Fall is finally here. The nights are a little cooler and the days find me grabbing a sweater before I leave the house. It also means Halloween is coming and I just love scrapbooking all those fun Halloween pictures.

This adorable frame was made by a talented scrapbooker at a recent crop I attended. I have, unfortunately, forgotten who created it so I can't give credit, but isn't it adorable?

The cute frame is made, using just the chipboard or front page  of the accordion style album. We cut the pages portion of the album off and then created our display page using permanent adhesive. The paper is Moonlight and all the accessories can be found in the accessory potion of the new catalog.

Do you have a new catalog? If not, give me an quick email and I can leave some on my porch. Feel free to take one for a friend. This issue of the idea book is full of creative scrapbook, cardmaking, and home decor ideas. It inspires me just flipping through the pages. So get yours today . . . it's free and will be available until they're gone!

Have a super scrapbooking day everyone!

Elaine, the Stamper Girl

Scare Those Crows!

I really love this month's Stamp of the Month. Not only does it have an adorable scarecrow, but it has darling pumpkins and a fun tag that would be perfect as a gift tag on the cookies you made for your neighbor . . . or Elaine. :-)

I also love the new paper, Clementine. The color combination makes it perfect for so many occasions and I love the stamp set that comes in the Workshops on the Go kit. This card is one of the bonus projects that come with the directions for the Clementine kit. So sweet.

The ribbon is the new burlap ribbon and the Good Times stamp set is from the stamp set that comes with the Clementine Workshop on the Go. So fun!


I also made the cute little purse mini album with the Clementine paper. I think I have to order another pack . . . my paper is almost gone. :-)

Mini Album is cut, using the new Artiste Cricut Cartridge, only available through Close To My Heart.

Happy stamping and creating in this wonderful month of National Stamping month!

Happy National Stamping Month!

Yes, it's true, Stamping has its own celebration month, which means we need to stamp more. So forget those dishes or the laundry and stamp to your heart's content.

Close To My Heart has a special stamp set to celebrate the month as well. The very versatile It's Your Day stamp set is actually a double set (2 carrier sheets) full of lots of stamps! The best part of all? It can be yours  for just $5! Just spend $35 in the month of September and you're eligible for this collectible stamp set for a small $5. More information: Stamp Month Set

Short on time but you want to stamp anyway? Try the Cardmaking Kit, Avonlea. In just under an hour I created 3 beautiful cards from the kit with plenty of paper and doodads left over to create more. Pair the kit with the versatile Make It from Your Heart how-to pattern book for just $7.95. It's the fast, easy, creative way to create a beautiful card for your special someone. Enjoy!

Cricut Creations

I confess -- I started playing with the Artiste new CTMH Cricut cartridge yesterday and I couldn't stop. That cartridge is the coolest thing ever!

I made this adorable little paper purse using the Avonlea paper. I even cut out the word "Love" using the Cricut. It would make an adorable party favor or perhaps a gift holder for a gift certificate or even money. :-)

 This next 3D box reminds me of the little boxes you get when you order something from a bakery. The second picture shows it unfolded and the first picture shows what it looks like all tucked in.

I cut a square piece of White Daisy cardstock and used it for a card. No need for an envelope for this card. Wouldn't it be fun to slip some chocolate in with the card? Very fun!

 This cool looking box was on the cartridge as well. I love how the two sided decorative paper looks like I paper layered. And the little handle is so adorable,  I think the handle could be used as a decorative strip on a card. Fill this puppy with some candy and you'd make someone's day.

This isn't a 3D object but it was a fun, not your ordinary card. The 1" strip of patterned paper slips off, revealing the card tucked into the interesting envelope.

The inside holds this fun card that would be perfect for any occasion. I'm enjoying life, that's for sure! Loving all the new papers in the new catalog, but best of all, I'm loving the new Cricut cartridge, Artiste. What an amazing piece of technology!

