CTMH's May Stamp of the Month - Cherish the Moment

May Stamp of the Month
Receive a FREE Stamp Set with your $100 purchase!

Cherish the Moment
D1421: (Set of 8) $22.95

Available: May 1 - May 30, 2010 only
(For more details click on the above image)

CTMH for Cricut Mats!!

Give the Close To My Heart Bonding Memories Glue a try!!

Wipe your mat off with a baby wipe to get all the paper lint off. The mat will still be textured. Then using the glue, “paint” the entire mat with a thin coat. You really only need a small amount. Set it aside to dry. And BAM, as good (if not better) than new.

**Caution – it makes your mat REALLY sticky, so be careful when pulling up your images.

Best part – the glue is only $6.95. (Or get it for FREE in your Close to My Heart New Consultant Kit).

And you want the larger tube, not the pen (which I love for adhering paper to chipboard and for gluing down skinny strips of paper.)

If you want to order, click HERE. And don’t forget that your order could qualify you for a discount on the Miracle Kit, our exclusive National Scrapbook Month promotion.

Close To My Heart Facebook Contest!!

Go Check Out Close To My Heart on Facebook - Click HERE!!

Share a scrapbooking tip to win $50 US in Close To My Heart product! (Tips may vary in categories: scrapbooking, photo taking, stamping, card making, papercrafting, etc.) Leave your tips in the comments and you’re entered. We’ll randomly select a winner Thursday morning at 10am. Good Luck and thanks for sharing!

Check out CTMH on NBC’s Studio 5!!

To watch Kristine Widtfeldt Vice President, Sales and Marketing from Close To My Heart show a versatile inking technique for creating beautiful projects on NBC's Sutdio 5 - click HERE.

Studio J's Introductory Promotion!!

Check Out This Special Introductory Promotion:

* You may purchase each two-page layout for just $12.95 US.

*Also, when you place a single order for 5–9 layouts, you'll receive a pack of 5 Memory Protectors FREE!!

*For placing an order for 10 or more layouts, you'll receive FREE shipping/handling plus a FREE pack of 5 Memory Protectors for every 5 layouts in the single order.

**PLUS Every time you order 10 Studio J Layouts, you will qualify for a 10% discount on a 12x12 album (valid through ME only).

All you have to do is go to my website - keeleyskreations.myctmh.com and click on the Studio J link!! Its that simple!!

Studio J Is Almost Here!!

REMINDER: Tuesday, APRIL 27 - 9:00 am central time
keeleyskreations.myctmh.com

I am here to FINALLY announce the customer release date of Close To My Heart's new digital scrapbooking program, STUDIO J.

The layouts (from our Princess Cruise in March) you see here were made by me during our consultant testing period. Trust me, you're going to LOVE this!!

Our tagline is: Real life. Real scrapbooks. Real time.

You are going to want to carefully read this whole post. It will be worth every juicy little tidbit!!


To answer a few commonly asked questions:

Q: When IS the release date?
A: TUESDAY, APRIL 27, 2010 - 8:00 am MDT. Just go to my website (keeleyskreations.myctmh.com), and there will be a tab added that day for Studio J. Click there, and you can begin playing...for FREE!! You pay NOTHING unless you order some layouts. Putting them together is TOTALLY FREE!! I love free!! In the meantime, if you haven't watched the Studio J introductory video yet, go to http://www.studioj.com/ to learn more.

Q: What is Studio J?
A: 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 my website on April 27 to explore all the possibilities. This is a great first introduction to Close To My Heart for new customers because it requires no purchase or tools—other than an Internet-connected computer—to get started. Studio layouts can be created quickly for the time-challenged, yet with many flexible options for artists who want a custom look. Plus, Studio J makes it easy and affordable to have multiple prints of the same layout created, perfect for gift-giving to friends and family.

