National Paper Crafting Month - Introducing the Felicity Collection!

This kit is gorgeous! It comes with a D size stamp set with an entire alphabet and gorgeous flourishes and accents, 12 sheets of 12x12 B&T Duos (2 each of 6 patterns) and 6 Die-Cuts (3 circles and 3 brackets each a different pattern). Now the question: How can you get your hands on this beautiful kit?

There are five ways to get the Felicity Collection. All you have to do is pick which options works best for you.

1. Purchase it at full price ($34.95 before shipping and tax)
2. Place an order of $60 or more in stamp sets (Stamp of the Month excluded) and receive one collection absolutely FREE!
3. Place an order of $125 or more in Close To My Heart products and receive one collection absolutely FREE!
4. Host a home gathering or workshop with minimum sales of $400 (before shipping and tax) and receive one collection absolutely FREE!
5. Join Close To My Heart between January 1-31 and you will get one absolutely FREE with your New Consultant Kit.

This campaign runs from December 15, 2009 until January 31, 2010. Of course it is while supplies last so don't wait until the 31st to order. You can order this kit from my website or by calling or emailing me.

New Art and Soul Episode

Have you checked out CTMH TV? This is a great resource for new fun ideas and great tips on using some of our amazing new products. There is a new Art and Soul episode that is over the top and ends with a sweet deal on a great alphabet stamp set.  Take a peak!

December Workshop

Boy December can be crazy! But there is always time to scrapbook! Here are the layouts we will be making at this months class. I still have openings so if you would like to join us let me know by the 10th of December so I can order your supplies.


Here is a list of the materials used: Jingle Basic Kit (includes Jingle Level 2 paper packet, exclusive stamp set "Somthin' Special", Twinkle Brads Jolly and workshop guide), Dimensional Elements "On Target", Designer Ribbon Rounds Cranberry collection, 3D Foam Tape, "Posterboard Alphabet" stamp set and "Holiday Trinkets" stamp set. I also used the following colored ink pads: Creme Brulee, Tulip and Juniper.

All items can be purchases either through me or from my website: http://iotamaker.myctmh.com

Holiday Heyday! Super Clearance Sale!

Money tight this year? How about a super clearance sale so you can give your friends what they want for dirt cheap!!! You can even get what you want for Christmas this year at these amazing prices. Here is what you need to know:

Sale Starts TODAY!!! Wednesday, December 2nd at 9:00 am and can only be purchased on my website: http://iotamaker.myctmh.com

Details:

• Sale has quantities restricted to FIVE per item to provide a smooth shopping experience for all customers.
  
• Serious shipping savings apply with minimum orders. Orders of $100+ = flat rate shipping of just $5 ($99.99 and under have weight-based shipping)
• Note that clearance items may not be combined with regular-priced items in a single shopping cart, and clearance purchases are not eligible for any Constant Campaign qualification or Stamp of the Month.
• Items are sold as is. We have taken into account that a few of the products for the sale may not include all of the original items sold with the product and we have discounted the item accordingly. All products are still the same high quality. In addition, clearance sale items do not come with a replacement guarantee.

Let me know if you have any questions and have fun shopping!

New Art & Soul Episode- Add A Little Sparkle To Your Life!

Did you think I had fallen off the planet? It has been awhile since I posted. Last week was workshop week and so I was busy busy playing with all of my workshop friends. I would love to have you join us!

I love this months new Art and Soul episode! It is all about sparkle. I learned 2 new techniques that I a have to try out! The first is using the bamboo ink pad to stamp images and then color them in with my water color pencils. The bamboo ink pad is light enough and doesn't show through so it is perfect as a template.

The second technique is using the glitter rub-ons. I demonstrated these sparkly accents at my fall open house. A technique to get better glitter coverage is to rub the glitter sheet over the rub-on image in a circular motion. It makes a huge difference!

You can watch the full episode of Art & Soul by clicking here! Don't forget that Stampaganza is still in full swing! Order online 24/7 or call and I would be happy to help you with your order.

Happy 10th Anniversary

Today Jason and I are celebrating our 10th Anniversary. It has been quite the journey so far and I know it is only going to get better! Jason make the journey enjoyable!

