Monthly Planner Spruced Up with Rub-Ons

I bought this weekly/monthly planner at Target last month and wondered if there was a way to spruce up the plain cover. Then I remembered that I had a ton of CTMH Rub-Ons that I haven’t used. So, I pulled out my Colonial White Love Story Rub-Ons and added a few of them to the cover. Within minutes I had turned my boring planner into something a little more pretty.
In case you are wondering, this is what the inside looks like. I love this planner! It has a spot for everything. *Ü* (The color is showing kind of funny online. It is actually more of a lime green.)
In the past, I have also added Rub-Ons to mugs, glasses, cards, scrapbook pages, and even my toe nails after I painted them. (It looked like I had an expensive pedicure. LOL!) I just love these things! What have you done with your Rub-Ons?

A simple little butterfly card

Oh my! After all of that typing, I feel the need to post something clean and simple. I saw a cute card made with hearts yesterday here and thought it would be fun to make a similar card with butterflies. I used my Veranda paper packet and punched some butterflies out with my Martha Stewart punch. (I got it at Walmart for a great price last year and have hardly used it.) The Bitty Sparkles I used for their bodies add just a little sparkly bling. I used a scalloped edge punch on the bottom of the card and then adhered a thin strip of Veranda paper on the inside of the card. The Joyful definition is from the State of Mind set that I love so much. Not much else to tell since it is such a simple card, but it makes me happy. (Butterflies and the color yellow make me happy. I guess I am easy to please. LOL!)

I taped the front down so you could see what it looks like closed.
Aren’t those butterflies sweet? They look a little like they are going to fly right off the card. *Ü*
Here is a close-up of the butterflies. I love CTMH’s patterned paper because it has the same pattern on the front and the back, just different colors. I used the same piece of paper for all of the butterflies. I just flipped half of them over.

Lots of Answers and the Blog Candy Winner

Wow! I am amazed at how many people commented on my blog candy post. Thank you so much for the sweet emails and comments. I am touched. I absolutely loved reading every single one of your comments. It is great to see that I am not alone in loving my CTMH “Consultantship” and their great products! LOL! A lot of you had some really great questions and since I promised to post the answers, here ya go... (I know this is kind of long, but hang in there. The blog candy winner is posted at the bottom.)

