New Catalog!!!!

I think I'm in love! This new catalog is FULL of so much new product and stamps and papers and a new Cricut cartridge and accessories . . . and, and, and.

I can't wait to look at it again. So excited to share it with you all next month!!!!

 

These are some of the cards we made today. They were made with our new Cricut cartridge. That's not all, we also made a cute mini album, but I didn't get it finished. I'll post it once I get my pictures in it. The projects were wowie cards, but without the wowie work.

Here's a quick snap shot of us working hard on our projects. We received SO much free product and I loved creating with the new paper products and stamps.

And what are we doing tomorrow? Well, of course, we're stamping again. Yahoo!

I will post again. I love Convention!!!!

I've arrived!

Today is the day it all begins . . . the countdown to the reveal of the new catalog and all new goodies to play with!

But first Lori and I had some Mickey time.

He's so cute!!!

The real excitement is tomorrow though as the new catalog is revealed and all new stamps, and papers, and accessories, and more!!! Stay tuned and I will keep you posted on all the new developments! I'm so excited that 9 of us are here from the California Dreamin' Team! We rock!

Now to try and get some sleep so I'll be bright eyed and bushy tailed for tomorrow's excitement!

Convention!!!!

In just 5 days I will be heading to Disneyland. I'm so excited! And not just because I LOVE Mickey Mouse. No, I'm excited for the best thing about being a Close To My Heart Consultant . . . Convention.

First of all there's the excitement of seeing the catalog for the first time . . . filled with treasures galore, this puppy is going to be a doozy! We've even been promised a NEW Cricut cartridge. YES!!!! And there's going to be new stamps and new albums and new papers and accessories that are going to boggle my mind!

Then there's the camaraderie of all my fellow Consultants. Not only will I see many friends from other teams, there's going to be 9 of us from our own unit, California Dreamin'! That's exciting. We even have matching shirts to wear one of the days. (Pictures to follow!)

Finally there's my favorite part . . . playing with all the new product and papers in the Creative Sessions. We'll all have inky fingers for sure, but then again, that's how you know you've been having fun! (Pictures to follow of what I made too.)

Be sure to follow my blog as I update you daily on what's new and exciting and fun on the Convention scene. I'll be like a reporter. <giggle>

First up . . . gotta find that mouse!!!

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

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.

What a day!! But I'm in DALLAS!! Yeehaw!

Traveling, the hurry up and wait game frustrates me, to say the least. The long lines and grumpy people at 5:30 in the morning make me want to not make eye contact. I was one of them . . . no time for coffee yet as I waited, first to check my bag and then the TSA Security line. Yes, I did in fact have a naked scan, perhaps they can forward it to my doctor for my next xray. ha ha

One trick I have when that stressed out, annoying line gets to me is to smile at those standing near me and make nice comments. Not, “these lines are awful!” or “why aren’t there more employees checking us in?” No, instead I find it helpful to ask where others are flying or just simply, what about those Giants? I met several nice people that way this morning. I love to hear about where others are going and their adventures they are embarking upon.

Necessary!

 

My adventure, in case you didn’t know . . . awaits me in Dallas, Texas. What am I doing there? Oh yeah, baby! Stamping and scrapbooking and perusing that brand new catalog await my arrival. Oh my! Thursday cannot come fast enough. What new things will there be? New albums for my finished scrapbook pages? New colors to expand my color palette? Or maybe, and this is my favorite, more doo dads. I wouldn’t even mind a new Cricut cartridge. It’s a BIG surprise similar to waiting for Santa Claus. Maybe I’ll find Jeanette, the owner of the company, and she’ll share a catalog before anyone else.

Okay, I can dream, right?

My flight was uneventful, the most exciting thing that happened? I was horrified when the woman in front of me told her two toddler aged children that the mean flight attendants were making them throw out their juice. Oh, and the two people who attempted to fly on to Dallas so the count was off and the flight attendants had to check everyone's address and be sure we were on the manifest. I bet those 2 people were embarrassed to have been singled out like that. Seriously though, this plan is destined for Dallas! If you aren't going to Dallas, get off the plane. LOL

I'm now at the hotel Hilton Anatole which is a 4 or 5 star, truly beautiful. My next blog will be pictures of the hotel. You want to know, right? LOL

Stay tuned!