Playing with a Cricut

I've been quite busy creating little 3D projects with the new Cricut cartridge, Artiste. I also made some adorable cards. I made the cutest tiny scrapbook, a box to hold candy for your special someone, and some fun cards. And just to clarify, a Cricut is a diecut machine and it never says "chirp, chirp." :-)

The Artiste collection includes the cartridge, 3 chipboard sheets, and 3 stamp sets. The chipboard pieces can be covered by simply cutting the shape out with your Cricut and then using the stamp set to stamp on top of the covered shape. Sweet! No cutting of shapes. Wahoo!

Here are some of the things I've made with the Cricut:

This adorable purse holds 4 pages to scrapbook your fun memories.

 

This album was a chipboard album that I covered with the new Avolena papers. To make life simplier, I used the Cricut to cut the pages out and presto . . . more time to add doodads!

This fun card is special . . . pull the card out of the top. The pink section is a holder for the card. The little dress has a sparkle belt. Very fun.

This is one of my favorite cards. The white background pieces are cut using the Cricut Artiste cartridge. Couldn't be any easier!

I hope you find time to stamp and scrapbook today. And remember a Cricut is a diecut machine, not a bug.

Live out loud!

Whew! Convention was fun but it's good to be home and in my Stamp Studio again. All these new things I received at convention are awaiting my stamping table time! I actually won two of the new Workshops on the Go Kits in one of the classes and I can't wait to finish the projects. Wahoo me!

I also want to let everyone know about a few specials this month. Place an online shopping order of $75 or more during July and receive a paper packet and coordinating embellishment FREE—it’s a Perfect Pair! Which specific paper packet and embellishment customers receive is based on the date they place their order. While supplies last. Discounted products do not count toward a qualifying purchase. My shopping page: Elaine's CTMH Page
 
We have a really great, versatile set for the stamp of the month. Click here Live Out Loud Flyer  to see the flyer with a picture of the stamp set. I love that it's called "Live Out Loud." That is my mantra for July!

One more special for next month to think about (I know, so many I have to share!) is the FREE Convention bag. When a new Consultant joins Close To My Heart in August they will receive an exclusive Damask Tote Bag for FREE (retail value $50)! This offer has limited availability, so I encourage anyone who is thinking about joining us to act quickly to ensure they snatch this darling tote bag. This offer is good for both the $49 and $99 New Consultant Kits (while supplies last). Yes, this is the same cute bag we received at Convention

Dates: Offer valid August 1, 2012 (9:00 am MDT) – August 31, 2012 (11:59 pm MDT)

Stay tuned to my emails for upcoming workshops, open house, and Stamp and Chats. I'm back at my business and looking for victims, er, I mean friends to play with. LOL

Scrapbooking in the Studio . . . Studio J, that is!

It's been some fun scrapbooking time around here and not one sticker, stamp, accessory was used, at least, not in real life.

As easy as pushing a button, I created layouts lickity split and I'm still creating! Close To My Heart announced some amazing changes to the Studio J program and it's made scrapbooking even easier, and cheaper too!

First of all, no more memberships. Yeah! Membership gave you access to exclusive layouts, paper packs, and other perks, like free shipping, and free page protectors. All that's changed now. All the layouts and paper packs are available to EVERYONE. Yes, everyone. AND the price went down to $6.95 per layout for EVERYONE. Yes, everyone.

And that's not all. No, there's now some completed layouts where ALL the work has been done. No adding anything, or picking colors or wondering which layout to use. That's all been done by the designers at Close To My Heart. Just add your photos and presto, bingo, your layout is ready to order! How easy is that?

I challenge you to just log onto Studio J at http://studioj.com and give it a try. The cost is absolutely free to try the program and you will only be charged if you absolutely love your layout and would like to purchase it. Not into scrapbooking the traditional way and prefer the jpegs? You can do that too!



Faster. Simpler. Easier.
The Close To My Heart Way
Have fun creating!