• Nicole said...I am a former and soon to be consultant. Knowing this I’d like to ask you if you would share a tip or two about how to grow a successful business, after you've used up your friends as customers.
  Nicole, the best advise I can give is to share your love of CTMH products with everyone. I am always amazed at how many people love to stamp and scrapbook. People I thought would never in a million years be interested are just as addicted love the hobby as much as I do. LOL!
• Sheila said...I sometimes think about being a consultant to earn some extra money, but I guess I'm afraid to try. How to you overcome the fear factor?
  Sheila, you will never know what you are capable of unless you try. Someone once told me to face my fears and I might be surprised. She was right. I never thought I could do what I am doing, but I am and I love it. Getting out of my comfort zone was hard, but so worth it!
• Holly said...as a consultant are there requirements for minimum purchases per month or quarter?? and what percentage do make on a sale??
  Holly, our minimums are very low. We only need to have $300 in orders (retail) each quarter. I can do that with my own personal orders! LOL! The commission we make ranges from 22% - 34% depending on how much you have in sales for that month. Plus, there are lots of other ways to earn free product, incentive trips, and additional commission on your downline.
• Connie K. said...Hmmm, I guess I would most like to know what the minimums are...I guess you have a successful enough business now that you don't have to worry about minimums, but when you were starting out, how did you begin to build your business up?
  Connie, as I mentioned above the minimums are $300 (before our discount) per quarter. The easiest way to meet the minimum is to host a gathering twice a month and/or have a monthly club. The way I started out was to host a home gathering for all of my family and friends. A few of them hosted gatherings for me and then I got to meet some of their friends that I didn't know who wanted to host a gathering. Once you are able to branch out from your friends and family, the possibilities are endless.
• Jacklyn-Jessa said...My question is similar to another one, but important to me if I consider becoming a consultant. Being with military, we are constantly moving. I've been here for over 2 years and still barely know anyone. I'll be moving again within 6 months and need to know how to get a business going, knowing how hard it is to meet people sometimes. Especially with a tough economy right now... what would be a good way to get started? Thanks for the chance to win an awesome collection of products! Congrats on your 5 years!
  Jacklyn-Jessa, moving a lot can be tough, but I know a lot of successful consultants who do it. Are there military families that you know or others on base that might be interested? I would suggest hosting a free crop when you move to anyone who might be interested. Then you will get a chance to meet others with the same interests. Then you can build from there. Maybe start a club. If you get a MyCTMH website, you can still get orders online from people after you move. Just keep in contact with them via email each month.
• Heather & Guy said...I am not a consultant but have thought about it in the past. I am not sure how to build a customer base with out pestering friends and family to host parties; is there another way? Congratulations on your five year anniversary!
  Heather, I totally here ya! I did not want to join CTMH for that very reason. I try not to be pushy because I really dislike it when people are pushy with me. I just let people know what I do and if they are interested in hearing more, they usually ask. I like to leave fliers and Idea Books at my kid’s schools, in doctor’s offices etc. That way people can contact me if theya re interested.
• Anonymous said...Congratulations Lisa on your anniversary. I am not a consultant but if I were to become one, I don't know how I would find customers. There are a lot of CTMH consultants in the area, so what could I do to make me stand out above the rest?
  Connie (connielynn40@yahoo.com)
  Connie, there are lots of things that you can do to get customers. CTMH has a Consultant Finder where local people can find you which is great. You can offer classes that other Consultants might not offer. You can also work together with other local Consultants in doing Expos and Tradeshows and split any leads that you might get.
• Michell Page Morgan said...I love reading your Blog Lisa. I had attempted to be a CTMH Consultant. I have a daughter that is special needs (quadleplegic with cerebral palsy) I have a difficult time holding classes as something always seems to come up as I am her sole caregiver. Hubby works shifts. So, I love love love the CTMH Products. I never have to hunt for things to MATCh as it all does... My best work comes out when I do use my CTMH products. We recently moved back to our home town after being away 9 years.We feel so blessed because I hve found a group of ladies that asked me to hold a Crop night/classes when the Youth Group meets at our Church. It is so fun and out little group is starting to grow. The only thng was when I started the group with the Children's Pastor - I wanted to just start teh group- I didnt want to make it "Sales" it was to be FREE & From My heart. Well it is starting to grow into a "fellowship group" for us ladies. I feel so blessed! My daughter just went into the hospital for the week and all my new friends were praying for my daughter - got us thru the rough time! So I love my Scrapbooking Friends...it is truly a ministry now! So Now I need to buy a kit and begin my Business. The ladies say that they would want to buy CTMH stuff. So I feel led to figure out a way to start up my biz. You could email me some suggestions on how to get goin?
  Michell, I sent you an email earlier in the week. (If you didn’t get it, check your spam folder. My emails have been known to end up there.) My heart goes out to you and your daughter. Feel free to email me if you didn’t get my email. It was kind of long. *Ü*
  
• triciagall said...What is one piece of advice you can give that you learned about the business side of CTMH that has made you successfull?
  Traciagall, I don’t know that I would call myself “successful.” I would say that I am thrilled to be blessed with some wonderful customers who have become my friends, so I would say that I am grateful for that! One of the things that I think is really important in this business, and in life in general, is to always be honest. My customers know that I love CTMH products but that I think there are other great products out there too. I try to be honest if they ask me about a certain product. They know I am not out there just to make a sale, but to truly help them make their crafting faster, simpler, and easier. So when I do recommend a product, they trust me. Also, I do my very best to offer good customer service. I try to put the customer first and do everything I can to help them if there is a problem or they are unhappy with something.
  
• Me and My Memories said...I have been a consultant for 5 years also, and we are military so I have to rebuild my customer base all the time. How do you get people committed in this economy, and to inspire others. Thanks for sharing your GREAT art. Blessings.
  “Me and my Memories,” I know that everyone is a bit strapped right now and that the economy is making it hard for many to place orders. That is one reason I changed my Monthly Club to a no-commitment club. This way my customers can come and make a great project for only $5 or they can place an order if they are able to. It can change from month to month, so the new club format has been a great way to keep people inspired.
  
