CTMH New Product Sneak Peek Blog Hop!

Welcome to our Close to my Heart New Product Sneak Peak Blog Hop! 30 fabulous Close to my Heart Consultants are celebrating the upcoming release of the Autumn/Winter 2009 Idea Book by giving you a Sneak Peak of some of the great products available in the new Idea Book starting September 1st!

If you have come here from Haley Dyer's blog, you are on the right path! If this is your first stop, you may want to go back to Erin's blog and start from the beginning! This is simple do to — just click on the link at the end of the post on each blog to move to the next one! Here we go...

I am highlighting a new Paper Packet called Grace. It is beautiful and very versatile. I am going to show you 4 cards and a layout. I know it is a lot, but I wanted to show that you can do so many different things with this paper. (You can click on any photo to make it larger so you can see more detail.)

I love flowers and I love distressing, so I thought I would incorporate a little of both in this first card.

My second card is a tri-shutter card. You can find the instructions for making these fun cards here.

The third card is a very simple thank you card that uses one of my favorite tools—my corner rounder. I used it to make the scallops on the edge.

My last card is actually a recessed window card that I posted last week. I wanted to post it again because I added some stamping to the border which I think makes it look a little better. You can see the original card along with more details here.

And last but not least is my layout. It isn't anything fancy, but I think it highlights the paper nicely.
I love the large flowers on the patterned paper. I cut this one out and raised it with some Foam Tape.

I used the Simple Alphabet Dimensional Elements for the title. They come white which was a little stark on this layout, so I sponged some Bamboo ink on them to soften them up a bit.The crocheted flowers come in the White Daisy Mini-Medley pack. I dyed them with Barn Red and Twilight Re-inkers. Then I added a self-adhesive Pearl in the middle. (You can get a package of the beautiful pearls by joining my Connections Club! Ask me how.)

All supplies are from CTMH unless otherwise noted. (Products without links will be released on September 1st. I will add links when they become available):
Paper: Grace Paper Packet
Stamps: Delightful Things, Childhood Portrait, Thank You, You're Special, Noteworthy, Say it with Style, Card Chatter - Thank You
Other: Edge Distresser, Sanding Kit, Craft Buttons - Basic, Foam Tool, Sponge Daubers, White Daisy Just Blooms, Brad Assortment - Basic and Metal, Pewter Designer Brads, Cocoa Embossing Powder, Versamark Ink, Craft Heater, White Daisy Mini-Medley Pack, Dimensional Elements - Simple Alphabet, Re-inkers, Foam Tape, Corner Rounder

Now “Hop” on over to Jena DeVries’ Blog to see her work! Be sure to visit all the Consultants at their Blogs to get some great crafting ideas and see the great new Paper Packs and My Acrylix Stamp Sets!

Remember, the Autumn/Winter 2009 Idea Book goes LIVE on September 1st! I will have a link directly to the new Idea Book on my blog on September 1st so be sure to check back then!

**Link not working? Missed a Blog? Here is a list of all the participants in the New Product Sneak Peak Blog Hop:
Erin Herring http://tazzygirl2000.blogspot.com
Terrie Dodd http://my-life-in-real-time.blogspot.com
Jessica http://jessicaspaperpetals.blogspot.com
Leisa Hubley http://bigredscraps.blogspot.com/
Karen Norman http://gettinscrappywithit.blogspot.com
Sherry Thompson http://picturespatternsandpaper.blogspot.com
Adeline Brill http://adeline-brill.blogspot.com
Miranda http://www.scrampinwithmiranda.com
Brae Montgomery http://thebrae-er.blogspot.com
Wendy Kessler http://www.myscrapbookingblog.com
Dawn Heuft http://stamptildawn.blogspot.com
Carla Ironside http://carlacreates.blogspot.com
Dawn Ross http://iamahappystamper.blogspot.com
Julie Banzon http://www.scrapbookiejulie.blogspot.com
Jody Gustafson http://www.cre8nmemories.blogspot.com
Helen Onulak http://www.hookedonstamping.com
Sheila Bennett http://sheila-bennett.blogspot.com
Haley Dyer http://inkyscrapper.blogspot.com
Lisa Stenz http://www.lisascreativecorner.blogspot.com
Jena DeVries http://www.livelovelaughscrapbook.blogspot.com
Jen Patrick http://www.roxybonds-scrappin.blogspot.com
Amy Schultz http://amylizschultz.com
Lori Scott http://scrapinglori.blogspot.com
Tresa Black http://www.fabulouslyartsy.blogspot.com
Jennifer Kraynak http://whatchadoin-jennifer.blogspot.com
Sharesa Larsen http://creedandsharesa.blogspot.com
Amy Edwards http://PaisleysPlayhouse.blogspot.com
Jean McNulty http://stampinmaui.blogspot.com
Emma Hubert http://paperaddictsanonymous.blogspot.com
Antoinette Herrin http://GodblessyourART.blogspot.com

