My Favourite CTMH scrapbooking product!

Good morning!  I wanted to tell you all about my favourite scrapbooking product that I am using like crazy.  Close to my Heart makes Flip Flap page protectors.  Now, these handy dandy items come in a variety of sizes & I just have to say that I love them ALL!  Sizes include 4 x 6; 8 x 12; 6 x 12 & 4 x 12.  Be looking out for class dates coming soon at the Holland Scrapaganza as well as Brandon's Big One that feature these super add on's for you layouts!  Want a peek at some artwork that I have already created with them?  Well here ya' go!  At the CTMH Convention held this past summer in Washington D.C. we created this beautiful layout using the new Magnifique Level 2 paper pack.

So, are YOU loving these interactive layout pages or what?!

November Constant Campaign has been Announced!

Our November Customer Special has been announced!  Are you ready for some major excitement? Check this out!

A Little MORE Thanks!


Free stamps to say thank you in November.

Place your order today to receive two My Acrylix® stamp sets for FREE!

DURING NOVEMBER WE’RE EXPRESSING OUR GRATITUDE TO YOU BY helping you earn two fabulous My Acrylix® stamp sets for FREE! When you place a minimum order of $117.50, you will not only receive the November Stamp of the Month set, A Little Thanks, for FREE, you will also receive one stamp set of your choosing from the 2010 Autumn/Winter Idea Book for FREE*! This means you can increase the value of your purchase by up to $53.90—that’s almost 50 percent more in value! It’s just our way of imparting A Little MORE Thanks to you for being a great customer.

*Free stamp sets include A-D size sets. Stamps that are not available as the free set include Workshops

on the Go,™ Stamp of the Month retail, E-size, and customizable K-size. Tax and shipping/handling may apply. Offer good November 1–30, 2010.

What a GREAT learning tool for our children!

If your kids are anything like mine, they really don't like homework. I wanted to do something with my kids to help them keep up with learning over the summer months and I just have to share what I found!  Well, this summer I was offered the opportunity to try out a product called DreamBox Learning. 

It's a bunch of fun games that are all geared to be math learning at the same time.  It's fully customizible for each child, right from the beginning.  Each child creats a profile & the first time they play, they are being assessed as to their skill levels.  I, as the parent receive feedback each time they use DreamBox to let me know what they learned & what they need to work more on.  My kids who are 6 & 8 had fights as to who's turn it was!~  They had so much fun & really learend a lot!  My 6 year old son, who doesn't like school at all, is now doing grade 3 math!  The way the programs are set up teach the kids how to think about problems in order to solve them.

I am ever so greateful to the folks at DreamBox for sharing your product with our family & helping my son to excell in such a short period of time.

My 8 year old daughter has a very hard time understanding math concepts.  With the help of DreamBox, she is now better able to process how math problems can be solved by thinking about them in groups of 5 & 10 and her self-confidence level is much higher.

I have to say that my 4 year old daughter wanted to do DreamBox also.  She saw how much fun her siblings were having.  Unfortunately she was still too young to grasp how a computer keyboard works. lol

If your children have trouble with math or understanding how to think about solving math problems easily, I would recommed trying DreamBox Learning.   Click to get a FREE trial.

A special thanks to Aerin Guy for all your amazing customer service!

Crop in Miami, Manitoba

Thanks so much to Lori at Love Is In The Details.  I had a pile of fun at your crop on Saturday and was uber productive to boot!  It was awesome meeting some of my online friends from the LIITD forum.  Slicegirl...I'm sure I'll have flashbacks for a while. LOL  I can't wait for the next crop on September 18 and hope to meet many more of you from the forum.

Here are some of the goodies we received at CTMH Convention last week.

Convention is always a super fun time to learn new techniques, see new products, gain valuable business ideas, make new friends & visit with old ones.  I want to share with you some pictures I took of many of the items we were given in Washington, D.C.

It's hard to pick my favourite new product from the upcoming Autumn/Winter Idea Book but I must say, the new 12" Flip Flap Page protectors are a MUST have!  I can't wait to get my hands on the NEW Magic Book!  It features all new layout design sketches that can be both regular or interactive!  I'm loving interactive layouts!

I received a bill today...

Have you ever been excited to be billed for anything?? I was billed for my fall/winter 2010 CTMH catalogues & Idea Books!!! Yay! That means that they'll be on their way soon. Post here if you would like to reserve a copy for yourself. Send me a message if you would like to hostess a party in September or October & then you will get a FREE one!

Would you like to be at CTMH Convention in Washington, D.C.?