How to . . . Adorable Candy Favor Box

Box measures 4"x3" and holds Ghirardelli chocolates!

Step 1: Cut two pieces of coordinating Cardstock or Background & Texture (decorative paper). The spotted, outer envelope is 10”x4” and the inner (not shown here) is 10 ¼” x 3”.

Step 2: Score the spotted, outer envelope as follows: 3”, 4”, 7”, 8”. Score the inner box at 1 ½”, 5”, 6 ½”, 10”, 10 ¼”.

 

Paper Scored. Inner box adhered to outer paper.

Step 3: Fold the outer envelope at the lines and set aside. Fold the inner envelope/box at the lines and glue together at the 10 ¼” to opposite 1 ½” side. Use strong, permanent adhesive. Squeeze the box front to front, leaving a soft inward fold, as shown.

Inner Box folds.

Step 4: Using permanent adhesive glue the inner box to the outer box, centering it in the middle of the outer box. The Top and Bottom of the inner box should be will be flush with the 4” outer box score line and the bottom of the outer envelope.

Inner Box view. Now add candies. :-)

Step 5: Use a Velcro closure or a tab to hold the envelope close. Decorate as desired.

Home again, home again . . . scrapity scrap

My roomie, Janelle, showing off her tiny book she made.

Ah, the sweet sound of peanuts being ripped opened and free sodas for all, as I wing through the air on my way home. I find myself reliving all the fun I’ve had the last 5 days. What a great Convention! My brain is full of all the new things in the amazing new catalog, stamping and scrapbooking projects, motivating speakers’ messages from Kristine Widtfeldt and Stacy Julian, and of course, the camaraderie of my team, friends, and my roommates.

It amazes me how fast the last 15 years have passed. My son, now almost 16, was a little 6 month old baby when I started selling D.O.T.S. and I’ve loved every minute of my journey through the levels of the company. I was called on stage Friday to collect my beautiful pin with a ribbon in the center sporting a little diamond chip.

I wear it proudly, along with my pin that denotes the fact I’ve been through the company training program and I proudly hold the prestigious title of PhD. This makes me a photo and cardstock doctor, so just call me Doctor Elaine. I can be called upon to help you preserve your memories; learn beautiful new techniques to make adorable cards, all faster, simpler and easier. 

The last event of Convention was a very fun Crop that went late into the night. There wasn’t just stamping and scrapbooking at those round tables; we had dancing to a D.J. and chit chatting with friends, both old and new. I made the two layout kits and am most pleased with my beautiful pages. Now I just have to find photos for the finished pages. If I can’t find pictures that match, never fear, I’ll just pose some. My kids are used to this. I once bought a set of scenes by the sea and we had to take a trip to Half Moon Bay to lounge in the sand so I could snap some fun sandy pictures. LOL

I didn’t get a chance to make the 6 beautiful cards last night. My brain went into over drive and I had to go sit in the hot tub to let some of the images dancing in my head have a chill session. With all these new stamps, papers, kits, doo dads, tools, and the new Cricut cartridge, I do believe I’ll be spending lots of time in my new Stamp Studio Room.

Stay tuned for new classes and a long overdue Team Gathering. (Don’t feel left out, there’s room on my team. Join so you too can be treated to a very fun Team Fun Building experience.)  Our kits now start at just $49! It’s never been easier, or as inexpensive, to join the best scrapbooking, stamping company. Just saying.

I am also actively looking for those that would like to plan a Girls Night Out or a fun evening/afternoon of stamping and scrapbooking. Just send me an email or comment below. I love to show and tell.

Thanks for reading along with my adventures of Convention. It was fun to share. Stay tuned for more sharing just as soon as this plane lands and I am home in my comfy Stamp Studio!

Get Ready . . . this is all about ART!

Yesterday I had my camera snapping away at some amazing artwork. I took the very best and am sharing it . . . it makes me want to go home and get some stamping done, that's for sure. I hope it inspires you too!