Q: I LOVE traditional scrapbooking. Will Studio J take away from that?
A: Absolutely NOT!! There is room for both in your life. I am living proof. I love them both for totally different reasons. I love the artistic feel of hands on paper and embellishments. I Studio J™ is free online design software that allows you and your customers 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 love the speed and ease and professional look of Studio J. I would probably never have gotten to work on our cruise album had it not been for Studio J. It takes no time at all to put together professional looking layouts in a very short amount of time. Plus, you can always order Studio layouts and then add a few 'lumpy bumpies' of your own once they come if you have a serious need to do the tactile thing.

Q: I am not a traditional kind of scrapbooker. I have been scrapbooking digitally for years. Is Studio J something that I will like?
A: No doubt about it!! I have looked at and tried several different digital offerings out there, and in my opinion, NOTHING can compete with Studio J in quality, concept, cost or beauty!!

Q: So seriously, how much does it cost?
A: There is NO COST to use the program. You have no software or hardware to purchase or download. Unless you make a layout (defined as a two page 12 x 12 layout) and decide to purchase it, there is absolutely no cost. Once you decide to purchase, each 2 page layout is introductory priced at $12.95. That is WAY below the industry average!! And, if you purchase 5-9 two-page layouts at a time, CTMH will throw in 5 free page protectors. 10 or more and you get FREE SHIPPING, as well as a package of 5 page protectors for every 5 layouts in the order. Once ordered, Close To My Heart prints your layouts on high quality photo paper (I wish you could see the quality of my photographed layouts above in person) and sends them to you. Mine arrived within days of when I ordered them.

Q: What if I make a layout and want to save it and purchase it with a group of layouts at a later date?
A: No worries!! That is actually the smart way to do it anyway. CTMH will save your projects for 90 days. And, every time you make a purchase your 90 days start over. So, say you make several layouts and then purchase them on day 80. Your 90 day clock starts over. They are saved again. On top of all of that, CTMH even emails you periodically to remind you where your project clock is.

Q: In a nutshell, how does this "Studio J" thing work?
A: These are the steps to creating an amazing 2-page layout:

* Upload some of your favorite photos
* Choose from one of the 54 awesome kits (including most of your faves from our Idea Books plus some that are exclusive to Studio J).
* Choose a layout pattern. There are MANY to choose from. They are like the patterns you'll find in our wonderful "how to" books like Cherish, Imagine, Reflections. The possibilities are endless because all the patterns you can choose from can be rotated 3 ways and flip flopped.
* Now personalize! You get to drop your photos in, add text, choose cardstock and background and texture papers from the kit, add accessories (just about every accessory item you can imagine!), distressing, titling, MyStickease, and so much more.
* Save and/or buy your layout(s).

Q: If I'm not the techiest of techies, or even techie at all, will I be able to do this?
A: YES!! This program is great for techies and non-techies alike. The program is VERY intuitive.

I am SOOO EXCITED about this program. I know you are going to love it. So mark Tuesday, April 27 at 9 am Central on your calendar. You won't want to miss it!!

If you have any questions, I am MORE than happy to answer them. Email me at keeleyskreations@myctmh.com.

If you have lots of friends who love digital, you might even want to consider signing up to be a Close To My Heart Consultant with your own website so that you can make money (cha-ching) while they fall in love with Studio J!! You can do that right now while you are waiting for Tuesday.

Go to keeleyskreations.myctmh.com, then on "Your Opportunities" and then follow the prompts. You can become a Close To My Heart Consultant for as little as $99!! Consultants new to Studio J will also have the opportunity to purchase their initial preview order that includes the first 10 layouts for $9.95.

Mother's Day Card Workshop

Come join me in making these cute flower pot cards for those wonderful Mother's in your life!!
(Don't feel like making them Mother's Day cards - change out the sentiment and make them what you want: Birthday, Anniversary, Thank You, etc.)