• Phoenix said...I think about being a consultant every time a place a large order ;-) I guess I haven't mainly because I'm concerned I wouldn't make the minimum requirements (whatever they are). Also, as a city dweller, it is sometimes very difficult to meet people who share your interests.
  Phoenix, if you are already placing large orders here and there, you may actually save money by becoming a Consultant. For only $99, you can get over $300 worth of goodies and then get a minimum of 22% discount on all of your future orders. The quarterly minimum is $300, but if you do not make that in one quarter, you will drop down to a Junior Consultant and still get a 10% discount on all of your orders. As a Junior Consultant, you only need to place $100 in orders per year! Once you place $300 in orders in any given quarter, you automatically jump back up to full consultant status. It is a great deal!
• Stacie said...Yes, I have thought about being a consultant, but I just don't think I have the time to put into it as a business. I barley have time to scrap and keep current. I'm not sure what the minimum sales requirements are or if I could even maintain it. Who knows, maybe someday. Meanwhile, I really enjoy your posts.
  Stacie, I am so glad you enjoy my posts. *Ü* I find that many people don’t think they have the time. Some people just sign up to get the discount for themselves (hobbyists) and some people just have one club that meets once a month and that’s it. With that they meet their minimums. Plus, Studio J is coming out soon and once people start using it, they will realize that scrapbooking can be done in MUCH less time! They will be able to order directly form your website and there won’t be a lot of time spent on your end.
  
• Anonymous said...WOW!!! 5 YEARS?! That is quite an accomplishment...so CONGRATS and thank you for sharing your talents with all of us! As for a question, what are your top 5 reasons for becoming a CTMH consultant? -KT
  KT, great questions. Let’s see, my top 5 reasons for being a CTMH Consultant are:

1. Get a great discount on awesome products.
2. Get fabulous creative and business training online and at Corporate events.
3. Have met the most wonderful people and made great friends.
4. Able to support my addiction hobby with my income. (No more explaining to my hubby why I NEED a certain crafting tool, more papers or stamps. LOL!)
5. I am able to preserve my family’s memories while making money at the same time.
   

• Tammy said...Congratulations on 5 years as a consultant and for all the success you've had. I am not a consultant, but I have considered it many times. I love the products, but I am not sure how to become a successful consultant. What are some things you would suggest to make a successful business with limited funds to invest up front and few contacts for potential customers?
  Tammy, the main kit is only $99 and you get enough to get you started. CTMH has amazing online training classes, bulletin boards, and other things to help you get started. Start with your closest friend and family and then ask them to either host a gathering with their friends and family or maybe to share your new business with others. Once you find people outside your “inner circle” things will take off. The more new people you meet, the more gatherings you will have and so on. It may not happen over night, but then again it just may. I was surprised at how many people wanted to have parties after they came to my kick off party. Also, your Upline (the person you sign up under) should be available to help you as well.
  
• Michelle said...Congrats! I wondered if your blog increases your business sales. or, is your business dependant on the classes that you teach.
  Michelle, my blog has increased my sales and my team a bit, but the best way to do that is by having home gatherings (parties.) I love my blog because it is a way to “meet” people with the same interests all over the world who I may never have met otherwise. The blog is a great tool, but home gatherings and workshops are where I meet a majority of my customers.
  
• Hanna Ahn said...Hi Lisa, I actually started as a consultant in Decemeber so I am still new. Same as you, joined to get discounts on wonderful products, but eventually hope to get a business going - maybe when my kids get a little older. How do I follow your blog? I don't see a google following widget thing on yours. My question is is: How do you attract customers if no one you know likes scrapbooking?
  Hanna Ahn, if you open up google reader, you can copy and paste my blog address into the new subscriptions section. Or you can scroll down on the right side of my blog and sign up with Feedblitz to get an email when I post. Feedblitz is a bit delayed though. You may not get an email until the next day. I actually prefer Google Reader. As far as attracting customers who don’t scrapbook, I would teach them how to make cards and gift items with our products. We have some GREAT how-to books with card templates such as Originals and Wishes.
• maiahs_momma said...What is your favorite CTMH product that you constantly use?? inky Hugs, Catherine
  Catherine, oh my. Do I have to choose just one? LOL! I would have to say that I am completely addicted to the My Acrylix stamp sets. I am so spoiled with the clear stamps now that I just can’t bring myself to use rubber anymore. My second choice would be the How-To Books. I love that the cutting guides are given to us. It makes my scrapbooking and card making faster, simpler, and easier for sure!
  