I want to share with you what an amazing & wonderful trip that all of us consultants are having in the Capitol of the United States.  So much friendship, knowledge & creativity here that I'm am proud to be a part of such a winning team!  I wanted to share with you just a few photos from our first couple of days here.

 

Jackpot June Continues to amaze!!!

Wow, I can't believe how many insanely awesome deals CTMH has offered so far!  Here's a bit of an update of the latest steals & deals.

17th- Mystery item was the Sorbet Ribbon Rounds
18th- Goodie Box $46.95 for over $93.95 in products.
19th- Mystery item was the My Accents Topiary Collection.
20th- Mystery item was the Hello Birdie Card Kit.
21st- Goodie Box $93.95 for over $235.50 in products.

To shop today's Goodie Box deal, just click here

Jackpot June offers amazing specials & freebies!

So far, we have had some really awesome freebies given away when you hit the jackpot item as well as 5 Goodie Boxes.  Here is the Jackpot items list, so if you made a purchase of these items on the particular day, you hit the jackpot!

June Jackpot deals so far have been:




1st- Mystery item was the It's A Guy Thing Level 1 paper pack.

2nd- Goodie Box $93.95 for over $235.50 in products.

3rd- Mystery item was Perfect Day Level 2 paper pack.

4th- Goodie Box $46.95 for over $93.95 in products.

5th- Mystery item was the White Daisy Sassy Strands.

6th- Mystery item was the Sweet Pea Simply Snapshots.

7th- Mystery item was the Dimensional Elements Fresh Shapes.

8th-Goodie Box $70.50 for over $140.95 in products.
 
9th- Mystery items was School Zone Level 1 paper pack.
 
10th- Mystery item was Lovely Buckles Stamp Set.
 
11th- Mystery items was That's Amore My Stickease.
 
12th- Goodie Box $70.50 for over $140.95 in products.
 
13th- Mystery item was the True Fit Folios.
 
14th- Mystery items was the Abundance Level 2 paper pack.
 
15th- Mystery item was the Twill Ribbon.
 
16th- Goodie Box $117.50 for over $293.95 in products.
 
Check my site daily to see what the Jackpot June specials are.

June Jackpot's 1st Goodie Box!

Ok, if you were one the lucky ones who ordered the 1st Goodie Box on the 2nd of June, do I have good news for you!

Here's an example of what some people have been finding in their Goodie Boxes:

Misc cardstock (3 textured pansy purple, 3 ocean, 3 vanilla cream, 3 brown bag, 3 dutch blue)


Level 1 Perfect Day

Level 2 Perfect Day

Paper Envelope (z334)

Dimensional Elements Booksmart (z1223)

Love letters rub-ons (Z1098)

About Me Journaling prompts (X5746)

Primavera rub-ons (z1265)

2 - Around the Holidays Card Kits (X8623)

Bits & Pieces Card Kit (X8624)

Doorhanger pouch (X143)

white daisy just blooms (z1300)

3x3 kraft mini album (z1165)

colonial white designer brads (z1274)

Neutral embroidery floss (Z1096)

colonial white ribbon rounds (Z1126)

foundry tabs (Z1161)

Believe clear inspiration slides (Z1015)

mini hollyhock stamp pad

Genuine Fun stamp set (A1093)

Framed Moments stamp set (W192)

Simple Invites stamp set (A1092)

Whimsy Lowercase stamp set (C1206)

Spring Equinox stamp set (B1299)

How is that for a deal?!!!!

So just to reacp...order the mystery item & get free goodies!

June Jackpot deals so far have been:

1st- Mystery item was the It's A Guy Thing Level 1 paper pack.
2nd- Goodie Box $93.95 for over $235.50 in products.
3rd- Mystery item was Perfect Day Level 2 paper pack.
4th- Goodie Box $46.95 for over $93.95 in products.
5th- Mystery item was the White Daisy Sassy Strands.
6th- Mystery item was the Sweet Pea Simply Snapshots.
7th- Mystery item was the Dimensional Elements Fresh Shapes.
8th-Goodie Box $70.50 for over $140.95 in products.

You too can earn a free cruise!!

If you have ever considered becoming a Close To My Heart consultant, I'm here to tell you that never in my wildest dreams did I think I'd be so successful, let alone earn a cruise!  Here's my testimonial that I'd like to share with you. If I can do it, so can you!  Just ask me how.

JACKPOT JUNE MEANS DAILY DEALS!

Hit the jackpot and win free products OR grab loaded goodie boxes at 50% off or more. Enjoy two types of deal days in June!

