Goodbye Fall/Winter Idea Book

These are the last days to order from the Fall/Winter Idea Book.  You only have until January 31st to get Wonderland, Believe, Dreamin' and Mischief!  Now, there are some amazing, gorgeous new paper packs coming out on February 1st that I can't wait to share with you.  But, if you're working on fall, Halloween, snow or Christmas layouts, you'll need one of the retired paper packs. 

I'm placing one last order on the 31st so let me know if you need anything before then!

Studio J

I've spent the last couple of nights creating Studio J layouts.  CTMH is having a fabulous promo for it's Studio J members...purchase 9 layouts and get one free!  I couldn't pass it up!  But, after I finished my 10 layouts, I was so hooked on it I made another 10.  So, I placed my order today for my 20 layouts...yes, that's 40 scrapbook pages. 

Here's one of my favorites:

Want to know how you can create 20 layouts in 10 hours?  Give me a call to schedule a one-on-one session and I can show you how easy it is to create gorgeous layouts in no time!

While Supplies Last

This saying always means deals, doesn't it?  Well, when you go to the While Supplies Last section of my CTMH website, you'll now find a few of my favorites...Mistletoe (best Christmas paper pack ever), Hooligans (adorable Halloween prints) and Sweetheart (great for Valentine's Day pics).  At $3-$5 each, you can't beat those prices, reduced from $12.95!  C'mon, don't try to tell me you're caught up on all of your albums and couldn't use some paper to celebrate one of these holidays!

Don't delay, remember the items are only While Supplies Last.  And, at these prices, they won't last long!

My Why



What's my "why?"  When my upline, Melissa Laverty, had a CTMH party at my friend Betsy's house, I'd never even heard of Close To My Heart.  I loved to scrapbook but had never stamped on my layouts.  But, CTMH isn't just about stamping and scrapbooking, it's about FUN!

First and foremost, I'm a mom to my two young boys.  But, I was feeling like I wanted something more, something for me.  And, CTMH fits in perfectly with my busy life.  I purchased the $99 New Consultant Kit and never looked back.  I've met the most amazing people, traveled to Conventions in DC and CA and have developed a new sense of self as I teach people about my passion.

But, really, you can join CTMH and never hold a workshop, crop or gathering.  Just order for yourself and maybe a couple of friends.  You'll enjoy a 22% discount right away.  Check out all of these goodies you get in the New Consultant Kit:



Check out all the goodies in this fabulous kit!

Here's some other things you should know about how much fun it is:  

• Quarterly minimums are only $300 (with your discount that comes out to roughly $75 per month)
• Sign up now & you don't have to meet any minimums until June 30 - that's almost 6 months from now!
• If you can't meet that deadline, you simply become a Junior Consultant and earn a 10% discount.
• Carry no inventory - with CTMH your order is typically turned around the same day...so you can have the products you want within a week.
• Purchase new CTMH products NOW before anyone else during our exclusive Preview Period.
• Exclusive offers on bulk ribbon, papers and other supplies, available only to Consultants.
• Want to make it a business? Great! I'll help you reach your goals!
• The best part is until you can be a part of this amazing company in whatever way is best for you for ONLY $99! You kit contains almost $300 in paper, stamps, embellishments, blocks, albums, and more.

Click here to view theNew Consultant Kit flyer.  You have the option to Choose 3 of the bundles when you fill out the application.  Click here for the application.

If you have any questions about joining, leave me a comment.  I'd love to discuss this wonderful opportunity with you!

Heartfelt Thanks

Can I just say how much I love teaching Workshops on the Go (WOTG)?  I get to hang out with a wonderful group of women while chatting and creating two gorgous layouts.  I try to have everyone's favorite beverages on hand (for Jenny it's Sugar Free Red Bull, Audrey likes my pina colada slushies, Betsy usually sticks to water or juice and my Skype CA friend, Jenn, pours a glass of red wine) and some roasted almonds or M&Ms.

I guide everyone through the layouts using the WOTG guide, CTMH how-to books and the pages I've already completed.  It's easy, fun and we end the night having accomplished something!  How many times can you say you've done all of that in an evening?