Pretty Card

I love these flowers!

I want to make this layout! Be ready, I'm taking pictures of friends!

My room mate, Janelle, submitted this in the art contest. It should have won! It's all about her dad, who recently passed away. I thought it was very good.

Thank you cards . . . you can never have too many!

This card looks crooked, but it's not, the photographer (me) didn't know what she was doing.

Corporate artwork that inspires me to play!!!

A little gift bag from my room mate, Joyce. She used the Cricut Art Philosophy to cut out a french fry box and then filled it with yummy candy. Very sweet design.

Stars Shine Bright at this Convention!

Our very cool new carrying bag! Full of scrapbook treasures!

Yesterday I had every intention of updating this blog, but alas, my brain was full to overflowing and my body was done. I was asleep well before 10:00 p.m. This makes it an early morning for me, so I came down to the lobby to give my room mates a little rest, from me. No one appreciated me singing the rise and shine monkey song so early in the morn. Go figure. LOL

In the opening session yesterday, Thursday, Jeanette announced that all the new product in this season's catalog would be as exciting as Christmas and boy, what an understatement. We are ALL so excited by everything that is in this amazing new issue of the Idea Book.

The Executive Corporate team put on a show, while they announced our new products and it was adorable . . . all the characters were dressed up like stars from Texas TV shows like Dallas, Beverly Hillbillies, Real Crafters of Dallas, Darlings of Hazard, and many more.

Among all the new products we now have; 53 new accessories, mostly Level 2 accessories coordinating with the Level 2 papers, 5 new house decorating products including a Bracket Frame you can hang on the wall, a large star, blocks to spell out words, and a display tray. I want to order them all and fill my house with my art.

My VERY favorite new product!? A new Cricut Cartridge exclusive to CTMH!!! It's called Artiste and includes 700 images, including projects, shapes, a font, and special card designs. But don't despair, the Art Philosophy cartridge is still available. Yeah! 

It was also announced that Workshops on the Go are no longer all about scrapbooks. Two of the kits are cardmaking based, 5 are home decor based . . . etc. I can't wait to order all those puppies. I love kits . . . all the thinking is done for you and if you can follow directions, presto wow, you have a beautiful finished product.

One thing that is a HUGE shift is our color palette. We now have 40 colors to choose from, not 60. At first I was horrified, until I looked at the list of colors and realized it really is a shift in dynamics from some colors that were not being utilized to colors that will be more in tune with the kits and projects and papers that we have available. Not only that, we have 6 NEW colors; Champagne, Cashmere, Saddle, Whisper, Slate, and my favorite -- Ruby! AND, you can now order the cardstock in packs of 24 again. YEAH!

And that's not all on the color front. We now have alcohol based pens. They are very similar to the copic markers. Our pens come in sets of two, one lighter or darker version of the pen name. I played with the pink ones yesterday and I have to say, I'm hooked. Coloring will be even MORE fun than ever!

There were Studio J changes also planned and I think you will be pleased. First of all, no more memberships . . . all the patterns will be available to everyone at one low price of $6.95. If you have a membership there are bonus things planned for us as our memberships phase out, so don't worry, Corporate will still take care of us!

15 Year Pin

Joyce and I . . . 15 years we've been friends! Congrats to us!

One important thing happened yesterday, Joyce and I received our 15th anniversary pin. Joyce was my very first downline all those years ago and I'm so pleased she's still part of this amazing team we have. Go California Dreamin' Team!!!

Other exciting news? Oh yeah baby, are you tired of reading yet? We're actually expanding our territory. Currently we sell in the U.S. and Canada. Well, that's not all, soon we will be expanding our to Australia. Oh baby, we're growing in leaps and bounds.