WHEN:
Tuesday, April 27 at 7:00 pm
Saturday, May 1 at 1:00 pm
Sunday, May 2 at 10:00 am before the Summer Idea Book Open House which is at 1:00 pm

WHERE: My House - Madison, WI

COST: Make 4 cards for $12.00

RSVP: Email me at keeleykreations@myctmh.com

Can't make the workshop but still want to make the cards - Contact Me about getting a Kit!!

Studio J Layouts - Tortola

Here are some more Studio J layouts that I made from our second stop on our cruise - Tortola.

Have I told you how much I LOVE Studio J!! It makes creating scrapbooking layouts a snap!! It is so user friendly and easy to use. I could get this album done in no time flat!!

Here's a little breakdown of Day 2: Eight of us decided it would be fun to tour the island via Sprees while the other six decided to be less adventurous and head straight to the beach via a taxi. We had an awesome time!! We toured the island with a couple detours to visit some local bars and then met them at the beach for a day of relaxation!! Then it was time to head back to the ship!!

To view previous Studio J Layouts from our cruise click the below links:
San Juan, Puerto Rico
St. Thomas

** Studio J Layout featuring Rough 'n' Tumble Paper Pack

** Studio J Layout featuring Magic Moments Paper Pack

** Studio J Layout featuring Moon Doggie Paper Pack

** Studio J Layout featuring Simple Pleasures Paper Pack

Studio J Layouts - St. Thomas

Here are some more Studio J layouts that I made from our first stop on our cruise - St. Thomas. We took a tour of the island, stopped and had some tasty banana and rum smoothies, swam at a beach resort, and then when we got back to the ship we showered and changed for our first formal night!!

To view previous Studio J Layouts click the below links:
San Juan, Puerto Rico


** Studio J Layout featuring Back Country Paper Pack

** Studio J Layout featuring Free Spirit Paper Pack

** Studio J Layout featuring Caprice Paper Pack

** Studio J Layout featuring BoomDiAda Paper Pack

** Studio J Layout featuring Silhouette Paper Pack

Veranda Level 3 CTMH Artwork

Check out this gorgeous layout and two cards which are located on page 8 of the Close To My Heart 2010 Spring Idea Book. Below are Tips & Techniques for you as well as Recipes for you to recreate these wonderful works of art!!

Tips & Techniques:
Coloring with a Waterbrush:
* Stamp image using StazOn Ink
* Using a waterbrush, squeeze out just enough water to slightly dampen brush. Touch brush directly to ink pad to pick up color. Apply a layer of color to the image, always starting in the same place. Keep in mind that the strongest intensity of ink will be where the brush first touches.
* Allow color to dry completely (use a craft heater to speed the process). Apply a second layer in a complementary color. Start in the same place and pull color towards the outside edges, being careful not to completely cover original color.

Recipe for the 12" x 12" Brianna Layout:
Reflections: Front & Center - Focal:
D1401 Authentic Stamp Set
X7119B Veranda Level 2 Paper Packet
Z2165 Juniper Exlusive Inks Pad
Z2114 Cocoa Exclusive Inks Pad
Z2120 Garden Green Exclusive Inks Pad
Z1142 Brown StazOn Ink Pad
Z1094 Embroidery Floss Green Assortment
Z1266 Just Blooms Spring Blossom Paper Flowers
Z1269 Filigree Charms
Z1217 Brads Metal Assortment
X1406 Color-Ready Alphabets Hodge Podge
Z578 Corner Rounder

Recipe for the 4 1/4" x 5 1/2" You Are So Sweet Card
Wishes: Simple Expression:
C1389 So Sweet Stamp Set
X7119B Veranda Level 2 Paper Packet
Z2165 Juniper Exclusive Inks Pad
Z2167 Creme Brulee Exclusive Inks Pad
Z2120 Garden Green Exclusive Inks Pad
Z2164 Sorbet Exclusive Inks Pad
Z1142 Brown StazOn Ink Pad
Z1096 Embroidery Floss Neutral Assortment
Z1131 Designer Ribbon Rounds Creme Brulee Collection
Z134 Prisma Glitter
X679 Liquid Glass
Z1263 Bitty Sparkles
1771 Waterbrush

