Monday, November 30, 2015

Cyber WEEK Sale


For five days only, 
a selection of items from Close To My Heart’s current product inventory 
can be yours for 25% off retail price! 

Get supplies you’ll need to make handcrafted gifts and cards for the holidays, including our Cricut® Artfully Sent Collection, at an amazing discount! 

This offer is available for a limited time only, so hurry on over to my Online Shopping Tab (see above), and make the most of your holiday preparations! 

 All items will be shown in a special shopping menu entitled “Cyberweek Sale!

Get 25% off selected items, including:

 Z3111 Base & Bling Snowflake Charm—Faux Gold
 Z3112 Base & Bling Jingle Bell—Faux Gold
 Z3135 Base & Bling Snowflake Charm—Faux Silver 
Z3136 Base & Bling Jingle Bell—Faux Silver 
Z3138 Base & Bling Red Bead Charm—Faux Gold 
Z3139 Base & Bling Red Bead Charm—Faux Silver 
Z3180 Picture My Life™ Going Places Scrapbooking Program
 Z3147 Cut Above™ Dapper Giraffe Card Kit
 Z2028 Designer Creations Short Stack Album 
Z2036 Designer Creations Slate Paper Bags
 Z2037 Designer Creations Lagoon Paper Bags
 Z2038 Designer Creations Ruby Paper Bags 
Z2039 Designer Creations Honey Paper Bags
 Z2049 Designer Creations Cupcake Box
 Z2050 Designer Creations Takeout Box 
Z2053 Designer Creations Buttoned Bag 
Z1838 5" x 7" Hinged Display Tray
 Z1750 Designed Décor Display Tray
 Z2006 Designed Décor Red Magnetic Chalkboard
 Z2015 Designed Décor Black Shadow Box
 Z2016 Designed Décor Colonial White Shadow Box 
Z1833 My Creations™ Kraft Container 
Z1871 My Creations™ Kraft 3-Ring Album 
Z1953 My Creations™ Journaling Cards Box 
Z1956 My Creations™ Hip Pics Album 
Z3043 My Creations™ Black Mini Book
 Z3044 My Creations™ Kraft Mini Book 
Z3069 My Creations™ Mini Mix Album 
Z3137 My Creations™ Pint-Sized Container
 Z3168 Cricut® Artfully Sent Collection
 Z1476 4 ¼" x 5 ½" White Daisy Envelopes
 Z1477 5" x 7" White Daisy Envelopes
 Z1478 6" x 6" White Daisy Envelopes
 Z1756 3" x 3" Colonial White Envelopes 
Z1757 4 ¼" x 5 ½" Colonial White Envelopes 
Z1758 5" x 7" Colonial White Envelopes 
Z1759 6" x 6" Colonial White Envelopes
 Z1851 Scallop Border Punch
 Z1997 Triangle Border Punch 3

 Offer valid Monday, November 30, 2015 (9:00 am MST) through Friday, December 4, 2015 (4:00 pm MST) while supplies last. Shipping/handling is calculated based on the full retail price of any discounted items.

Friday, November 20, 2015

Retirement With Watercolor Paints

This week I was asked to make a retirement card.  I can not say for who and whom but I can show the card because I do not think the person it is for follows my blog.  

I actually made this card three times because I just was not happy with the way the flowers were coming out.  So I kept at it until I finally found a combination that I liked.  

Here is the mess that I was making on Thursday.  Sometimes you just have to keep working on a technique until you get a finished product that you like.  

CTMH does sell 12 x 12 watercolor paper (Z3146) but for this card I did not want to cut up a sheet of the paper so I raided my daughters' stash of art supplies and found watercolor 4x6 packs.  This size was perfect for me to practice on without feeling like I was wasting my CTMH paper. 


This morning  I sat down at my desk and really looked at my bits and pieces of this card. This morning it looked better to me or maybe I just slept more and my brain was working better. 


It is really hard to see the colors in this card but I was using papers from a new paper pack that will be coming out soon.  Be on the lookout for "Charlotte".

I just have one more card to make that this person requested but I am waiting on a special supply to come in from Amazon that CTMH does not carry but I will post the why and what's about that card as soon as it is finished and the cat is out of the bag.  Sorry for all of the secrecy but it is part of a gift for someone.