Happy Anniversary Jason!

Christmas Cards Class - Thursday, December 3rd 2009

Are you ready to get your Christmas cards made!? Make is faster, simpler and easier by coming to my Christmas Card Class. There are 3 kits to choose from and 10 cards in each kit (2 each of 5 designs). Make 1 kit or make all 3 kits then impress your friends and family by sending them these gorgeous had made cards!

Kit 1 - Jingle 10 cards for only $15.00

Includes: 10 card bases, 10 envelopes, 1 package of Twinkle Brads,Cardstock, Background and Texture paper and ribbon.

Kit 2 - Round Creative Basics 10 cards for only $15

Includes: 10 card bases, 10 envelopes, 1 package of sparkles, cardstock, background and texture paper and ribbon.

Kit 3 - Traditional Creative Basics 10 cards for only $20

Includes: 10 card bases, 10 envelopes, 1 package of sparkles, 1 package of Dimensional Elements "Flurry,"  cardstock,background and texture paper and ribbon.

I used the following stamps sets:  Holiday Jingle (kit 1), Holiday Trinkets (kit 2), Just for the Holidays (kit 3) and Peace on Earth (sentiments on all 3 kits) Know is a great time to purchase these stamp sets when you take advantage of STAMPAGANZA!!! Buy 2 stamp set and get the 3rd FREE. Check out all the details by clicking here.

Email or call me by November 25th to sign up for this fun Christmas Card Class. Please bring the following items to the class: micro-tip scissors, adhesive (I recommend tombow and glue dots) and your paper trimmer. We will be using the following stamp pad colors: Juniper, Tulip & Creme Brulee. If you have these colors of inks please feel free to bring them.  I can't wait to see you there!

Happy Birthday Kassie!

My sweet little girl Kassie turned 3 yesterday. Actually if you asked her she turned 5 but who is really keeping track? We had such a fun day decorating her castle cake, a bonus birthday party at our friends Kim & Grants' house, presents, special lunch with Dad at McDonald's and Kraft Mac and Cheese. Yep that is right we had boxed macaroni and cheese for dinner. It is a tradition to let the kids pick what they would like for dinner and every year she chooses boxed macaroni and cheese (I offered to make homemade but she turned me down). To see more pictures and hear more about our fun filled day visit my family blog.

STAMPAGANZA!!! The Best Promotion of the YEAR!!!

That is right, November is STAMPAGANZA!! Can you tell I am excited. Stampaganza means buy 2 of our exclusive Acrylix stamp sets and get 1 FREE!! You can buy 2 Christmas gifts for friends and then get a Christmas gift for you FREE.  You can order by going to my Close To My Heart Website or by calling or emailing me. Don't miss out!

November Scrapbook Class Layouts "Twitterpated"

I have to admit that I am completely "Twitterpated" with these layouts! This is such a fun paper packet and so versatile. I know I probably always say that but just look at these 3 very different layouts we will be making at the November workshop classes. I have new groups starting this month so if you would like to join in the fun, have a night away doing something you love, get some free product and make some beautiful layouts, call or email me TODAY!

Shopping List: (All items may be purchased from my Close To My Heart website!)
Twitterpated workshop basic kit, Dimensional Elements In Color "Organic", Natural colored Hemp, Brad Assortment in the Basic pack, Headline Alphabet Large stamp set, Friendship Word Puzzle stamp set, Boutique Alphabet stamp set, Believe Caps and Lowercase stamp set, Chocolate, Crystal Blue, Sorbet and Sweet Leaf stamp pads.

My Blog Has Been Given an Award!

Karen Pedersen awarded my blog the "Your Blog is Over The Top" award! This is my second blog award (the first was for my family blog) and I am so excited and honored! Thanks Karen!!

The Rules are:
1. You can only use ONE word for each answer.
2. Pass this along to 6 of your favorite bloggers!
3. Alert them that you have given them this award!
4. HAVE FUN!!!



So here are the six people I would like to pass this award on to:
1. Kim G.
2. Stephanie P.
3. Kim M.
4. Lacie J.
5. Melissa M.
6. Bree L.