Recipe for the 8" x 3 1/2" Authentic Friend Card
Wishes: Right Design:
D1401 Authentic Stamp Set
X7119B Veranda Level 2 Paper Packet
Z2114 Cocoa Exclusive Inks Pad
Z2120 Garden Green Exclusive Inks Pad
Z2165 Juniper Exclusive Inks Pad
Z2167 Creme Brulee Exclusive Inks Pad
Z1142 Brown StazOn Ink Pad
Z1131 Designer Ribbon Rounds Creme Brulee Collection
Z1217 Brads Metal Assortment
Z1094 Embroidery Floss Green Assortment
1771 Waterbrush

If you would like to purchase any of these Close To My Heart Products please go to my website: keeleyskreations.myctmh.com

New CTMH Summer 2010 Consultant Kit!!

WOW...how would you like...

* A box of goodies delivered right to your door full of brand new CTMH products?

* A generous starting discount of 22% on all of your favorites?

* A chance to add creativity, community and income to your life?

* An upline who is there to help you every step of the way?

* Training avaliable 24/7 on your schedule from creative to business to personal?

* Turn key workshops that are profitable?

* A company that recognizes you are a human being - not just a number and thinks of YOU when they make changes and add new programs and policies?


If you answered yes to any or all of these questions, then what are you waiting for?



This kit could be in your hands in just days, and you can decide what role you want to play. I have a team of consultants that are on all different levels of the playing field.

Home businesses are NOT what they used to be—you know, buying thousands of dollars in products, hoping to retail them to your family, friends and neighbors.

Today, home businesses are marketed, managed and supported on the Internet. Products are drop-shipped to customers. Emails have taken the place of door-to-door selling. Training is now done online or by teleconference, webinar and so much more.

SO, WHERE DO YOU SEE YOURSELF?
Business Builder – Work with customers to hold home gatherings, create clubs, have fun at weekend crops and host workshops. Make additional income to contribute to your family. Wake up with a purpose to your day – owning your own business!

Studio J Consultant – You have fallen in LOVE with digital or online scrapbooking. The ease and timeliness of creating these Studio J layouts works with your lifestyle. Between you and your friends & family, you are creating about 10 layouts per month at a 22% discount.

Club Coordinator – You have a group of friends that love Close to My Heart as much as you do. Get 4 or more of them together once a month to create one of CTMH's Workshop on the Go and get at least a 22% discount on your purchases.

Personal Use Consultant – You and a couple of your friends really like CTMH's products. You submit $300 or more in orders per quarter and get at least a 22% discount on all your purchases.

Junior Consultant – You like CTMH's products and can't resist getting more than $300 for only $99. You might order a few things a year at a 10% discount.

As you can see, there is a place for EVERYONE at Close to My Heart. You can be in this, as a business or a hobbyist - FOR yourself, but never BY yourself.

It is so easy to get started! Sign Up Today!

You can do everything electronically by going to my website and following the steps below:

1. Go to keeleyskreations.myctmh.com

2. Click on “Your Opportunities”

3. At the bottom of the screen, locate the line: To sign up or for more information to become a Consultant. “Click Here".

4. It’ll take you into the application.

5. It should only take about 5 minutes to completely do the application.

6. You’ll receive a confirmation e-mail from CTMH within a few days, at which time you’ll have access to the website (with the username and password you input on the application). You will receive your kit in about 1 week to 10 days!

If you have any questions or concerns, feel free to contact me. I’m here to help you!!

Close To My Heart Is On Facebook!!

Check it out! You’ve helped Close To My Heart reach 10,000 fans on Facebook!

Let’s do something to celebrate: Tell your friends and family to become fans of Close To My Heart, and when we reach 15,000, the first ONE THOUSAND people to place product orders on any Consultant’s MyCTMH shopping site will receive this adorable apron abso...lutely free! It’s a custom designed apron, valued at $14.95 US.