Hint:  I will be using glossy sticker paper

See you soon! 

Wednesday, November 18, 2015

Salt Lake City - The Adventure






 So I am home and have had a chance to gather a few more photos to round out my CTMH Album Retreat Adventure.  As some of you know I have wanted to be able to go to a CTMH album retreat for YEARS - but working in a hospital prevented me from taking time of during the months of November or December. Not only is that prime flu season but also those are holiday months and that means no personal time off.  

This year is the first year since my retirement from Presby Plano that CTMH has hosted an album retreat and I think I was one of the first ones to sign up - like that fast!   So this was a BIG DEAL for me.

(Photo courtesy of Patricia Williams)

So the way this works - a few weeks before the retreat CTMH sent the attendants a list of basic supplies to bring with us.  They also sent us a list of what photos to bring including sizes.   We were also told the theme of the album was "Me".

A couple of days after that list came out CTMH Corp said that they were going to open a Studio J album just for Album retreat.  All we have to do is pop our photos in the wells, summit the layouts and they would be waiting in SLC when we arrived for the retreat. SCORE!

So on the first day along with all of the goodies in the above photo we also received our photos - printed and ready to go.  Let me take a moment to say that I was very thankful for the CTMH jacket - because someone did not take a jacket and it was COLD and SNOWED in SLC while I was there.

(photo courtesy of CTMH FB page)

See that lady in the above photo? 
 Do you know who she is?


That my friends is THE Stacy Julian!!! 
Like the founder of Simple Scrapbooks Magazine and the creator of 


Many moons ago she was a D.O.T.S. (CTMH former name) consultant and she still comes back to us during conventions to be a guest speaker.  I love to hear her speak about scrapbooking and her family and how she mixes the two. 

She not only was our keynote speaker but she stayed the entire weekend to play with us, and yes I was a fan girl and not only worked up the courage to speak to her but she also gave me a hug (squeeee)! 

(photo courtesy of CTMH FB page)
(Monica & Stacy)

After Stacy spoke we got down to the business of creating some pages.  On the 1st  1/2 day  we finished 2 layouts, the 2nd day we did 6 layouts and on the 3rd day we finished 4 layouts.  We were working at a top speed because there are a total of 11 layouts or 22 pages!

Each day the staff would pass out bags with all of the paper supplies that we would need for each project.  Each layout combines a couple different packs of paper for a unique look. 

Day One Layouts

Cover Page 
My Story Layout
D1686 Noted Stamp Set
Z2172 Whisper Ink Pad
Z3166 Fundamental Sticker Basics Pack
Z3105 Fundamental Assortment Gold
Z3095 Whisper Thick Twine
(Charlotte Paper Pack) 

Fast Forward Layout

C1619 So Many Smiles Stamp Set 
D1686 Noted Stamp Set
D1661 Crazy Good Stamp Set
Z2105 Black Ink Pad
Z2197 Pear Ink Pad
Z2644 Pixie Ink Pad 
Z3166 Fundamental Sticker Basics Pack
Z3105 Fundamental Assortment Gold
Z3095 Whisper Thick Twine
Z3089 Grey Enamel Gems
Z3132 Watercolor Paints
Z1979 Journaling Pen
(Fundamentals Paper pack)

(photo courtesy of CTMH FB page)

On the first full day of the retreat the CTMH Executive staff did a Q & A session with us.  It was fun getting some behind the scene peeks to the what and why of the company.

After the Q & A it was more fun with paper flying.
 (Photo courtesy of Patricia Williams)

My table mate, Patricia Williams took some really good photos so I am stealing them from FB to give you a better view of the fun we had.

 (Photo courtesy of Patricia Williams)

I am not sure how Patricia was able to get me to look at the camera because most of the time I was head down and taking care of business.  I was determined to get my layouts done before I came home!  

Day 2 Layouts

Words To Live By

 This photo was taken while I was working on the page. 



