Monday, July 16, 2012

More Convention Highlights

What an INCREDIBLE week! I am home from the annual CTMH Convention with loads of great creative ideas and lots and lots of new product! Since I had a hard time getting and staying online while I was at the hotel, I decided I'd post the rest of my photos and updates when I got home. Those of you who were trying to get a hold of me while I was gone, will be happy to know that I have decided to join the 21st century and finally get a smart phone! So this afternoon I am off to buy an iPhone! Woo-Hoo! Next year, you will all be able to get a hold of me much easier!

The last 2 days of Convention were jam packed with informative classes, awesome create and takes, and loads of fun!


We were blessed to have Stacy Julian from Big Picture Scrapbooking as our speaker during Friday's general session. Did you know that she started her career as a Close to my Heart Consultant? She still loves the product and has a special place in her heart for CTMH! She was so generous to give all of us a code for a free Big Picture Scrapbooking class and said that we could share it with our friends. So, if you are interested in taking a free online class with Stacy Julian, visit this website and use the promo code CTMH to learn how to scrapbook in record time! The offer expires on December 31, 2013. Thank you Stacy!

New Idea Book


Lots of great announcements were made about new products as well. The new Idea Book will go live on my website on August 1st and let me just tell you, it is packed with awesome new products and artwork! If you would like to get your own copy, I will be happy to send you a free one. I just ask that you pay the $5 shipping. However, I will include a $5 gift certificate for you to use on your next order, so the book will actually be completely free. Email me if you’d like a copy. You can also get a free copy (shipping included) if you place an order for new products next month, including the NEW CRICUT COLLECTION...

 New Artiste Cricut Collection


The new Cricut Collection is called Artiste and it is phenomenal! I have been playing with it for over a month and cannot wait for you to see it. Just like the incredible Art Philosophy Collection, this one will take your creativity over the top! With 700 exclusive images, the cartridge features themed projects, interactive cards, awards, and more! From robots and spooks to wedding and Valentines, your cupcake liners, invitations, and party favors will coordinate and quickly come together for any celebration! Cutting and assembling the MANY 3-D items is a snap using the projects reference chart and separate, step-by-step assembly book. There will also be upcoming how-to videos on my website.

When you purchase the Artiste Collection, you’ll get:
(1) Cartridge (with 700 exclusive images including themed projects, cards, font, shapes, cupcake liners, accordion and rolled flowers, and TONS of 3-D boxes, purses, and other items)
(3) new D-Sized coordinating stamp sets
(3) sheets of coordinating chipboard shapes (with speech bubbles, a mini album, and lots of banner shapes)
(1) project reference guide
(1) step-by-step assemble book


Click here or on the image above to see all of the images on this amazing cartridge.

 Studio J Changes
Lots of great Studio J improvements were announced as well, including no more Membership fees! Yay! Now everyone can have access to all of the layouts and kit without a membership*. The layouts are only $6.95 and there are TONS of great kits. There are also new super cute fast and easy Expressions Collections where you can create an entire 10 layout (20 page) album in less than an hour with themes such as Year in Review,  All About Me, Little Miss, Little Man, School Days, and Travels! There are available now, so be sure to check them out here.

*If you already have a membership, you will get to participate in a special Members Bonus program. Be sure to check your email inbox for an email from CTMH explaining the details.
Extravaganza

Extravaganza is one of the highlights of Convention each year! With eight classes, each covering a Workshops on the Go kit, a Cricut® Artiste feature, and brand new products, the classes were super fun and generated tons of creative ideas. Thanks to all the Consultants who taught the Extravaganza classes. You were wonderful! I appreciate all of the hard work you put into your artwork and class!

 
Awards Banquet

We were treated to an amazingly yummy dinner, a special western themed stamp set and entertainment by the Texas Tenors. Boy oh boy, are these guys talented (and pretty handsome too I might add.) I had the opportunity to meet them at the Awards Reception after the show. All I can say is “Hubba, Hubba!” LOL! 


I was honored and humbled to receive an award for 2nd place for Team Building during the 2011-2012 year. What an INCREDIBLE honor! A HUGE thank you goes out to my wonderful team who made this award possible. It is because of YOU that WE were recognized for such an accomplishment. Thank you!



Some wonderful friends and award recipients
(From left to right: Mandy Leahy, me, Cindy Baker, and Sheri Rottler)


 The incredible and fun Executive Team
(From left to right: Brian Holman (VP of Technology and COO), Monica Wihongi (VP of Training & Events & CS), little 'ol me, Kristine Widtfeldt (VP Sales & Marketing)


I am also excited to announce that I was asked to be on the 2012-2013 Advisory Board. What an honor to be able to serve with Karen Morris, Jillene Moen, Kristina Livingstone, and Brandy Lees who are all amazing Consultants with so much to offer! I am looking forward to working with the Executive Team and these other amazing Board Members to help make CTMH an even better company! (Is that even possible????) I think we will have our work cut out for us this year! *Ü*

I had the honor of presenting some of my projects on stage with the fabulously artsy Tresa Black on Saturday evening. Unfortunately I didn’t get any pictures of the presentation. (If anyone has any photos they’d like to share, feel free to share them on my facebook page or email them to me.) I do have some photos of my projects that I will post soon...

The Best Part of Convention?

“What was the best part of Convention?” you may ask. Being able to spend some time with friends — both old and new!



Some of my wonderful team members who were able to make it to Convention.
(Paige Barry, Meredith Steves, Noelle Catiller, Christine Adams, Vanessa Garcia, me, Lisa Laski, Diane Judy, and Susan Olney)


Would you like to join us next year at the Convention at the Happiest Place on Earth? Join my team and you will be able to join us in Lake Buena Vista, Florida, at Disney’s Coronado Springs® Resort for the 2013 Convention! Click here for information on joining my award winning team!

4 comments:

  1. Awwww I love the pictures!~ I can't wait until next year because I can afford the trip to FLORIDA!!!!! I love that you know Mandy Leahy! I watch her blogs. She is such a neat person! I found her googling scrapbook layouts! Love her sites! I'm so happy for you on your award! WOW!!!! I hope one day I make it big like you!!!!

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    1. Thanks Tina! Yes, Mandy is a sweetheart for sure. She lives close by me, so I get to see her once in a while. :) I hope you are able to make it to Florida next year! It is going to be loads of fun!

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  2. Hi Lisa, Thanks for the BPC link and code. Unfortunately the link goes to a page that is unavailable. Do you have an updated one? I can't wait to see your artwork! You are one of the most inspiring CTMH artists I've seen and I love all your work!

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  3. Hi Michelle. Thanks for letting me know the link wasn't working. I just fixed it. Sorry about that. Thank you so much for your sweet comment about my artwork. You just made my day! (I will be posting artwork all week long, so stay tuned...) :)

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