craft buttons and Bitty Sparkles

Non-CTMH: Twine, Red Jute, Spellbinders Nestabilities, Sizzix Bigshot, 

Martha Stewart Snowflake punch and SU scallop border punch

If you would like more information about some of the products used here, feel free to email me or leave a comment below...and remember you can shop 24/7 on myCTMH website...

Free Stamps to say Thank You in November

Take advantage of this month's stamp special! Receive November's Stamp of the Month 'A Little Thanks' AND any one A-D sized stamp set from the Autumn/Winter catalog for FREE with a minimum $117.50 purchase...a value of up to $53.90...just our way of saying, Thanks to you for being a great customer!