 D1686 Noted Stamp Set
D1661 Crazy Good Stamp Set
Z2105 Black Ink Pad
Z2164 Sorbet Ink Pad
Z2013 Sequins Silver Assortment
Z3166 Fundamental Sticker Basics Pack 
 Z3095 Whisper Thick Twine
Z3132 Watercolor Paints
Z1979 Journaling Pen 
Z3188 Paintbrush Set
Z3146 Watercolor Paper
(Charlotte Paper Pack) 

Memories Layout


D1686 Noted Stamp Set
Z2644 Pixie Ink Pad 
Z2643 Canary Ink Pad
Z3166 Fundamental Sticker Basics Pack
Z3089 Grey Enamel Gems
Z3132 Watercolor Paints
Z3188 Paintbrush Set
Z1979 Journaling Pen
Z1985 Gold Shimmer Trim 
Z3146 Watercolor Paper
(Georgie Paper pack)

Creating Me Layout



 D1686 Noted Stamp Set
C1626 Hexagonal Patterns Stamp Set
Z2105 Black Ink Pad
Z2197 Pear Ink Pad
Z2193 Cotton Candy Ink Pad
Z2641 Glacier Ink Pad
Z3166 Fundamental Sticker Basics Pack
Z2013 Sequins Silver Assortment
Z3095 Whisper Thick Twine
Z3132 Watercolor Paints
Z3188 Paintbrush Set
Z3181 PML Beautiful You Cards
Z3146 Watercolor Paper
(Georgie Paper pack) 
or
(Charlotte Paper Pack) 

Inspired By Layout


 D1686 Noted Stamp Set
Z2105 Black Ink Pad
Z2172 Whisper Ink Pad
Z2193 Cotton Candy Ink Pad
Z3105 Fundamental Assortment Gold
Z3089 Grey Enamel Gems
Z3095 Whisper Thick Twine
Z1979 Journaling Pen
Z3181 PML Beautiful You Cards

Celebrate Layout
For me this was my toughest layout to complete.  We were using a template to stencil the watercolor hexagons onto watercolor paper.  Mind you we are working on very narrow banquet style tables and we were all scared we were going to spill the little cups of water needed for the watercolor paints.
If I was going to "re-do" any of the layouts this one would be it.


 D1686 Noted Stamp Set
D1661 Crazy Good Stamp Set
C1626 Hexagonal Patterns Stamp Set
Z2193 Cotton Candy Ink Pad
Z2105 Black Ink Pad
Z2644 Pixie Ink Pad 
Z2164 Sorbet Ink Pad
Z2643 Canary Ink Pad
Z2172 Whisper Ink Pad
Z3166 Fundamental Sticker Basics Pack
Z3089 Grey Enamel Gems
Z1979 Journaling Pen
Z3146 Watercolor Paper
Z3132 Watercolor Paints
Z3188 Paintbrush Set

And So It Begins Layout

 D1686 Noted Stamp Set
Z2653 Pomegranate Ink Pad
Z2164 Sorbet Ink Pad
Z3166 Fundamental Sticker Basics Pack
Z3105 Fundamental Assortment Gold
Z1985 Gold Shimmer Trim 
Z3146 Watercolor Paper
Z3132 Watercolor Paints
Z3188 Paintbrush Set
(Fundamentals Paper pack)

Day 3 Layouts

Life Journey Layout


 D1686 Noted Stamp Set
Z2105 Black Ink Pad
Z3166 Fundamental Sticker Basics Pack
3105 Fundamental Assortment Gold
Z1985 Gold Shimmer Trim 
Z1979 Journaling Pen
Z3146 Watercolor Paper
Z3132 Watercolor Paints
Z3188 Paintbrush Set
(Fundamentals Paper pack)

Sharing The Story


 D1686 Noted Stamp Set
C1626 Hexagonal Patterns Stamp Set
Z2193 Cotton Candy Ink Pad
Z2105 Black Ink Pad
Z2172 Whisper Ink Pad
Z2192 Pacifica Ink Pad
Z3166 Fundamental Sticker Basics Pack
Z1985 Gold Shimmer Trim 
Z3089 Grey Enamel Gems
Z1979 Journaling Pen
Z3146 Watercolor Paper
Z3132 Watercolor Paints
Z3188 Paintbrush Set
Z2027 Mini Stapler
Z3181 PML Beautiful You Cards
(Fundamentals Paper pack)