Congrats my blogging friends! I look forward to many more posts.

1. Where is your cell phone? purse
2. Your hair? Straight
3. Your mother? Friend
4. Your father? Favorite
5. Your favorite food? Italian
6. Your dream last night? Mice
7. Your favorite drink? Water
8. Your dream/goal? Travel
9. What room are you in? Office
10. Your hobby Scrapbooking
11. Your fear? Snakes
12. Where do you want to be in 6 years? w/ Jason ("w/" isn't a word)
13. Where were you last night? Anderson's
14. Something that you aren't? short
15. Muffins? blueberry
16. Wish list item? Cruise
17. Where did you grow up? Idaho
18. Last thing you did? laundry
19. What are you wearing? PJ's
20. Your TV? Big
21. Your Pets? Cooper
22. Friends? Greatest
23. Your life? Perfect
24. Your mood? Tired
25. Missing Someone? Jason
26. vehicle? Van :(
27. Something your not wearing? Socks
28. Your favorite store? Kohls
29. Your favorite color? Red
30. When was the last time you laughed? Yesterday
31. Last time you cried? Hum?
32. Your best friend? Jason
33. One place that I go to over and over? Home
34. One person who emails me regularly? Cindy
35. Favorite place to eat? Out

Book Table Layout - Halloween

This is my Book Table Layout for October. I of course changed it and added some of my own products including: Liquid Glass on the title which I stamped with black ink and the Homestead Alphabet stamp set. I also added some ric rac ribbon, black cardstock that I sanded around the edges, smokey plum carstock and topiary cardstock.

A Little More Grace

I promised my workshop group I would post these two layouts I made at my CPR Retreat. Enjoy!

The layouts were designed by the talented Lynette Kankamp.  Here is the supply list: Grace Level 2 Paper Packet, Grace Level 2 Stickease Assortment, Delightful Things stamp set, Designer Ribbon Rounds Colonial White Collection, Brad Assortments Basic Collection, Just Blooms Paper Flowers Big Pinks, Dimensional Elements On Target and 3-D Foam Tape. All of these items can be purchased 24/7 at my Close To My Heart website. Also, the "Delightful Things" stamp set is on sale for $20 right now online!

Leaves

We have the most gorgeous fall leaves right in our front yard! Sunday was sunny and warm outside so the kids raked up a pile of leaves and did what we all dream of doing to a big pile of leaves; JUMPED IN THEM!

I posted a jumping sequence of Mikele on my family blog.

2010 Desk Calendar Class

This is going to be such a fun class! We are making this cute desk calendar. This is a great gift for Christmas or just a fun project for you or it could be BOTH! You can make more then 1.

The class is $18 and includes all the precut paper you need to finish the 12 calendar pages and cover, a "My Creations" Display Album, 1/2 package of clear craft buttons and all the accessories and ribbon needed to complete the project. This is a steal of a deal so sign up today.  The class will be on Wednesday, November 4th from 7:00-9:30. I have a limited number of kits so please email or call me asap!

Off The Grid

A friend of mine commented that I tend to scrapbook on a grid. I have to admit I do like my clean lines and structured layouts but I do believe that it is good to branch out and sometime you just need to "get off the grid!"
I found this sketch on Inspired Blueprints and I thought I would give it a try. I definitely prefer two page layouts so I just created a second page. I have to admit that I really liked how this layout turned out.  I used the following products: CTMH Best Friends Forever paper packet and stickease (retired), CTMH Heartfelt Whimsy collection, CTMH Adhesive-Backed Pearl (free with a full punch card - call me today to get your punch card started), CTMH Window Charms, CTMH Garden Green stamp pad

Announcing "Studio J" and Win a FREE Linen Album

I am very excited about a new product Close To My Heart will be offering in the spring of 2010, STUDIO J!!! Studio J is free online design software that allows you to create custom-printed two-page layouts you put in your albums. There is no software to purchase and install; instead, simply log in to Studio J and start designing your layouts! You can create and immediately purchase your layouts, or you can save them for later completion and purchase. Best of all you will still be using the same great color palette and products that CTMH already offers for classic scrapbooking. This is just another option to help make preserving your memories faster simpler and easier!

