Close To My Heart Scrapbooking

I started scrapbooking many many years ago.  I, like so many others, was invited to a "home party" and was told to bring 3 pictures and be ready to be hooked for life.  So, off I tootled to that party, pictures in hand and guess what...I was hooked for life!  It was a Creative Memories party hosted by a teacher where DH works and the consultant was a fellow teacher.  I spent a small fortune!  Cover sets, papers, tools...those border and circle/oval cutters, that corner rounder that I STILL use.  Even my current CTMH students know that if you want the best corner rounder use the 2 color blue one.  :o)

But things change.  I made several albums and then I discovered card making.  I was introduced to Close To My Heart via a friend and another home gathering.  Oh wow... what terrific goodies.  Beautiful, high quality papers, white core card stock that I can distress and age, STAMPS and inks that feed both my scrapbooking and card making addiction.  I spent yet another fortune on stamps, inks and those terrific acrylic blocks.  I thought, wonderful...now I don't have to worry about storing those bulky wood blocks anymore. 

When it came time to make the decision to start my own paper crafting business, the decision was easy.  I went with Close To My Heart.  They had everything.  Card making and scrapbooking supplies, all kinds of tools, ultra high quality products and those stamps.  :o)  The compensation plan was great, the discount was great and even better was the solid foundation that Jeanette Lynton had built for CTMH.  Faster, Simpler, Easier...Let me show you how... were all mantras that soon began to roll off my tongue. 

 

This is a scrapbook layout that I recently did as the opening page of my Convention 2013 Album Contest entry.  There are so many goodies packed into this layout...items from the Cricut Cartridges, color coordinated papers, embellishments, stamping and the all important journaling.  Close To My Heart truly does help you to create beautiful scrapbook albums.

I've been on my scrapbooking journey for at least 15 years and a Close To My Heart Consultant for five.  I have never looked back.  I have never regretted either a CM or a CTMH purchase.  Times change.  The gals that initially got me started all those years ago have both left DH's school, but would you believe we still remain in communication!  Close To My Heart has given me the opportunity to meet so many wonderful people.  CTMH has helped me grow as an artist and has helped me grow as a person.  Don't be afraid of change.  Give CTMH a try.  Let me help you meet new people and expand your horizons.  Visit my website for more information.  For Now, Happy Crafting!

Be A Close To My Heart Consultant

When I became a Close To My Heart Consultant, I had no clue where the decision would lead me.  Five years and all I have to say is what a happy path I've been on.  I have met so many wonderful people, enjoyed the excitement of several CTMH events and grown as an artist and person.

Saturday, the Saving Memories Team, along with our fearless leader from the Paper Dolls held a wonderful team meeting at my Studio.  I was truly reminded of the friendships and opportunities that Close To My Heart has been directly responsible for creating.  And, in honor of that event, I've created this card featuring yet another sneak peek at new product that will be available in just a few days.

The paper is from one of the new paper packets called Laughing Lola, the Stamp is new and see that strip at the bottom???  That is a new CTMH punch!

Pictured here are a several of the team members busy working on one of the projects from the Creative Session.  We also discussed business along with a lot of laughter, food and fun.  The Memory Savers are a great team of dedicated gals who enjoy each others company.  We are active and support one another.  You'll never feel alone as a Consultant.  If this is the kind of opportunity you are looking for...whether it be just to get the discount on great product or to actually start your own business, contact me.  For $49.00 you can get started with the Consultant Kit that contains approximately $150 in product.  Email me for more information.  For Now, Happy Crafting!

CTMH Artbooking Cricut Cartridge

Oh, am I ever loving the soon to be released CTMH Artbooking Cricut Cartridge!  I spent some more time yesterday playing with it and it is really amazing.  Prior to the 2013 Convention, there was a post from Close To My Heart that indicated that something that was going to be unveiled at Convention was "ground breaking."  Well, let me tell you, it is this cartridge.  You know how so many times, you are working on a layout and you waste paper because you misjudged the size of your image or title?  Admit it, we've all done it... :o)  With Artbooking, you will no longer waste that time and paper!  Contained right on the pages of the booklet, are full scrapbook layouts with the mats, titles and embellishments designed to fit.  A few simple cuts and you have a layout.  There are also several mini books that are set up the same way.