Creative Convention Extravaganza

Oh yeah, baby! Close To My Heart Convention is ALL about the artwork . . . not only do the Consultants get to see some of the best artists at work at Extravaganza, but the attendees also receive all the products they need to create their own fun artwork with the new tools, papers, stamps, and doo dads (oh, how I love the doo dads!)

 These two pages (which I wish I could figure out how to display side by side) was the project layout idea we were given at Convention.(And yes, we received EVERYTHING we needed to make it including the awesome bling, found on page 127 & 128) I used photos highlighting a recent stamp session with my very good friend, Michele, who is SO creative. You should definitely check out her blog for ideas too: http://michelesinkitstampit.blogspot.com/.

I created the pages in her Studio and then went around her beautiful rural property and took some pictures. Michele also took me to a fun lunch place and  . . . yes, there was a chicken store next door. Alas, no big chicken artwork, but I have not lost hope.

These pages were created with the new Roxie paper pack and the stamp set, 10 Things C1474 (remember new stamp prices so it's only $13.95!!!) and the ribbon (which I just noticed is majorly crooked . . . ah well, I'm not perfect either) is from the Designer Ribbon Red Collection Z1615 (only $5.95). I wrote something I love about stamping with Michele on each of the little tags in the pocket (on page 123 of the catalog . . . only $3.95). Michele has a rockin stamp room, you can see from the picture of us . . . don't even worry, I'm heading back that way SOON!

Convention attendees also received everything to create a darling mini album using 6x6 Kraft Cards (p. 123 and only $6.95 for 10 cards & envelopes). The stamp set was an exclusive Convention attendee only stamp set, featuring that adorable castle which Megan, my oldest daughter, says is a rendition of Hogwarts! LOL

The book is created using 3 of the Kraft cards, folded accordion style and attached with strong adhesive. Pictures of my friends from high school playing in Mickey land look GREAT in this book! I love it!

Stay tuned . . . I'm stamping again today! :-)

Stamper Girls Unite!!!!

Part of our team at Convention 2011

In 1997 I went to my first stamping party . . . my husband asked where I was going at 7:00 pm on a Tuesday night (not that he cared really, not with that dazed look a new dad has when he has a 4 month old baby, a rambunctious 3 year old and a 7 year old that was really just wanting attention, so maybe he just wondered how long he could hold onto his sanity).  I said I was going to a stamping party which was kind of like Tuperware and no, I wouldn’t spend too much, but could I take the checkbook, you know, just in case. When I look back at my life from that point forward (and I still say I'm only 29, just an OLD 29), I have to say the best thing I decided to pursue was my journey as a Consultant with Close To My Heart, the best stamping and scrapbooking company in the whole world. Not kidding, it's true! I've been a Consultant for almost 15 years (that's half of my 29 years . . . oh wait, now my math is getting kinda blurry. LOL)

I love being a Consultant and not just because they carry a FULL line of the best scrapbooking paper (yes, I sniff the new bags of paper. Best. Smell. Ever.), best clear stamps (I sniff them too), and matchy matchy everything from the inks to the accessories to the ribbons, oh how I adore ribbon. You can never, ever have too much ribbon. No, the very best thing about Close To My Heart is the friendships I've made and the connections I have made with both my customers and my team members and others in this awesome company from around the world. And let's face it, many of them became team members after becoming my customer or were my friend and I hooked them into this fabulous art world. Truly, when I say hooked, it really is addicting. My husband watched me with a class of stampers one day and he pulled me aside and said that it was a little like a drug deal going down.

Me: "This stamp pad color would go perfectly with that paper pack."
Mary Stamper: (name changed in case the husband reads this) "oh, yes! I love that color, is it Tulip?"
Me: "oh my, you know your CTMH color palette so well. Would you like to look at the other Tulip accessories?"

Michele P.'s beautiful card.

And so it is that Mary Stamper orders EVERYTHING she needs to make an adorable Cherry O greeting card and enough paper to create pages for her scrapbook and maybe even little goodie bags for her daughter’s birthday party. Yes, it is a little like dealing, I suppose. However, unlike dealing bad things, stamps and scrapbook things are GOOD things. Not only is it extremely therapeutic (I have a psychologist on my team who has endorsed stamping and scrapbooking as a form of therapy) but we stampers create a legacy of scrapbooks and cards for generations to come. Plus, it keeps us out of trouble. Right? Get the glitter, girls, we've got work to do!!