Thank you all for asking such great questions. If anyone has more questions, feel free to email me at lisa@myctmh.com. I would be happy to answer them. Also, I have a little widget on the right side of my blog where you can ask questions any time. If anyone is interested in signing up as a Hobbyist or Consultant, you can do so by clicking here.

OK, now onto the winner of my blog candy....drum roll please...
Congratulations to Nicole who was the very first person to post a comment. How often does that happen? Random.org chose #1. Nicole, please email me your mailing address so that I can get your goodies out to you. *Ü*
Thanks again for sharing your questions and comments with me! *Ü*

February Club Project - Criss Cross Box and Gift Card Holder

Wow! Thanks for all of the great emails and comments on my CTMH anniversary post. I love reading them. It is great to see that many of you love CTMH as much as I do. I love the questions too. If you haven't asked me to email you directly, I will post my answers to your questions on Friday. Keep 'em coming. Remember you have until Friday to post a comment to be entered to win my blog candy.

February’s Creative Club project will be a fun criss cross gift box and a matching gift card holder using the adorable new Topstitch paper packet. To find out more about my monthly non-commit Creative Club, click here. You do not need to be local to participate. I have members all over the country! (Hi ladies!) Please note that starting in February, we will be meeting the 2nd Thursday of each month instead of Wednesdays.

Now onto the project...
This cute box was inspired by Joanne Walton and Nichole Heady. It is an easy box to make as it uses only one sheet of 8-1/2" x 11" cardstock. We will be using the SUPER cute February stamp of the month called Piece of Cake (available February 1-28) along with a necessity in any stamp collection, the Happy Birthday set.
I stamped the cupcakes outline stamp with black StazOn and colored it in with CTMH Markers. I love CTMH dye based markers because if you are careful, you can blend them fairly well.
The gift card holder was inspired by Debbie Fournier. (Thanks Debbie.) The card fits perfectly into the box so you can slide it right in front of or behind your bag of goodies.
The belly band slides off and the card opens to expose a little pop up section where you can insert a gift card. (I didn't have a regular gift card handy, so I used a credit card for my photo. Sorry ladies, the credit card is not included with the class kit. LOL!)Isn’t is cute how the gift card just pops up when you open the card?We will be stamping an image from the cute Piece of Cake stamp set on the inside while leaving enough room to write a personal message to the recipient.Something that I love to do on my cards is use CTMH’s Foam Tape to pop images up to give them some dimension. That is exactly what we will do with the cake on the inside of the card.Click here for more details on this super fun club! 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). Next month’s Club will meet at 7pm on Thursday, February 11th. Please contact me no later than February 4th if you would like to join us or order a kit. (That will give me enough time to order the supplies and prep your kit.)

All supplies are from CTMH unless otherwise noted.
Paper Packet
Topstitch
Stamps
Piece of Cake (available February 1-28), Happy Birthday, Love is in the Air (only available in the Topstitch Workshops on the Go Kit)
Ink Pads
Cocoa, Baby Pink, Black StazOn
Markers
Chocolate, Baby Pink, Heavenly Blue, Bamboo, Sweet Leaf, Hollyhock, Sunny Yellow
Other
Basic Craft Buttons, Colonial White Waxy Flax, 3-D Foam Tape

5 Years and Counting... (and a Little Blog Candy)

Five years ago today I become a Close to my Heart Consultant. I had no idea what I was doing other than knowing that I would get a great discount on the best stamping and scrapbooking products in the industry. Once my friends got a look at all of my new goodies, they wanted me to do parties and workshops for them so I could teach them how to use these fun products. Then it just grew from there. Here I am, 5 years later with a team of fabulous women all over the country who are just as devoted to this craft as I am. I have a thriving business that I am enjoying more and more each day! (Who knew that you could turn your hobby into a lucrative business?) I cannot tell you how fabulous this company is and how amazing the people are at the Corporate Office. I have made such wonderful friends and am grateful for the opportunities that I have had. I could go on and on about how much I love being a Consultant, but what I really want to do today is share my joy with you. So...I have a little anniversary blog candy to give away.