I guess I am still on Convention mode, but this is a layout I did yesterday.  It features some fun pictures from Disney.  The best thing is that short of the stamped stitching along the sides (Stitched Together C1459) everything is done with the products contained in the Artbooking Cricut Package.  Even the title stamp and the stamped arrows are from the package.  How can you argue with that. 

Artbooking will be available to the general public in just a few days (August 1st.)  I know that everyone is going to love it as much as I do.  For Now, Happy Crafting!

CTMH Convention 2013 Highlights

Hi Everyone!  Look what I found this morning.  Yours truly is right at the beginning!  I'm also toward the end pictured with the Paperdolls and members of my team...The Memory Savers!

Do you love to preserve your memories?  Do you love to share your passion for scrapbooking with others?  Do you love to have fun?  Watch this video and see the fun and camaraderie that you have share in when you become a CTMH Consultant.  The start up kit is as little as $49 (plus s/h and tax) and will get you started with over $150 worth of memory saving productions.  Contact me for more information or visit my website.  I would love to have you join us in 2014.  For Now, Happy Crafting!

CTMH For Always Workshop

What a fun weekend and workshop I had!  I just love working with my workshop gals.  On Saturday, we held our monthly workshop featuring CTMH's For Always paper packet.  It is a terrific black and white paper that is so versatile. 

 

Here are some of the workshop members showing off one of the cards we completed.  We made several cards and if you look closely in the background there is a mini banner hanging on the plate rack that we also made.  Sometimes, I think I stuff too much into a workshop and send the gals on overload.  But, we have a good time...we learn for each other, we laugh and we enjoy.  If you live in the Philadelphia area and would like to join us, please email me.  For Now, Happy Crafting!

Just Another Reason I Love Close To My Heart!

Stop by my website for more information!  For Now, Happy Crafting!

CTMH Frosted Sneak Peek

This is just another quick and simple sneak peek at another product to be released in the August 1st Fall/Winter Close To My Heart Idea Book.  As usual, I have to run off to work in a little while and actually have a long day.  After my floral shift, I have a paper-Ed class with 3 lovely ladies.  I won't be home until the store closes.  I was able to get this card done first thing this morning.

OK, what are you seeing new here...  :o)  The pattern paper is from the upcoming paper packet called "Frosted."  The minute I saw it I went nuts over it.  Wait until you see more.  It is terrific.  The candle image and sentiment are also from one of the new My Acrylix sets, too.  Love, Love, Love.  When I first saw Frosted, I immediately thought of Ponderosa Pine card stock.  CTMH does not feature it with this color, but I think it works.  What do you think?  That is the beauty of Frosted...so many possibilities.

Getting excited about the new Idea Book?  I sure am thrilled with it.  Don't forget to keep checking back as August 1st draws near.  By the way, don't forget that some old favorites will be discontinues effective July 31st, so if you are in need of any current supplies, stop by my website and get them before it is too late.  For Now, Happy Crafting!

Introducing CTMH Artbooking A Little Sneak Peek!

Yesterday a box of Close To My Heart goodies arrived at on my doorstep!  One of the best things in that big box with a plastic bag with the new Artbooking Cricut Cartridge.  Available from my website on August 1st, this is just a little sneak peek at what you can do with it.

It has been such a hot summer here in Philadelphia, that I thought it would be fun to make a winter card.  Notice the lattice work mat?  Well, that is one of the terrific features you can create using the new cartridge.  Contained within the cartridge are countless overlays and scrapbook pages.  The beauty of the cartridge is the programing...You select the size of the scrapbook album you wish to make and hit real dial size and everything on the key will fit.  No more wasted paper or miscuts!  WOW!!!  You know how much time and money that will save?

Now, this is a card you say, not a scrapbook page.  Yes, it is!  I didn't have time to create a layout, so I did a little figuring and converted one of the layout overlays into card size.  Artbooking is not for scrapbooks alone.  In the near future, I will post how I figured it out.  In the mean time, a few more fun facts about this card...the snowflake was also cut using the Artbooking.  That adorable polar bear is in one of the soon to be released stamp sets.  He was stamped using the Archival Black ink and lightly colored with the CTMH Alcohol Markers.  By the way, that is Prisma Glitter and Liquid Applique on the bottom to create the snow.