A cutie card

Okay, so our family didn't get a family camping trip in yet this summer, but there's still hope so maybe that's why I had such fun creating this cute 2 1/2" x 3 1/2" little gift card with the Happy Camper C1457 stamp set.

Look at that cute racoon and I used the licorice colored opaques for his eyes! I just want to kiss him, which I do not advise, if you should see a real one on your next camping trip.

This set would be so fun to use on some camping scrapbook pictures, which is exactly why I am calling Mr. Elaine at work right now to tell him we have to go camping. I have the stamps, duh!!!

Happy Creating!

Cricuts aren't just little bugs!

I can't believe this . . . as usual, I find this new catalog amazing, but the best new product of all time is our new Cricut cartridge. It's called Art Philosophy and it's not just the cartridge!!! For just $99 you receive the cartridge, 3 D Size stamp sets and 3 dimensional element sheets. Did I mention that the cartridge has 700 images and that the catalog denotes which stamp sets that can be used with the Cricut cartridge? Oh my! I am imagining all the fun this will be.

Not only that . . . the cartridge includes 3D items, like little boxes, bags, and special cut cards. Wahoo!

Stay tuned for more news! I can't wait for the cartridge to arrive so I can start Cricutting away!

Gadgets and Gizmos A-Plenty!

The California Dreamin' Team . . . ready to learn all about the treasure island of New Products and Programs.

Kristine Widdtfelldt is telling us all about all the REALLY cool new things that CTMH has unveiled! Cricut stuff, new prices on our stamps (lower, that is!) and all new designed Workshops on the Go and bling and zing to add to your pages, cards, and projects! I can't wait!!!!


This is the project we made yesterday:

Lori Scott made this layout and I'm adding it here because she even added pictures! It's BEAUTIFUL!

 

 

 

 

More Create and Takes this afternoon AND a crop tonight to make even more projects. I can't wait!!!

Now to find out more about the specials and freebies coming our way and to customers to you. Can't wait to share that too! :-)

Convention News!

Convention Disney style! The excitement is in the air this morning . . . everyone has been pouring through the new catalog, getting lots of ideas from Extravaganza teachers, and dreaming of going home to play with all the new tools, stamps, and papers.

Yesterday we learned that the Cricut company has made a cartridge specially designed to make die cuts that you can stamp directly onto . . . die cuts and chipboard designs. And you'll love the price $99 . . . which includes 3 stamp sets, 3 sets of coordinating dimensional elements, and the cartridge! Oh wow! Amazing. The cartridge has 700 images, including an exclusive font set. I can't wait to get that puppy in my hands! Oh yeah, baby!

Today includes some really great business classes and a make a take class where we will be playing with the paper packs and accessories. It will be great to learn more about how to use our tools and the new designed paper pack, which has been lowered in price ($9.95) AND get this, the stamp prices have gone down as well. Love it when that happens!

Stay tuned for more news! Gotta go! We have an awesome speaker this morning!

Convention 2011 -- Off to Anaheim!!!

Young or old . . . everyone loves a day at Disneyland. I'm starting off my Convention Week with a trip to the Magic Kingdom! I have my Mouseketeer ears all packed . . . with my camera for that special moment when I find Mickey Mouse and I am set for a fun week!

Wednesday the fun really begins with the Leaders of CTMH and some fun Leadership training. I have been absent from the world of Close To My Heart as I recover from some health issues, but never fear, my love of this company has not changed one bit and I'm SO excited to be back at the Stamp Studio table in record time. So get set, all those in my California Dreamin' Team . . . I'm going to plan us some FUN!

And for those that love to purchase the CTMH stamps and papers . . . you are in for a treat too! I will post some of the upcoming things coming our way, but there will be surprises too! Look forward to a date soon where you can come and preview the fun stuff coming our way with the new catalog.

More details to follow! For now, I'm heading out to the 5 south and will singing the Mickey Mouse song, some Jason Mraz and maybe even some Old McDonald songs. You never know what will inspire me on that long stretch of boring highway! More blog updates coming your way, Mouseketeers! Wahoo!