The lucky winner will receive...

• A variety package of (50) different B&T patterned papers. (Each sheet is different!)
• You’ve Got Flair stamp set
• It’s Your Day stamp set
• Notice the Details stamp set
• (8) Workshop on the Go How-To Guides (Each one is different!)
• Bulk roll of Outdoor Denim Striped Grosgrain Ribbon
• Sculpting Foam
• 6"x6" White Simulated Leather Album
• Groovy Buttercup 6"x6" Scrapbooking Kit
• Package of (15) 6"x6" Memory Protectors
• Package of Nature’s Ambiance Rub-Ons

You can only imagine how much CTMH product I have collected over the past 5 years. A LOT! I have put this little package together from my massive stash to give away to one lucky winner. All you need to do to enter is leave a comment on this post by doing one of the following:

1. Ask me any question(s) you like about being a CTMH Consultant.
2. If you are already a Consultant, tell me what you like about it.
   
3. If you have ever thought about becoming a Consultant, tell me why you haven’t done it yet.

I will pick a winner using random.org on Friday. I will also post answers to any questions that are asked about being a Consultant at that time. Of course you are always welcome to email me if you have questions as well.

Thank you for sharing my anniversary with me! I am looking forward to many more years with Close to my Heart! *Ü*

New Product Blog Hop

Welcome to our Close to my Heart New Product Blog Hop! 17 fabulous Close to my Heart Consultants are celebrating the release of the Spring 2010 Idea Book by showing you some of our creations with the wonderful new products from Close to my Heart!

If you have come here from Erin’s blog, you are on the right path!

This is simple to do— just click on the link at the end of the post on each blog to move to the next one! Here we go!

With the new year, I decided I needed to get more organized so I thought I would use Topstitch, one of my favorite new paper packets, to create a couple of projects to help organize the massive amounts of craft supplies that I have. The first project is a little set of drawers made out of cardstock. I found the template for these “darling drawers” here. I loved hers so I thought I would make a couple sets for myself to help organize some of the embellishments that I use frequently. I plan to keep them on my desk within easy reach.
I used some Corduroy Brads from the Autumn Garden and Winter Cozy Mini-Medley Collections to make some fun paper flowers. To make each flower, I punched 4 pieces of Topstitch B&T papers using my Extra Jumbo Marvy Scallop Circle punch. Then I inked the edges with Chocolate Ink and used the brad in the middle to hold them together. Then I scrunched up the edges to form the flower shape. You can get more step by step instructions here.
My next project was simply altering a couple of ScrapOnizer Organization Sets that I got from HSN a couple of weeks ago. I loved how they turned out. (They look really cute on my shelf.)
This is what they looked like before I altered them...
This is what they look like now...

This is the back of one of the organizers.

This is a closeup of my labels.

This is a closeup of one of the chipboard labels on the front.
By sponging some Chocolate ink on it, it almost gives it a suede-type look.

As mentioned earlier, I used the adorable Topstitch paper packet. I also used two chipboard labels from the Booksmart Collection. I sponged some Chocolate ink on them and added a couple of Pewter Brads. The labels on the front of the box and on the side of the cases were printed on my computer. Now if I can just get the rest of my life organized, I will be all set! LOL!

Now “hop” on over to Brae’s 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, My Acrylix Stamp
Sets, and amazing new embellishments!