Keep checking back before August 1st for more peeks at upcoming new CTMH products.  When you purchase the new Artbooking Cartridge, remember, is works for both scrapbooks and cards. And, it is not always about the price...it is about the customer service and the friendships you build while using Close To My Heart products.  For Now, Happy Crafting!

CTMH For Always Workshop

Once again, I am on the run, but I did want to share another card that I got done today for my upcoming workshop featuring For Always.



This may look like a simple card, but it has some really fun techniques.  I decided that I wanted to feature For Always this month at my card workshop.  The sketch come from the Make It From The Heart Volume 1 book...well know if that isn't a hit about upcoming things in the new Idea Book!  Yes, there is a volume 2 coming and I actually have a copy of it that I won as a door prize at Convention!  :o)  These are terrific books and if you don't already own them, please consider them.  They are only $7.95 and contain all kinds of sketches for both cards and scrapbook layouts.  You can see Volume 1 on my website now, and beginning August 1st, you can see Volume 2!

Anyway, the black mat with the writing is actually card stock covered in the For Always textiles.  Love the coordinating textiles and with some of the other fun items coming August 1st, the fabrics are going to be an even better purchase. 

You don't think of using fabric on a card so, I thought I would give a quick mention on how I did it without creating a great deal of bulk on the card. 
1.  Cut the card stock to the desired size of the mat.
2.  Cut the fabric 1/2 inch larger than the piece of card stock...yes you can cut the fabric with your paper cutter...  :o)
3.  Run a  line of tape adhesive close to the edges on 3 sides of the card stock.
4.  Position the fabric over the card stock.  By only having adhesive on 3 sides, it allows you to straighten the fabric.  This is especially important when using patterned fabric that needs to to straight.
5.  Run a strip of adhesive on the other side of the card stock on all 4 sides.  Overlap the extra fabric and attach. 
6.  Cut (miter) the corners so that it lays flat on your card.

I hope this makes sense.  This mat of fabric was attached to the card base without any excess bulk!  Doing it this way will avoid any bulky corners.

Now, off to my meeting and wishing you fun creative time.  For Now, Happy Crafting!

A Card Challenge and CTMH For Always

For those of you who don't realize this, I often help out with challenges over at the Crafting By Designs Challenge Blog.  It is a group of very talents ladies who weekly offer up some really fun challenges.  This week, it was my turn to host the challenge.  I decided that I wanted to do a "Thank You" card challenge, but I haven't been much help to those lovely ladies recently in addition to saying thank you to the many many participants on the blog.

 

You might have notices that I am using an awful lot of For Always right now.  Well, that is because my monthly workshop features this paper packet and I have been busy designing card to include in class.  This card features last month's CTMH Stamp of the Month, Lagoon and Pacifica card stock and For Always.  I colored the flowers using our Alcohol Markers and the Sentiment was Rock and Roll stamped with Lagoon and Pacifica inks.

So, if you are in the mood to make a Thank You card, click on over to Crafting By Designs and add your creation!  For Now, Happy Crafting!

Joyful Stars Blog Hop

I was so excited when I saw Joyce at Convention and she asked me to join in on the Joyful Stars Blog Hop!  Joyce and I are sort of neighbors...she doesn't live that far from where my Studio (the house that I grew up in) is located.  It is so nice to know someone from my old stomping ground.

Anyway, if you've arrived here from Jeanie's Blog you are on the right track.  For my first post in the hop, I've completed a card featuring For Always (X7165B) and Fabulous You (C1533.)  I stamped the main image with CTMH's archival black ink (44751) and colored it using several of our alcohol markers.  I love our markers!

 

 

For my first post, I wanted to share some of my favs...the paper packet, the stamp set and our markers.  It's time to hop on over to Meredith's Blog and check out what she has created.  Enjoy the hop.  For Now, Happy Crafting!

CTMH For Always and Mojo Monday

I was able to finish a card before I ran off to work today!  :o)  I haven't played along with the Mojo Monday Sketch Challenge in quite awhile and this weeks sketch caught my eye.  It went along perfectly with the For Always (X7165B) and Fabulous You (C1533) stamp set.