I've really grown close to these women, too.  As a thanks, I always make a card (or find one in my stash) to give them.  Here's the one I created for Wednesday's Wonderland WOTG.  Inside the card, I stamped the sentiment "Heartfelt Thanks" from the My Acrylix stamp set that comes with the WOTG.

If you'd like to join me for a future WOTG, leave me a comment below!

Let It Snow

As a former third grade teacher, I sometimes miss being in front of a group of kids teaching.  I also love sharing my passion for scrapbooking.  Thankfully, I'm fortunate enough to teach an after school class to a group of girls from first through fifth grade at my boys' elementary school.

Registration is next Tuesday night and I wanted to showcase at least one layout the kids would complete.  I chose the Wonderland paper pack and the title Let It Snow, in hopes that we might inspire Mother Nature to dump a bit of the white stuff on Leesburg.

Here's the layout:

Close up of the corner with Designer Brads - Rhinestone

I love how the layout turned out!  It's simple enough for these elementary students but still impressive.  And, I know they're going to love the Sparkles and Rhinestone Brad.  I love CTMH's zip strips (the arch showcased in the close up photo above), so easy but adds a great touch!  Here's a list of my materials:

• White Daisy cardstock
• Twilight cardstock and ink
• Gray Flannel cardstock and ink
• Wonderland paper
• My Acrylix Friendship Alphabet
• My Acrylix Wonderland WOTG
• Bulk Sparkles
• Designer Brads, Rhinestone

If you have a daughter at BBES in grades 1-5, I hope she'll consider joining me for a great after school class!

All You Need is Love

My amazing upline, Melissa Laverty (aka Fancy Melissa), designed this adorable little Love purse.  Tucked inside are a couple of little Hershey's nuggets, now that really says love!

Using the Cricut Art Philosophy cartridge, Melissa cut out these little purses, the square bracket shapes and the closure.  All products are CTMH; the paper pack is Roxie and the chocolate striped grosgrain ribbon is available in bulk.  Can anyone say teacher Valentine's gifts?

We'll be re-creating Melissa's purse at my Crop 'Till You Drop on Saturday, January 21st from 10 am-midnight.  Comment below if you'd like to join me!

Live, Laugh, Dance

Next Tuesday, I'm teaching the Roxie Workshop on the Go (WOTG).  I often shy away from using papers with pink in them since I have two boys, but this paper is FABULOUS!  And, the boys' elementary school recently had a Sock Hop so I had great photos to match.  Check out the first layout:

No matter your scrapbooking ability level, you can complete two gorgeous layouts, full of embellishments and unique touches, in about three hours with a WOTG.  I walk you through every step of the way.  And, did I mention how awesome the other girls are?  We have a great time together, scrapping and chatting.  Each WOTG is $29.95 (plus tax and shipping) and you get to keep a C size stamp set that coordinates with the paper.  Usually enough paper and embellishments are left to complete several additional layouts by adding a bit of cardstock.

I'm planning my Winter/Spring classes now.  Let me know if you want to be added to my information list!

January Calendar

Last year I intended to make my own calendar and the year flew by.  How does time pass so quickly?  Anyhow, this year I'm working on my calendar and love how it's turning out, despite the fact that it's too big for my regular calendar spot!

What do you think so far?

I used the CTMH "How-to" book, Reflections, which is full of one-page layouts.  The Wonderland Paper Pack was a perfect fit for this photo of my boys when they were two and four-years-old.  I love how easy using the Close To My Heart Monthly Calendar is, and it's only $7.95!

Let me know if I can help you complete your own calendar for 2012!

Name Cards

My wonderful sister-in-law, Melissa, asked me to make notecards for her three boys to put in their Christmas stockings.  Melissa has taught her boys to write beautiful thank you notes and they're usually in the mail before I've even cleared the wrapping paper from the floor!  Unfortunately, thank yous seem to be a dying art, and I'm so glad she's passed on gratitude to her boys.

Michael, age 12, was his football team's Defensive MVP. Andrew is a handsome 15 year-old who's holding the ladies at bay.  Sweet David is nine and obsessed with anything army. 

All items are CTMH.  I cut out the football and army tank with the Boys Will Be Boys Cricut cartridge. 

What kinds of thank you notes do you use?