September Club Project - Christmas Card Tin

Below is the project we will be making with my Creative Club in September. We will be using the beautiful new Around the Holidays Card Kit (to released on September 1st.) Everyone will get four cards, four envelope flats, a full sheet of matching Stickease, some Chocolate Polka Dot Organdy Ribbon, some Mini Foam Squares, along with a fun round tin to hold the cards. We will spruce up the cards with Prisma Glitter, Liquid Appliqué, Fun Flock, Clear Detail Embossing Powder, and more. Or if you choose, you can just use the Stickease to decorate your cards. You will also have the opportunity to decorate your envelopes. (I LOVE this card kit and think you will too!)

We will use one of the cards to decorate the top of the tin. I used a little Prisma Glitter on the tree to add a little sparkle to my sample below. (It is hard to see in the photos.)On the card below I used CTMH's Jingle Borders stamp set with some Clear Detail Embossing Powder to spruce up the large ornament Stickease and some Fun Flock on the dove.
The card below has a dab of Liquid Appliqué added to the snow to make it 3-D!My Creative Club meets the 2nd Wednesday of the month at 7pm at my house, however, you do not need to be local to be part of the club. My long distance members get their kits mailed to them and any orders they place, get drop shipped to them directly from the Close to my Heart office. (Sometimes they even get their orders before the local gals!) Next month's club is on Wednesday, September 9th. If you would like to attend or order a kit, please contact me no later than September 1st so that I have enough time to order the supplies.

Here is more information on the Creative Club:
You may join the club at any time and there is no commitment to stay in the club for any length of time or to place an order. There will be a $5 fee for the supplies used for the projects we make which will range from cards to small gift items, to scrapbook pages, and more. Each person who signs up for this club will have their name added to the bottom of the hostess list. The person whose name is on the top of the list will get the hostess rewards that month. In order for your name to keep its “place” on the list, you must place a $25 minimum order whether you attend the class that month or not. If you do not place a $25+ order that month, then your name goes down to the bottom of the list. If you do place a $25+ order, then your name continues to move up the list AND you will not be required to pay the $5 supply fee for that class. It will be free! Long distance members pay an additional $5 to have their project kits mailed to them.

Club members will also receive:

• A free current Idea Book/Catalog
• Free Hostess Rewards during your hosting month
• $5 or free optional monthly classes
• Optional opportunity to hold a home workshop or party to boost your hostess benefits
• $5 discounts on all workshops while you are a member
• Lots of other freebies and surprises...

Contact me at lisa@myctmh.com for more information, to sign up for next month’s class, or to order your own club kit(s).

Blog Candy Winner...

Thank you all so much for the great lunch box ideas. I am relieved to know that my son isn’t the only picky eater out there. Everyone had great ideas. I can’t wait to try some of them out! For all of you moms with picky eaters, you will appreciate this post on my family blog. (My son tried salad a couple of months ago and I was thrilled! Of course I had to grab my camera for the momentous occasion!)

Ok, onto the big announcement. The lucky winner of my blog candy goes to Maryellen Webber. Random.org chose number 20 and Maryellen was the 20th person to post a comment.
Congratulations Maryellen! Please email me at lisa@myctmh.com with your mailing address so I can get your goodies out to you! *Ü*

Thanks again everyone for your sweet comments! I appreciate all of you! XOXO

It is a GREAT Day! It's Time for Some Blog Candy!

It is a great day! I just got back from my post-op appointment and was told that my biopsy was negative. NO CANCER! Woo-Hoo! If you are interested, you can read more about my wonderful surgery and zillions of doctor's appointments on my family blog. Thanks for all of the good wishes and prayers!

And...to celebrate 100K blog hits, I have put together a little package of goodies for some lucky winner. All you need to do to enter is to leave me a comment on this post with some good lunch box lunch ideas. (My son just started Kindergarten and I am already running out of healthy lunch ideas for my super picky 6 year old. I would LOVE some suggestions!) I will pick a lucky winner using random.org on Friday.

Here is what my blog candy includes:

• (2) sheets of Making Memories Clear Alpha Stickers
• (3) sheets of Provocraft Roll Alpha Stickers
• (2) Sheets of Phrase Café Stickers
• (4) Sheets of Phrase and Alpha Stickers (source unknown?)
• February 2008 Card Trends Magazine
• Memory Makers Fast & Easy Scrapbooking - Special Issue
  
• Memories Makers Magazine
• CTMH Card Confidence Program Volume One
• CTMH World's Best Day Stamp Set
• CTMH Autumn Leaves Craft Buttons
• CTMH Rhinestone Flowers
• CTMH Metal Charms
• CTMH Clear Shapes
  
• $20 Close to my Heart Gift Certificate to use on any CTMH products!