June is the time to stock up on all your creative supplies for scrapbooking, stamping, and cardmaking with our Jackpot June special. During June, you'll have the opportunity to grab popular Close To My Heart products at discount prices, potentially hit the Jackpot and then win a FREE item or bundle of items in addition to your purchase! We also have exciting Goodie Boxes available on several days in June where you'll get a box full of current and recently retired products well below retail value—at least 50% off or more! You'll want to stock up now while you can save big. Visit my MyCTMH® website every day to save money and fill your craft room with everything you need."

On goodie box days… you can purchase one box filled with popular products at 50% or more off retail value! Each goodie box day will feature different surprise items, so you can score a wide variety of current and recently retired products.

On jackpot days… 5 products will be offered for sale at discounted prices. One of the 5 products is the mystery jackpot item for that day, but we’re not telling which—exciting, isn’t it! If you happen to order the mystery jackpot item, we’ll reward you with one or more FREE Close To My Heart products, with shipping included on the free items! If you purchase all 5 products, you’re guaranteed to hit the jackpot! There’s no purchase limit—if you order multiple secret jackpot items, we’ll send you the same number of free items.

These special offers include discounted shipping/handling and are only available on my MyCTMH® website. Check back every day for the latest offer.

* Offer valid June 1–July 1 at 8:00 am (MDT), on MyCTMH websites only. New deals are posted each day at 9:00 am (MDT).

To be eligible for discounted prices, your order must contain only Jackpot June items. Visit facebook.com/closetomyheart or closetomyheart.com to see what the mystery Jackpot item was for the previous day. Offers are while supplies last.
 
Remember~On Goodie Box days, only one Goodie Box and no other items may be checked out in a single transaction.  On Jackpot days, only the discounted items may be checked out in one transaction; no limit on discounted items per transaction.
 
For Canada, shipping for a Goodie Box will range from $13.00 CAN to $20.00 CAN.


Special shipping is offered on the discounted Jackpot products you purchase: just $1.99 CAN for each item.

We have a winner!!!

The past few weeks there have been some new followers on my blog & I wanted to thank one lucky new follower by giving them a FREE Close To My Heart stamp set!  Our winner is Laurie - Wally.  Congratulations, you are now the proud owner of the Key to my Heart stamp set valued at $40.95.

UPDATE: Scrappin' at the Camp is filling up fast!

  If you haven't already registered, the 5th Annual Scrappin' at the Camp is filling up fast.  Just a few spots left for the 1st weekend, November 5, 6 & 7th.  We still have room for the 2nd weekend, November 12, 13 & 14th.  You can contact Laura Lee Harms to register at (204)529-2605.  Cost is $100 per weekend and includes your scrap time, meals, snacks, lodging & an awesome goodie bag!!!  Camp is held at Camp Koinonia, just south of Boissevain, Manitoba.  For those of you who are out of town, we are very near to the North Dakota & Sask. borders.  So come out & play at the camp!

5th Annual Scrappin' at the Camp!!!

Last year we were full and still had ladies wanting to attend, so this year we are holding two dates for Scrappin' at Camp Koinonia.

Cost $100 (per weekend)~ November 5, 6, 7 and/or November 12, 13, 14

(south of Boissevain on Hwy #10 – 6 miles south of Hwy 3 and 10 junction **watch for Koinonia Road on the west side of the road)

Includes: lodging, meals and scrap space for the weekend.
Lodging is mostly bunk-style rooms with bathrooms adjoining or close-by.
Meals are home-cooked, delicious and served to us at separate tables (no doing dishes!!).
The scrap area is located in the main lodge, close to the bedrooms. The lodge has a “pit” area with a wood-burning fireplace, and high ceilings. The atmosphere is incredibly relaxing and calm.

The camp itself has several walking trails available to you, as well as the option of canoeing or snowshoes/cross country skiing (depending on the weather conditions). The lake in the “backyard” boasts an amazing view, with PLENTY of great photography opportunities.

Registration is Friday anytime after 6pm (no supper available, just evening snack).

Scrap 24 hours/day until Sunday around 2pm.

***Due to the demand from last year, we have added another weekend to the Scrappin’ at the Camp
experience. The first weekend is limited to 15 scrappers (along with 12-15 quilters), and the second
weekend is limited to 30 scrappers. I’m sorry, but space for the weekend will be taken as registrations
come in (first come/first served). If a weekend gets filled, I will notify you. So please get your
registrations in to me ASAP, so as to receive a spot for the weekend requested.