CTMH has a new and fun sweepstakes for you to enter! Simply sign up for email updates at Studio J.com (top left side of the screen) and you will automatically be entered into a weekly random drawing for a My Legacy® Dark Cocoa linen album. We will notify the winner via email. If you didn’t get the album, don’t worry—your name is still in the drawing for the next week. You will also receive occasional updates about Studio J.

 Do you want 10 Free Studio J layouts? Become a CTMH Consultant! When a new Consultant signs up between October 1–31 and achieves both levels of Straight To The Top (STTT), they will receive 10 Studio J layouts FREE! Email or Call me today and let me share with you all the amazing benefits of being a Close to My Heart Consultant!! 

A Little Bit of Old With a Dash of New

I keep a family album and an album for each of my kids.  So this weeks layout is using pictures that I had already made one layout with and needed to duplicate. So I headed to my nifty paper drawer and started digging to see what paper I had that might work for Jason and Brock's father and sons camp out.  This old and long retired paper packet, "Great Outdoors" was perfect. To spice up the layout I added some much newer products including the chip board squares that I stamped on using the stamp set "Homestead Alphabet." I also added some chocolate ribbon and a few chocolate brads. Finally I added a little more dimension with the scallop boarder found in the Dimensional Element "Boarders" collection and a little bookplate from the Dimensional Element "Booksmart" set.  The great thing about this project is that all though I was using some old retired products and some new products all the colors matched perfectly because of our consistent palette of colors. Yea CTMH!

Introducing Color Me Monday on Wednesday

Jeanette Lynton is the founder and CEO of Close To My Heart. I have met her in person and heard her speak and she is inspiring! On her blog she posts a new color combination every Monday. Every week I have full intentions of creating something using her new color combination but have never made the time. Today I put aside excuses and made the time to use this weeks color combination.
Anyone who knows me knows that I NEVER put black and blue together so this layout did stretch me a little. Both layout designs are from "Reflections" one of CTMH's 3 amazing how to books. I love that the back of our B&T paper (background and texture) is a coordinating color pattern paper. The clover meadow and sunflower paper is from the "Animal Cookies" paper packet and the twilight paper is from the "Tinkerin" paper packet. I also implemented another product that I purchased when it was introduced but had never used. See the cute swirly thing behind the journaling piece? That is from the Fancy Cuts Die-Cuts Borders.


This was a lot of fun to mix and match from different paper packets and I got another layout in my album. I can't wait to see and use next week's new color combination. Stay tuned!!

October Workshop Layouts "Grace"

This month we will be making the following 3- 2 page 12x12 layouts. I really had fun working with this paper packet. With the sudden change in weather this paper made me feel ready for fall. If you would like to join my workshop group email or call me today!





Here is a list of the products used:
Grace Workshop on the go Kit $33.85 Value You Pay $29.95.
It includes:
X7117B Grace Level 2 Paper Pack 12.95
"Beautiful Flourish" Stamp Set exclusive to the kit 13.95
Z1287 Rustic Edge Anchors 5.95
Grace Workshop Guide 1.00

I also used the following accessories, tools and stamp sets

Z1206 Basic Craft Buttons 7.95
Z1247 Crystal Blue Waxy Flax 3.95
9030 Imagine Book 21.95
D1195 "The Works Alphabet" Stamp set 22.25
Z1114 Piercing Tool Kit 5.95
Dimensional Elements Monograms $3.25 each
D1335 Intrinsic Backgrounds $22.95
E1011 Headline Alphabet- Large $34.95

All of these items may be purchased here!

Book Table Layout

I am a member of the Book Table's scrapbook club. Each month we assemble a layout using the kit provided. I never buy any extra products but challenge myself to use some thing I have already purchased and have sitting at home waiting to be used on a scrapbook page. Well lately the kit provided has been a little lacking so I have had to get more creative but I do think this months layout turned out pretty well.

Does the layout look familiar? It is a recreate from the Bella workshop. I duplicate my layouts for each of my kids and this is the duplicate for Brock's book. I also added 2 sheets of cardstock, the Autumn Sunflower Just Blooms and some black Bigger Brads.