Right Here Right Now


D1686 Noted Stamp Set
Z2105 Black Ink Pad
Z2013 Sequins Silver Assortment
Z3166 Fundamental Sticker Basics Pack
Z1979 Journaling Pen
Z3146 Watercolor Paper
Z3132 Watercolor Paints
Z3188 Paintbrush Set
(Georgie Paper pack) 
(Charlotte Paper Pack) 
(Fundamentals Paper pack)

This Is Who I Am Layout


D1686 Noted Stamp Set
Z2105 Black Ink Pad
Z2172 Whisper Ink Pad
Z2013 Sequins Silver Assortment
Z3166 Fundamental Sticker Basics Pack
3105 Fundamental Assortment Gold
Z1979 Journaling Pen
Z3146 Watercolor Paper
Z3132 Watercolor Paints
Z3188 Paintbrush Set
Z2027 Mini Stapler
(Georgie Paper pack)
 or
(Charlotte Paper Pack) 
(Fundamentals Paper pack)

I am happy to report that while I was in SLC I was able to complete the projects as directed and put them in the album.  I am thankful that I thought ahead to take the "big luggage" with me because I was able to put the album and all of the goodies in without going over in weight.  The luggage is hard-sided so I did not have to worry about any supplies getting damaged on the way home. 


The only additions I did to the layout when I came home was a little stitching because I just could not help myself and I did my journaling on the computer.  Kaela has dyslexia and has a very hard time reading handwriting so I try to print out all of my journal blocks so that she can enjoy reading the memories.

It will be another two years before CTMH hosts Album Retreat again but when they do - I will be on a plane to enjoy a wee retreat with 300 of my CTMH sisters because I had a blast!

Tuesday, November 17, 2015

Remember that time?

Let's back track just a hair to Halloween, you know before I had surgery and became foggy brained for a week.  

Over Halloween I had the chance to go and spend the night at a local retreat with my CTMH Consultant sisters.  Rarely do we get a chance to spend more than a couple of hours together so we jumped at a chance to play all day and all night, well we tried for all night but that is another story.



I was making some pretty good headway before I just could not keep my eyes open anymore, all of that chili I ate was making me super sleepy and even coffee was not helping. 


The next day Sylvia had the bright idea that we needed photos - so with no makeup on or decent hair we all went outside for the group photo.   

I am very happy with the progress I made and because of the time that I was able to dedicate I am ALMOST finished with the 2010 Family Album - like maybe 2 more layouts to go and I am done!  









Granted it is not the amount of layouts that "most people" complete when they are at a retreat but it was just a 1 night retreat and it was my very first retreat so I was a newbie.  

We left our hide a way vowing to do this at least once a year.

I am game! 

Monday, November 16, 2015

Simply Fundamental Scrapbooking - The Workshop

Simply Fundamental Scrapbooking

CTMH Special - November



So I took advantage of the special this month and with that I am stepping out of the box on my personal style. 

 **Disclaimer** 
I have not put these pages together yet so the photos are the photos from the workshop (stock photos of the layouts).

I am getting together with my consultant sisters on Wednesday for our monthly lunch and crop and I have prepped these pages to work on while I am with them.  Here is how I prepped:

I took 6 of our 12 x 12 zip top bags (the ones the paper packs come in).  I labeled 5 of the bags with the number of the layout.  Example bag 1 is labeled layout 1. 

Then I taped the 5 bags in order to the side of my desk.  As I was looking at the cutting diagram I noticed that the "cuts" are labeled 5G, or 3H and so on,  meaning that it is layout 5 cut G.  So as I am cutting down the papers I am writing the code on the back of each piece  then slipping that piece into the proper bag.  Meaning 5G goes into bag 5.  

Bag 6 is for the "scraps".  You will use every single sheet of paper in this package and only have a few scraps but I keep my scraps for cardmaking so bag 6 is a must for me.   I also placed my instructions and embellishments in this bag.

This is where I am kicking myself in the behind for NOT taking a photo of the set up. 

There is also a layout map for each bag so that goes in there too.  

This is what the layouts will look like once I am done

Bag 1 - Lovely Day Layout 
 

Bag 2 - Memories Layout 

Bag 3 - Laugh Layout

Bag 4 - Be Happy Layout

Bag 5 - Hello Layout

I am telling you, 
I can not wait for Wednesday to get here so I can finish putting my pages together.

Have you ordered your Simply Fundamental Scrapbooking Workshop yet?

What are you waiting for?