Okay, that's all for now. I'm going to grab some breakfast and get ready for some more fun. Be sure to comment on my blog if you have any questions or want more details. I'll be checking it regularly and getting ready for another post later in the morning. One thing to look forward to? Pictures from the Art Gallery. My new camera is getting a workout, that's for sure.

I hope you are enjoying your updates. :-)
More later!!!!

Rootin' Tootin' Team Meeting

Tonight was the best team meeting ever . . . only it wasn't really a meeting at all. We're talking big country western themed party full of fun games, like blackjack, bingo, horse shoes, and a coin toss.

Then there was the Sheriff. I was thrown in jail for not wearing my bandanna, but that's not what my room mate's charge was. The Sheriff thought she looked hung over so into the slammer she went.

I say, I had no idea I had such crooked room mates. LOL

Joyce went panning for gold, only she was blind folded. At least she didn't end up in jail like somebody else we know.

And this is my very fun upline, Naomi, who hosted the fun party with a couple of other Directors. Doesn't she look cool all duded up in her country attire? Thanks, Naomi!!!

Now it's time to call it a night because I need rest for all that excitement that will rock this hotel tomorrow. I can't wait to get my hands on that brand new catalog.

Good night, partner!
See you in the morning.

Big Changes Coming!

At this morning's session, Kristine Widtfelt spoke about changes to the Studio J program. Starting tomorrow, all content will be free regardless of membership or not. Membership to Studio J will be phased out, but don't worry if you still have months left on your membership, there's a plan for that which Kristine didn't go over in any great detail. I'm sure we'll learn more in tomorrow's session.

Our next incentive trip was announced and it's exciting. Earn the incentive trip in 2014 and you get to enjoy an all inclusive resort in Costa Rica, ohhhh la la! That would be so much fun! I'm going to have to get this business going again to earn that. I can imagine myself chillaxin on the beach!

And speaking of imagining, we had an excellent guest speaker who taught us how to Train Your Brain to become more productive and successful by positive self talk and instead of negative thoughts, to come up with a mantra. If you say it enough, you will achieve or become what you what. My mantra is "I'm healthy and happy and my confidence is back. I will start actively sharing this wonderful company with my friends, family and current customers."

Janelle, my room mate, has the material for the seminar out and is trying to train her brain, mine unfortunately is in Costa Rica, without me. Darn it.

Purchase this beginning kit for just $49 and presto, you're a Consultant!.

The next exciting thing we found out about . . . two new recruiting kits. The essential kit is only $49.00 and includes the bare necessities. The master kit is $99 and includes more catalogs and forms and more non-consumable goods. This is going to make it much more affordable to join this awesome company. Yeehaw!

I'll leave you with this interesting factoid, the number one selling product this last year was the CTMH Cricut Cartridge, Art Philosophy. The second selling product was Studio J. Interesting, eh? I really hope there's another cartridge coming, wouldn't that be fun!

We'll find out this and so much more tomorrow. I can't wait, can you tell?

Let the fun begin!!!

So, here I am . . . FINALLY at Convention. Excited? Oh yeah. Opening session starts in exactly one hour and 10 minutes. I can wait, right?

The Hotel Anatole is unlike any hotel I've ever stayed at. There is artwork everywhere. Even our room has a statue of a Chinese style horse, like the kind outside of P.F. Changs. My favorite statue is this elephant . . . and I really think he could stand  in for my 6 foot chicken on the front porch. I'm sure my HOA wouldn't care if I placed an 8 foot marble elephant instead.

I also like the three women statue and their hair all going sideways.

And of course, I saw a Buddha statue somewhere last night on the way to the pool and he had his hands up in the air. It made me smile, but alas, I can't find him now. This place is so big, he could be anywhere. It's like a museum.

These statues have a windblown look.

So, let the fun begin. Stay tuned for my next post which will be a sneak peek of the products that are coming our way. I. Can't. Wait.

Instead of a 6 ft chicken for my front porch, how about an 8 foot elephant?

Janelle and I are having a great time . . . stay tuned for more details.