Good Luck! *Ü*

Oh my goodness! I think it is time for some blog candy!

Oh my! I just noticed that I have received over 100K hits on my blog! You are all so wonderful to visit my humble little blog that I think you deserve some blog candy! I will go through my stash tonight to put together a little candy for ya. Tune in tomorrow to see what I will have for you and how you can enter to win. In the meantime, please know that I appreciate all of you for visiting and leaving such sweet comments! *Ü*

Childhood Portrait Shadowbox Card

My son started Kindergarten today! I almost cried a million times. Luckily it was just an orientation day where the parents could stay. It was only an hour and then we all came home. Tomorrow is going to be really hard because I have to drop him off and then head to my daughter's preschool where she will be starting two days a week. I KNOW I will cry tomorrow. When did my babies get old enough for school? I JUST had them!

OK, enough personal stuff...
How about a little sneak peek from the new Close to my Heart Autumn/Winter Catalog? I just love this new stamp set called Childhood Portrait and paper packet called Grace. (They will both be available on September 1st!) I saw a fun tutorial for a shadow box card on Splitcoast Stampers last week and thought the stamp set would be perfect to use on this type of card. You can see the tutorial here. I also used a couple of other new products including some new Cocoa Embossing Powder and a new set of Dimensional Elements called Booksmart.
As you can see, the card is almost like a little book. I think you would either have to deliver it by hand or mail it in a little box to keep it from squishing.
I used one of my favorite stamp sets for the “hello” sentiment. The set is called Say it in Style and is a must-have for anyone who makes cards. I use mine all of the time! I covered the chipboard bookplate with Grace patterned paper to match the card and then inked the edges with some Chocolate ink. Then I added a couple of pewter brads to hold it in place.
This is the inside of the card. Because it is recessed on the front, the inside doesn't look too pretty. I covered up the square with a little more stamping from the the Childhood Portrait set. Don't you just love that cute little birdie? There are two of them in the set.
Here is a close up of the inside.
Supplies used:
Paper: CTMH Grace (available September 1st)
Cardstock: Colonial White, Cocoa, Barn Red
Stamps: Childhood Portrait (available September 1st)
Inks: CTMH Chocolate, Cocoa, Versamark
Other: Cocoa Embossing powder, Dimensional Elements Booksmark (available September 1st), Pewter Brads, Craft Knife

Tea Party Invitation

We just got through one birthday party and now it is almost time for the next. My daughter is turning three at the end of the month so we are going to have a little tea party for her and her friends. My hubby and son agreed to be the waiters. It is going to be so cute. My son is already practicing by asking, “Tea, ma lady?” when he fills up my daughter's plastic tea cup with water in the bath tub.
I used my Papertrey Ink Tea for Two set and a little CTMH Blush cardstock and patterned paper from the That's Amore Paper Packet. The invitations are very simple, but I think they work. Now I just need to make the favors. I will post them when they are done if they turn out cute. *Ü* Below is inside of the invitation.
Paper: CTMH That's Amore, New CTMH Colonial White bulk cards/envelopes (available September 1st)
Cardstock: Blush, Colonial White
Stamps: Papertrey Ink Tea for Two
Inks: CTMH Blush, Black
Other: Pink Organdy Ribbon (Source unknown), Foam Tape

Quick surgery update and mini backpack info...

Just checking in to give you a quick update. THANK YOU all so much for your sweet emails, comments, and prayers! I definitely felt them today! Everything went great and praise God I didn’t get a bit nauseous! (Thanks for the tip Karen P!) If you are interested in more details, you can visit my family blog post here.

On a side note, I received a few emails asking how to make the cute backpack that Christine made for me. Since I haven't made one myself, I had to do a little searching online for the instructions. I found this link that might be helpful. It looked like it had a few links to more samples and a template. Enjoy.

I promise to post some artwork soon and stop all my jibber jabbering! *Ü*

Out of commission for a bit...

Just wanted to give you guys a heads up that I probably won't be posting for a few days. I am going in early tomorrow morning for some surgery and was told that I might be a little “out of it” for a while. Don’t worry, I don’t think it is anything too serious. (I hope.) But I could still use some prayers if you think of it. I am a little nervous. The last time I was put out, I was throwing up for days afterwards. Fun stuff! LOL! If you want to read more about what’s going on, you can visit my family blog post here.

Have a great weekend! *Ü*

Attn: Jennifer Murphy

I am sorry to post this here, but it seems as if you are not getting my emails. I have emailed you a few times about your prize over the last month, but it sounds like either my emails aren't getting through or they are going into your spam folder. If you email me your phone number I will give you a call and we can work out the details. Sorry about my emails not coming through. I am not sure why.

My roomie gift, cupcake box answers, and no more training wheels...