 

 

I have always loved sketch challenges.  I love to see how everyone makes the sketch their own.  For this card, I used as I said For Always and the Fabulous You.  I also added a stamped sentiment for Lace Doily (B1418), Whisper, Slate and Lagoon card stock, and colored the main image with my CTMH alcohol markers.  I love the markers.  I really find them easy to use and for a full post on how to use them, head over to my older post on Papers Pads and Pictures.

 

I enjoyed playing along with Mojo Monday Sketch Challenge and thank them for another great sketch.  For Now, Happy Crafting!



What Else Do I Do With My Time

Besides being an active Close To My Heart Consultant, I am also the floral designer at my local Michaels.  So I thought it would be fun to post a wreath a recently made.  This way, when I say I have to run off to work, you will understand.  :o)

 

So, have to run off to work.  For Now, Happy Crafting.

CTMH Scrapbook Layout Featuring Claire Paper Packet

Alas, I have to work the Michaels Crop this afternoon, but before I headed out, I wanted to create something.  Not having much time, I needed to do something quick and simple and yet did my pictures justice.  This is what I love about Close To My Heart.  Everything coordinates...the stamps, the papers and the embellishments.  One of the new tag lines for CTMH is Rediscover Scrapbooking and that is just what I intend to do.

I was able to make this layout very quickly but it does include several techniques and elements.  I've tone on tone stamped in the corners and added just a touch of Prisma Glitter for some bling.  I also tone on tone random stamped the hollyhock strip down the middle for just a little movement.  And, I sponged all the card stock edges for depth.  The title was made using CTMH self adhesive Felt Letters.  Quick, easy and yet still celebrates the magic of Disney at night.

 

Just a quick list of the CTMH products I used...

Champagne, Blush and Hollyhock Card Stock

Hollyhock, Pacifica and Champagne Inks

Blue Sparkles

Prisma Glitter

Pacifica Mini-Medleys (retired)

Pacifica Felt Letters (retired)

Rock The Block Stamp Set (Retired)

May 2013  Stamp of the Month

 

I purposely used some retired products not to frustrate you if you liked them, but to show you that even though a product may be retired, it is still usable and coordinates beautifully with the current product.  When CTMH retires a product, they always seem to come out with something new that is even bigger and better.

 

Stop by my website to see the Claire paper packet along with all of the other fun products.  For Now, Happy Crafting!

CTMH 2013 Convention

The Close To My Heart Convention is so much fun!  It is the chance to meet up with dear friends that I only get to see once or twice a year and have a great time with friends and down line that I see all the time...

We were so lucky...CTMH gave us twilight park tickets!  When I learned that Convention was in Disney, I figured that I just wouldn't have the opportunity to visit a park.  And then the great news.  Several of us headed off to Magic Kingdom during one of our free nights.  I was so thrilled as was Mickey and Minne!  :o)

Convention is not all fun and games though.  There are a great number of meetings along with a lot of creative time learning about the new products.  I was very privileged to be selected as a "Creative Helper" at one of those creative sessions.  Wow, was I sworn to secrecy.  I was sent a projects using the new fall 2013 projects, asked to complete them at home and then bring them with me to help other Consultants work with the new products.  It was so much fun.

 

That's me in the black helping my upline and my CTMH "sister" with the new project.  I'll post more pictures of the project as the Idea Book release draws closer.  For Now, Happy Crafting!

New Look, New Ideas...Let's Save Some Memories

Welcome to my new blog!  If you've come here from my past blog www.paperspadsandpictures.blogspot.com thank you.  If you have just stumbled onto my Close To My Heart Saving Memories with Cindy blog, I am very happy about that, too.

I've just arrived home from the Close To My Heart 2013 Convention in Disney World.  What a wonderful time we had.

Being a CTMH Consultant has opened so many doors.  The opportunity to travel, meet new people and to be involved with a solvent progressive company are just a few of the great perks.  It is easy to become a Consultant!  For just $49 (plus shipping and tax) you can be on your way and be a member of my Memory Savers team.  Just email me for more information.



 

Look at all the goodies that come in your $49 kit.  Plus I've give you a little sneak peek at many of the new items set to be released on August 1st.

 

Thanks again for finding my new blog and keep watching as I will be posting more pictures from Convention along with fun artwork.  For Now, Happy Crafting!