Tell everyone you know—your free apron awaits!

Close To My Heart's Facebook Page

My Close to my Heart website is https://keeleyskreations.myctmh.com/.

Don't forget to make sure that CTMH's Facebook page hits 15,000 first!!

April's Crop 'Til Ya Drop!!

WHO: You and your friends
WHEN: From Noon to Midnight - Saturday, April 17, 2010
WHERE: Badger Room @ the Baymont Suites (sister hotel to the Holiday Inn where we were in March and to the Comfort Suites where we will be in May)
8102 Excelsior Drive, Madison - (608) 831-7711
http://wiscohotels.com/wiscobaymont/index.phpchebs=gl_baymontmad
COST: $5.00 per person to cover the room rental
RSVP: keeleyskreations@myctmh.com or (608) 320-9801


FOOD & DRINK:
George's Chop House will deliver their pizzas if we are interested. Otherwise, if you want to leave for dinner and come back you are more than welcome to. If you would like something to drink they provide water, but you will need to bring your own drinks.

INDOOR WATERPARK:
The Baymont does not have a waterpark, but we are still able to use the Holiday Inn Hotel & Suites'. It is a very short drive over to it...just around the corner. The Holiday Inn Hotel & Suites offers Crawdaddy Cove, a year round indoor water park offering families and guest complete fun and safe entertainment. All ages will love the SS Crawdaddy Shrimp Boat and the unique atmosphere of the Louisiana Bayou Adventure. We are able to use the waterpark for only $4 (normal price is $15) per person. If you are interested please e-mail me right away to get on the list. I should know 1-3 days before the crop if I can get tickets as they are given to the hotel guests first.

ORDERING:
You are not required to purchase any CTMH products. This is strictly to get together and have some fun so bring whatever you want to work on. I will have Idea Books available to browse, and orders are always more than welcome. In addition to having CTMH products available, I will also have non-CTMH items for sale.

HOURLY GIVEAWAYS & GRAND PRIZE:
There will be hourly giveaways that you must be in attendance to win. I also am giving away a Grand Prize at midnight. You do not need to be present to win that.

CROP DATES for 2010:
I have booked the following dates for the remainder of the year at the Holiday Inn Hotel & Suites for our Crop 'Til Ya Drop Outings.

May 15
June 12
July 17
August 14 or 21 (my daughter's 2nd birthday is the 24th so not sure when we are doing her family party up north)
September 18
October 16
November 20
December 11

If you have any questions please contact me at keeleyskreations@myctmh.com

Hope to see you there!!

New CTMH Art & Soul Episode - Live Your Dreams

A new episode of Art & Soul® is now available!!

Imagination knows no limits, and creativity reaches as far as you can dream. Jump right into new techniques and gorgeous artwork, including a wall hanging that will take your breath away!!

Click HERE to watch the new Art & Soul Episode - Live Your Dreams!


Recipe For Layout:
D1403 My Acrylix® Star Power
X7122B You Rock Level 2 Paper Packet
Z2137 Olive Exclusive Inks® Pad
Z2140 Outdoor Denim Exclusive Inks® Pad
Z2240 Outdoor Denim Exclusive Inks® Re-inker
Z2230 Indian Corn Blue Exclusive Inks® Re-inker
Z2247 Smokey Plum Exclusive Inks® Re-inker
Z2223 Goldrush Exclusive Inks® Re-inker
Z1263 Bitty Sparkles
Z1221 Glitter Rub-Ons Remarks
Z1129 Designer Ribbon Rounds™ Outdoor Denim Collection
Z697 Sponge
Z1151 3-D Foam Tape
Staples
Baby Wipes

** To place an order click HERE **

CTMH's April Campaign: Miracle

The Miracle kit is miraculously easy to put together; it was designed with every scrapbooker in mind from beginner to expert. The kit has a flexible color scheme with inkable elements that you can color to pull out an accent color of your choice—making the kit incredibly versatile, no matter the photos you’re working with. You'll receive a full color instructional brochure for creating two coordinating 2-page layouts using products designed just for this kit:

5 - Colonial White Cardstock Sheets
1 - Bamboo Cardstock Sheet
1 - Exclusive Floral B&T Duos Paper
1 - Exclusive Stripe B&T Duos Paper
1 - Exclusive Crystal Blue Circle B&T Duos Die-Cut Sheet
1 - Exclusive Sweet Leaf Bracket B&T Duos Die Cut Sheet
1 - Exclusive 6" x 12" My Stickease Assortment
1 - Exclusive 6" x 9" Irresistibles Chipboard Die-Cut Sheet
1 - Mini-Medley Accents Colonial White Collection
12" Colonial White Waxy Flax
3 - 4" x 6" Memory Protectors Flip Flaps
2 - Sponges

These Level 2 layouts require no stamping, just a willingness to have fun and engage your imagination. After creating the two layouts, you can use your remaining product on other layouts, cards, or projects to keep the Miracle going!! Remember you don't have to use the Miracle kit for scrapbooking layouts...think outside the box, and use it for cards, a mini album, etc. the options are endless.

How can I get my crafty little hands on this Miracle kit?!?!
* When you place a minimum order of $40, you can get this great kit for $10. You will receive about twice that value in Miracle kit products to create 4 scrapbook pages — that's only $2.50 per page!

* Best Deal: When you purchase a minimum of $60 in Close To My Heart products, you can get this great kit for $5. You will receive about four times that value in Miracle kit products to create 4 scrapbook pages — that's only $1.25 per page — and you'll earn a 50% discount on the Stamp of the Month! It's a great money savings for a darling spring-themed kit with versatile colors and designs.

Can the Miracle kit help me get more FREE product if I host a Home Gathering in April or May?!?!
* The price the customer pays for their kit(s) counts toward Gathering totals and may help you as the hostess receive Hostess Rewards. AWESOME!!

Can the Miracle kit help me earn the April or May Stamp of the Month?!?!
* Absolutely!! The amount you spend on the Miracle kit (either $19.95, $10, or $5) will count toward your Stamp of the Month discount!! Those who make a qualifying purchase to buy the Miracle kit for $5 will also qualify for 50% off the Stamp of the Month!! A double-deal!!

Are you looking to join my Close To My Heart team?
* For joining during May, you'll receive $19.95 worth of product FREE!!
* You'll have more display items to showcase at your first Home Gatherings when you create the Miracle kit layouts — which you'll get FREE!!
* If you're new to scrapbooking, no worries!! The Miracle kit includes a brochure with guidance for creating two new layouts. A great learning experience right out of the shoot!!

So Don't Delay...Order Your Miracle Kit Today!!

You can place your order on my website - keeleyskreations.myctmh.com

CTMH's April Scrapbooking Workshop - Veranda!!

Sunday, April 25 from 1 to 5 p.m.
Kirwan House - 9 Mammoth Circle, Madison, WI - (608) 320-9801

** Must RSVP by Thursday, April 15 **

4 Layouts - $22.00

What You Will Receive:
* A full pack of Level 2 Veranda Paper
* Pre-cut up card bases and card pieces for workshop
* A full pack of Filigree Charms
* Use of My Veranda Workshop Guide
* Use of My Stamp Sets - Follow Your Heart & the Large Chocolate Alphabet Set
* Use of My Ink Pads - Creme Brulee, Garden Green, Tulip and Brown Staz-On Ink
* Use of My How-To Book: Imagine
* Use of My Tools - Sponges, Sponge Daubers and Acrylic Blocks

If you want to purchase the additional embellishments used in the above cards here's what you will need:
* Mini-Medley Accents Antiqued Copper Collection - $4.95
* Just Blooms Spring Blossoms - $7.95

Want to own the EXCLUSIVE B-Sized Stamp Set: Follow Your Heart?
Purchase the Kit which includes the Veranda Level 2 Paper Packet, the Filigree Charms, the exclusive stamp set and the workshop guide for only $35.00.