How's that for a random group of subjects to post together? *Ü*

This was what my wonderful Leadership roomie Christine gave me. How cute is that little backpack? She filled it with candy, a mini pencil, and a highlighter pen (so I could mark off the million things I wanted in the new Idea Book.) The little pocket in the front had a mini Post It pad inside to mark my favorite pages. LOVE IT! She also gave me this cute flip flap book. Now I need to print out my Leadership photos to put inside.

I have had a few people ask me about the cupcake box that I made for the silent auction at the CTMH Leadership Conference, so I thought I would post some of the answers here. The cupcake on the outside of the box and on the mix box was a template that I created. It is very simple and somewhat primative, but if you would like it, you are welcome to download it. You can click on the photo to make it larger. Then just scale it down to whatever size you would like when you print it out.
As far as the recipes go, I actually got them from this website. I picked six to go with my box, but there are a ton of others that look really yummy. I can't wait to try the chocolate peanut butter recipe! Mmm...Hope that helps a bit.

On a side note, if you haven't watched the Studio J video yet, be sure to check it out. When they showed it at the Conferece, my eyes welled up with tears. As soon as I saw the little girl with her daddy helping her learn to ride her bike, I thought about my son who has been contemplating the idea of taking off his training wheels. Well, tonight was the night. About an hour before it got dark, he asked my husband if he could take off his training wheels. As I snapped my pictures and took some short videos, I couldn't help but think about how I was going to scrapbook them! I CANNOT wait for Studio J to go live so I can use it to scrapbook these precious memories that we created tonight. If you'd like to take a peek at my family website to see some pictures of my little guy riding without his training wheels, feel free to click here. It may not be as exciting to you as it is to me. *Ü*

Home from Leadership...

I am home and sooooo excited about all of the awesome new programs and products. I had loads of fun meeting up with old friends and making some new ones. Here are a few pictures of me with some of my talented friends and online buddies. I have been inspired by each and every one of them. I hope you will click on the links to their blogs so you can be inspired too...

This is me with my two awesome roomies Pam Thor and Christine Adams, who happen to also be my friends and downline. They both live all the way across the country in West Virginia, so it was a treat to be able to spend some quality time with them! Be sure to visit Christine's blog. I am still trying to convince Pam to join the blogging world. LOL!

Amy McGrew is one of those people who I stalk online. I was honored to be able to
take a picture with her. She is so sweet, and soooo talented. Check out her blog here.

Here is my friend Bren Yule. She is the biggest sweetheart! I just love her! She was presented with the Spirit of Close To My Heart award at the end of the Awards Banquet. I am so proud of her! I cannot think of anyone who deserves it more than she does! Be sure to check out her blogs here and here. (Be aware, however, that in addition to being inspired by her amazing artwork, you may be enabled to go buy some fun goodies when you visit her blogs! LOL!)This is Nona Davenport, a super talented and super sweet lady that I met online over a year ago. We hooked up at Convention last year and hit it off right away. She is not only amazing with her papercrafts, but is also a wonderful knitter. One day I am hoping she can teach me a few things about knitting! Be sure to check out her great work here. (Do you like my super cheesy smile? I wish I had a better photo to post. LOL!)

I was so happy to finally meet Melissa Lavery, another online friend. Fancy Melissa has been a big cheerleader and huge inspiration for a lot of Consultants including me. I was so glad to finally meet her in person and be able to give her a big hug! Check out her fabulous blog here.

Finally, here is a photo of some of our team members. What a bunch of good lookin’ ladies! Don’t you think?

OK, I’ll bet you are dying to here about some of the new goodies. Well, I just need to say that the new Fall/Winter Idea Book is amazing! It goes live on September 1st, but I just can’t wait to tell you about some of the new goodies!

In addition the the fantastic new paper packets and stamp sets, we have a beautiful new rolling carryall that I ordered right away! We also have a newly redesigned shoulder tote. Each Leadership attendee was given one to take home. I love mine! The BIG announcement was the new Studio J online design software that will be available in the Spring. CTMH Consultants will have access to it this Fall. (One more perk for being a Consultant. If you sign up now, you will have access to it early too!) The classes that we took about Studio J were great! This is a FREE online digital software program that gives you all the creativity of designing your pages with CTMH’s amazing products with the flexibility and ease of being able to do it online! The print samples that we saw were incredible. They looked just like classic CTMH pages. In fact, they are printed on cardstock so you can even stamp on them and/or add classic embellishments afterwards to make embellished studio layouts! I can’t wait until Studio J goes live. Click here to find out more about this amazing new software.

I am also pleased to announce that the projects donated for the Operation Smile silent auction raised over $5,000! That is 20 children whose lives will be changed! Thank you to everyone who bid on the items and donated to Operation Smile!

More Leadership info and pics to come...