**Link not working? Missed a Blog? Here is a list of all the participants in the New Product Sneak Peak Blog Hop!
Erin Herring
Lisa Stenz - you are here *Ü*
Brae Montogmery
Carla Ironside
Helen Onulak
Adeline Brill
Jody Gustafson
Haley Dyer
Antoinette Herrin
Sherrie Thornton
Jessica Moore
Wendy Kessler
Dawn Ross
Dawn Heuft
Kimberly Smith
Amy Edwards
Amy Schultz

All supplies are from CTMH unless otherwise noted.
Paper Packet
Topstitch
Ink Pads
Chocolate
Other
Winter Cozy and Autumn Garden Mini-Medleys, Scallop Circle Punch, Foam Tool, Piercing Tool, Booksmart Dimensional Elements

Checkbook Covers for Charity

Tomorrow is the next Gogo Grandmother’s craft night. What is a Gogo Grandmother you ask? It’s not what you think. LOL! “Gogo” means grandmother/grandfather in Chichewa, the national language of Malawi. Some wonderful women at my church started a chapter of Gogo Grandmothers last year. The purpose of Gogo Grandmothers groups are to share Christ’s love and compassion with the grandmothers and grandfathers who are caring for the grandchildren of Africa orphaned by AIDS. (There are over 15 million orphans in Africa due to the AIDS pandemic.)

“Pure and genuine religion in the sight of God the Father means caring for the orphans and widows in their distress . . .” ~ James 1:27 (NLT)

GOGO is a grandparent-to-grandparent project of SAFE (Sub-Saharan Africa Family Enrichment) in Malawi, Africa. It links grandparents from developed countries with grandmothers and grandfathers caring for orphans in developing countries, thereby addressing an outcome of the HIV/AIDS pandemic within a faith-based context. I had the privilege of meeting Leslie Lewis, the U.S. Coordinator, this morning at church. She is such a sweet lady and shared some amazing stories about the organization and the people involved. If you would like to get more information on what you can do to help, click here. There are opportunities to sponsor a Village Gogo, start a chartered group in your area, participate as an individual, couple, or company, or even just make a one-time donation.

What does this have to do with papercrafting, you may wonder? The Gogo Grandmas at our church are holding a boutique fundraiser in February to raise money to send to the Gogos (grandparents) in Africa. Once a month, they have been holding craft workshops where women in the community come and make fun projects that they will sell at the boutique in February. There are ladies teaching everything from knitting, crocheting and potting plants to making gift bags and cards. That’s where I come in. My love for papercrafting is known around our church and I am honored that they have asked me to help by guiding some of the ladies though some simple papercrafting projects. We had a great time making boxed note cards in November. You can see them here. This month we will be making checkbook covers using some of CTMH’s new papers. I chose my favorite two CTMH paper packs to use for this project.

This cover uses the Veranda paper packet. I printed a bible verse that we will attach that says Matthew 6:21, “For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.” How perfect is that verse for a checkbook cover? I know I will think twice about how I am spending my money the next time I write a check! The flowers are some old Primas I had in my stash. I added a little Pewter Brad inside each one. The bird is from the stamp set in the Veranda Workshop on the go Kit. The covers came from Clearbags.com and can be ordered here.
This cover uses the new Topstitch paper packet. Oh my, how I love this paper! It is so sweet! I have a couple more fun things to show you with this paper, but you will have to wait until tomorrow. (I will be showcasing them for the New Product Blog Hop starting Monday, 1/11/10 at 6pm Pacific Time. Be sure to check back then.) This one also uses some Primas from my stash with some Pewter Brads.
If you happen to be in the area and would like to join us for a fun evening of fellowship, crafting, coffee, and dessert, please come to Rancho Baptist Church on Monday, January 11th at 6:30 pm. You will be able to learn a new craft and utilize your God given talents to make some fun projects for a worthwhile cause. Contact me for more information.

"Missing You" Caboodle Card

Here is another card made using CTMH’s Caboodle paper packet. (I just love saying “Caboodle!” LOL!) I used an adorable new stamp set called Springtime for the umbrella and rain drops. I stamped the top of the umbrella using the outline stamp on a piece of the patterned paper from the Caboodle pack and cut it out. (There are some really cute patterns in the set to stamp on the inside, but I wanted to showcase the cute paper for this card.)
I stitched a little white thread around the edge with my Sew Mini machine. I love that I am using it more and more. (Don't you just hate when you buy a tool and never use it?) That little sewing machine has been sitting on my craft table for a while. Anyway, back to the card... I added a little strip of patterned paper on the inside and punched it with my scallop edge punch.
I stamped the sentiment from the TLC set in Cocoa ink and sponged a little Chocolate ink around the edge. The final touch was a little Buttercup ribbon knot.