AWESOME DEAL:
Do you like to make cards as well? You can make these 4 layouts plus 12 cards for only a little bit extra and still have plenty of paper and embellishments left over to make more great cards or layouts when you get home. Contact me to find out how!!

LIVE OUT OF TOWN OR NOT ABLE TO ATTEND:
No Problem!! You can still join in on the fun and do this great workshop!! I can put the layout kits together and send them to you!! Contact me for more details.

CTMH's April Cardmaking Workshop - Veranda!!

Sunday, April 25 from 1 to 5 p.m.
Kirwan House - Madison, WI - (608) 320-9801

** Must RSVP by Thursday, April 15 **

12 Cards (2 each of 6 designs) - $22.00

What You Will Receive:
* A full pack of Level 2 Veranda Paper
* Pre-cut up card bases and card pieces for workshop
* A full pack of Filigree Charms
* Use of My Veranda Workshop Guide
* Use of My Stamp Set - Follow Your Heart
* Use of My Ink Pads - Creme Brulee, Garden Green, Tulip and Brown Staz-On Ink
* Use of My How-To Book: Wishes
* Use of My Tools - Sponges, Sponge Daubers and Acrylic Blocks

If you want to purchase the additional embellishments used in the above cards here's what you will need:
* Mini-Medley Accents Antiqued Copper Collection - $4.95
* Just Blooms Spring Blossoms - $7.95

Want to own the EXCLUSIVE B-Sized Stamp Set: Follow Your Heart?
Purchase the Kit which includes the Veranda Level 2 Paper Packet, the Filigree Charms, the exclusive stamp set and the workshop guide for only $35.00.

AWESOME DEAL:
Do you like to scrapbook as well? You can make these 12 cards plus 4 additional layouts for only a little bit extra and still have plenty of paper and embellishments left over to make more great cards or layouts when you get home. Contact me to find out how!!

LIVE OUT OF TOWN OR NOT ABLE TO ATTEND:
No Problem!! You can still join in on the fun and do this great workshop!! I can put the card kits together and send them to you!! Contact me for more details.

March 7 - San Juan

Since I am so far behind with my kiddo's albums that I will probably never get to traditionally scrapbooking our cruise, I decided I would give Close To My Heart's Studio J a try. Wow is all I can say. I was a little leary at first...but it was much easier than I thought it would be and once I got started I really was having a lot of fun.

You can get a double page layout done in about half an hour once you get the hang of things. I can do it from my bed, from my recliner, from my desk at work on my lunch hour, from my parent's house, etc. All you need is a network connection and access to my Close To My Heart website. It will be FREE to play with!! Does it get better than that?!?!

I plan to write up a post to explain what all it can do, etc. but for now you can enjoy my layouts from my cruise...hehehe. Studio J should be avaible to customers sometime this month. I will for sure let you know when you can start playing!!

Here's our first day of vacation. We flew in to San Juan, Puerto Rico around 11:45 and took a taxi to our hotel. We then sat and played euchre until the rest of our friends arrived who were staying in the same hotel. We then all piled in a taxi and headed out to meet another group of our friends at a local bar - The Video Bar.

**Studio J Layout featuring Floral Tapestry Paper Pack

Nathan's Thoughts...

My friend Jen posted this on her blog with her 4 year old's answers. I thought it was way cute and couldn't wait to see what Nathan had to say!

Here are the instructions:
Without ANY prompting, ask your child these questions and write down EXACTLY what he/she says. It is a great way to find out what he or she really thinks.