A Month of Grace

I mentioned before that I attended a retreat with some fellow CTMH consultants. At the retreat we used the new "Grace" level 2 paper packet and stickease to make these cute cards and this little box. The cards were designed by the very talented Lynette Kankamp. We also made 2 very cute layouts that I will be posting just as soon as I get pictures on the page. I will also be using this paper packet for October workshop so keep checking back as I post those layouts as well. I actually have them almost done. Just have to add some bling!

Last Day to Sign Up for the "Everyday Celebration" Card Class!

Don't miss out on this cute card kit! You can order through September 30th but if you would like to come put your kit together at my house today is the last day to sign up so I can order your kit! You can pick up this very cute card kit for FREE with a $60 stamp purchase or you can buy the kit for $39.95 plus shipping and handling.

The class will be on Wednesday, September 30th from 7:00 pm - 9:30 pm. I have 2 spots left so don't delay!! Check out this link to see the flyer.

CPR Retreat

This last weekend I attended a CTMH CPR retreat. CPR stands for create and prosper by the way. It was so much fun to get together with my fellow consultants and friends to play the weekend away. Of course there was some learning and sharing but there was a lot more scrapbooking and a whole lot of laughing and fooling around!

My fellow table mate and new friend Shannon.

Lynette and I, sisters separated at birth. Or another theory is that no one family deserved to have both of us in the same family. I don't know how we should take that.

Lynette working the layout! Love ya Lynette!

Another friend I bring the best out of. It is great to have my own business and opportunity to be apart of a great company but even better is the friends I have made because I am a part of a great company. If you would ever like to join in the fun give me a call or email me and I would be happy to share all the details.

This Is What It Is All About

My oldest daughter had "show and teach" this last week. It is kind of like show and tell but a little more involved. The topic was to share something about yourself. Mikele wanted to make a book so of course I escorted my daughter to my scrapbook room and we got to work. We printed off pictures of Mikele and her favorite people and places and assembled a simple but cute 9x9 album. Then off to school we went with her cute little book in hand. She was so cute presenting her book to her class and did a great job. It was so fun to work on the book together and she was so proud of her creation and that is what it is all about!

September Workshop Layouts “Tinkerin”

I finally have these layouts ready for our September Class! I have been waiting on my pictures and that defiantly finishes the layout. The first layout is similar to the workshop guide with a lot more stamping. The second layout I have changed the paper quite a bit. The third layout is one I created using the layout on page 97 of the Imagine book.






If you would like to join the workshop group please email or call me today!

Products used: X7113B "Tinkerin" Level 2 paper packet, X7113C "Tinkerin" My Stickease, Z1282 Summer Craft Buttons, Z1159 Badge Buttons, Z1111 Summer Carnival Assortment Brads, C1353 "Gear Up" Acrylix stamp set, 9030 Imagine Book, Z2160 Twilight stamp pad, Z2113 Clover Meadow stamp pad, E1013 "Field Trip" alphabet stamp set. All of these items can be purchased at my online store: http://iotamaker.myctmh.com

Iotamaker by Definition

What is an iotamaker? Well I honestly made up the word. By definition an iota is a "scrap" and I chose the word "maker" as a synonym for "scrapbooker" That is how the word "iotamaker" was born. Scrapbooking is not only my hobby but my escape. After having my first child and choosing to stay home I was really kind of bored. I needed something to do! (A new baby doesn't make that big of a mess and you can only clean your bathroom so many times in one week!) My wonderful husband suggested that I needed a hobby so I started scrapbooking again, something I had not done since high school. Then about 4 1/2 years ago at the Scrapbook Expo I discovered acrylix stamps made by Close To My Heart. How could I argue the ingenuity of these amazing clear stamps that were so easy to use, took up very little space and had an itty bitty price tag. I had to host a party and show all of my friends what I had discovered. After the party I ended up signing up as a consultant and I have enjoyed every moment since!
Now I am a mother of 4 beautiful children and the wife of the most amazing and wonderful man I have ever met. I love capturing our lives with my camera and preserving our memories one layout at a time.