Check back on Monday for my addition to the New Product Blog Hop! *Ü*

All supplies are from CTMH unless otherwise noted.
Paper Packet
Caboodle
Stamps
Springtime, TLC
Inks
Chocolate, Cocoa, Crystal Blue
Other
Buttercup Ribbon Rounds, Sew Mini Sewing Machine, Scallop Edge Punch, 3-D Foam Tape

Caboodle Easter Layout

As promised, here is another Caboodle project. This is an Easter layout that uses photos of my kiddos from last year. I thought the colors went well with their outfits, although it doesn’t look like it in these photos. (I got a new camera for Christmas and am still trying to figure out how to use it. LOL!)

I used a few products from the new 2010 Spring Catalog including the Caboodle paper packet. I also used some of the new Spring Just Blooms Flowers. I love the new shapes. The pack even comes with cute little paper butterflies! The title is cut with a Cricut that I borrowed from my sweet friend Vanessa. (I am in love with it and now NEED to get one!) I used the Plantin Schoolbook cartridge for the title. The white border edges are cut with my scallop scissors.
I used some white chipboard from the Borders Dimensional Elements. For the word “blessings” I used the new Irresistibles Lots of Dots which is a super fun new product. They are white stickers with invisible dots that show up when you ink them with chalk, ink, etc.
Here is a close up of the journaling. I used a font called Fontdinerdotcom and added some faux stitching around the edge with my Chocolate marker.
Check out these new flowers. Aren’t they beautiful? I just love the detailed petals. I layered a Creme Bruleé flower on top of a white one and added a Crystal Blue button with some white Waxy Flax. It may be hard to see, but I actually pulled out my sewing machine and stitched some white thread around the edges of the pages.
All supplies are from CTMH unless otherwise noted.
Paper Packet
Caboodle
Stamps
Spot on Background (on title), Springtime (ducks and “Happy Spring” sentiment)
Inks
Chocolate, Cocoa, Crystal Blue, Sorbet
Other
Spring Blossom Just Blooms Flowers, Irresistibles Lots of Dots, Borders Dimensional Elements, Winter Buttons, Waxy Flax, Spring Blossom and Winter Cozy Brads, Scallop Scissors, Cricut Machine, Sewing Machine, Crimper

The new Close to my Heart 2010 Spring Catalog is here!

It's here! It's here! Today is the release of the new CTMH 2010 Spring catalog! I have been dying to share this with you because there are sooooooo many fabulous new products. Spring has always been my favorite time of year and, with no exception, the Spring Idea Book has always been my favorite. Contact me at lisa@myctmh.com if you would like to get your very own copy or click here to view it online. I am happy to mail you a free Idea Book. All I ask is that you pay $3 for Priority Shipping.

Here are just a few fun projects highlighting some of the new products...

These projects highlight the new You Rock Paper Packet, Rockin' Top Coats, Star Power and Rock Star stamp sets.

These projects highlight the new Caboodle Paper Packet along with the super fun new Irresistibles Lots of Dots Alphabet, Tiny Tabs, and Playin' Hard and Boys at Play stamp sets.
These projects highlight the adorable new Topstitch Paper Packet, Soft Suede Pinwheels, and Charmed and Togetherness stamp sets.
You have already seen a little sneak peek at this beautiful paper called Veranda. (We will be using it for my Creative Club project this month.) This photo highlights the beautiful paper packet along with the Just Blooms Spring Blossom Flowers, Filigree Charms, and So Sweet and Authentic stamp sets.

I have a few more fun projects using new Spring products to show you. There will also be a new product blog hop coming soon, so stay tuned. I will post an update as soon as I know when the blog hop will be.

Happy New Year!