1. What is something mom always says to you?
I love you!!

2. What makes mom happy?
Me not saying mean things.

3. What makes mom sad?
When I say shut-up

4. How does your mom make you laugh?
When you tickle me.

5. What was your mom like as a child?
You like Scooby Doo.

6. How old is your mom?
28

7. How tall is your mom?
Jumps up and stretches as far as he can reach upward

8. What is mom's favorite thing to do?
Play Candyland with me.

9. What does mom do when you're not around?
Your sad.

10. If mom became famous, what will it be for????
Playing tag and hide and seek.

11. What is mom really good at?
Scrapbooking!!

12. What is mom not very good at?
I think your good at everything.

13. What does mom do for a job?
Scrapbooks.

14. What is mom's favorite food?
Mac and Cheese

15. What makes you proud of mom?
Playing with me.

16. If mom were a character, who would she be?
Scrapbook Girl

17. What do you and mom do together?
Play with each other.

18. How are you and mom the same?
Because we love each other.

19. How are you and mom different?
Because God made us different.

20. How do you know mom loves you?
Because we sit by each other, and play with books and play with cars and you say you love me.

21. What does mom like most about dad?
Not being mad at him and being married with each other.

22. Where is mom's favorite place to go?
At Grandma's

23. How old was mom when you were born?
I dunno.

Summer 2010 CTMH Open House...

Mark Your Calendars...Because you will want to join me on Sunday, May 2 at 1:00 at my home (Madison, WI). I will be hosting my Summer 2010 Close To My Heart Open House!! The Summer Idea Books just arrived via my favorite man in brown (UPS). WOOHOO!!

I will have snacks and beverages, chances to win great prizes every half hour, brand new products for your viewing pleasure in your FREE Idea Book just for attending, 4 cards for $5 (a sneak peak attached) and a Great Grand Prize. So come and have some fun on Sunday, May 2 at 1:00.

Please RSVP by Friday, May 1 so I make sure to have enough card supplies on-hand.

FYI...Want More Chances to Win the Grand Prize:

1 extra ticket - Be on-time
2 extra tickets - Bring a friend I have not done business with before
3 extra tickets - Donate to Operation Smile
4 extra tickets - Place an order of $50 or more
5 extra tickets - Book your own Home Gathering
A Special Gift - Sign up to become a Consultant

Live out of town and wish you could attend. Well you can!! I will send you your FREE Idea Book and Card Supplies!! E-mail Me!!

Don't miss out on all the fun. RSVP Today!!

Club Members: You get your Idea Books now...too bad you gotta wait to order from them until May 1st though...hehehe. :o) You still don't want to miss out on the Open House and a look at the new stuff up close and personal and make some great new cards.

I wanted to send out a HUGE thank you to all of you who round your Close To My Heart order totals up to the nearest dollar in support of Operation Smile. Jeanette Lynton posted this on her blog, and I thought I would share.

I received an amazing e-mail today from Operation Smile that’s left tears in my eyes and a prayer of gratitude in my heart. I wanted to share it with ALL OF YOU, as you are the reason Close To My Heart is able to be a major contributor to Operation Smile. The message comes from one of our friends at Operation Smile’s corporate headquarters, and it had the following subject line: “A big thank you message from the children of Rwanda!”

Here’s an excerpt from the e-mail:
Thank you so much for your extraordinary support. Once again and despite the economic downturn, you and the fabulous team at Close To My Heart seem to find a way to rise to the occasion and exceed your goals. With great pleasure, we wanted to share this tribute message with you in hopes of reminding you just how special you are to so many, especially the children around the world!

If you look closely, you’ll see some of these children are only a day or two post-surgery, while others are anxiously waiting their big day. By now, I’m sure, their smiles are as full and bright as the possibilities in their futures.

The following photo was included with the e-mail—if a picture is worth a thousand words, this one could write a book:

Life is good. YOU are good. Thank you for making great things possible.

CTMH's April Stamp of the Month - Flower Pot

April Stamp of the Month
Receive a FREE Stamp Set with your $100 purchase!

Flower Pot
D1409: (Set of 16) $22.95

Available: April 1 - April 30, 2009 only
(For more details click on the above image)