Registration payment (cheque) may be sent to:

Laura Lee Harms
Box 126 Mather, MB R0K 1L0
Phone: 529-2605

National Scrapbooking Day!

For National Scrapbooking Day, I hosted a Summer Idea Book reveal party.  The girls & I had so much fun.  Michelle H. came out from Treherne, Michelle S. from Manitou, Heather from Winnipeg, Shawna from Cartwright & Laura Lee from Mather.  Heather brought some beautiful artwork in frames and sold a few.  She gave a lesson on how to use Copic markers.  We plaed a game where everyone made a card while blindfolded.  I first played the game last September at our Stampin' Canada meet up. So much fun!  Thanks for the great idea Gail!!  We stuffed our faces with chocolate covered rice crispy cake & everyone left having won prizes.  Here are some pics I took as the ladies made thier cards.

Thanks again to everyone who came out for the party & to those of you who called & emailed me with your orders.  Happy National Scrapbooking Day!!!!

Fall in love with online scrapbooking!!

Close To My Heart’s online design software, Studio J™, helps you create two-page layouts faster, simpler, and easier—saving you time and money! You’ll love your Studio J layouts, perfect for your cherished album.

Here’s why:

• Every layout is custom printed using the highest quality photo processing paper and technology. Your layouts will last a lifetime!
• Choose from dozens of themed kits to suit any event or occasion, with coordinating embellishments, stickers, and fonts to customize your look.
• Select just the right pattern, accommodating from two to 15 photos per layout—great versatility.
• The software is free! Create an account to start designing complete layouts in just minutes.

Try Studio J today and fall in love! Visit MyCTMH website at http://brandy.myctmh.com/  to get started.

A Miracle Awaits You!

You’ll love our pretty Miracle kit designed exclusively for National Scrapbooking Month in May.

THIS CHARMING SCRAPBOOKING KIT FEATURING spring-inspired colors and floral patterns is miraculously easy to assemble with no stamping required. The brochure will guide you through easily creating two beautiful 2-page layouts.

There are several ways to snatch this fashionable Miracle kit at a great discount or even FREE*:

• Purchase the kit outright for $23.50* (CC1009).


• Place a minimum order of $47 and purchase the kit for only $10* (CC1009A).


• Place a minimum order of $70 and purchase the kit for only $5* (CC1009B).


• Sign up as a new Consultant between May 1–31 and receive a kit FREE! Just go to http://brandy.myctmh.com/ to get your kit


• Host a Home Gathering between April 15–May 31 with minimum sales of $375 and receive a kit FREE!

Amaze yourself and your friends during National Scrapbooking Month in May with gorgeous layouts you create using our Miracle kit. Shop 24/7 at http://brandy.myctmh.com/ to get yours!

Prefer to make Cards?  The amazing Beckie Lehman has very generously shared with us 14 beautiful cards that she made & photograped using the Originals & Wishes Cardmaking books!  Simply by adding a few sheets of cardstock & some embellishments, here are her results:

* Tax and shipping/handling apply. Offer valid April 15—May 31, 2010. Limit of one discounted-price kit per order. Available for a limited time while supplies last.

Qualifying minimum purchases do not include Studio J™ orders.

My crafty family

I just love how much closer a hobby has brought my family together.  All of my children love to scrapbook & craft.  My husband is a crafter himself.  He is a leatherman.  Scott makes anything from belts to equine tack.  His ultimate goal is to make himself a saddle!  He bought everything he needs almost 8 years ago.  The kids kept coming and he just hasn't yet had the time to get it done.  Since he uses alot of tools very similar to that of scrapbookers, he can easily relate to my crafty needs.  He is the one who is often encouraging me to buy the latest tool on the market.  "You know that you can make a better product if you have the better tool", says my dear husband. 

Just the other day, I went into my scraproom only to discover that Scott was into MY tools!  Yup, our 3 year old daughter, Sydney wanted him to fix her toilet paper binoculars that she had made at pre-school earlier that day.  It was so cute to see him in his crafty glory, in my studio, with our kids, that I simply had to capture the moment. 

Sydney is now a happy camper!  Thanks Daddy :)

Studio J Design Software ...Soon to arrive...

We are so very close to the unveiling of the new digital scrapbooking froom Close to my Heart called, Studio J.  I have been lucky enough to have had the opportunity to try it out let me tell you it's AMAZING!!  It's so easy to use.  Once you go to my website, simply click on the Studio J link. The software is extremely intuitive and easy to use. The software walks a user through five simple steps that include:


uploading photos;
choosing the desired themed kit;
selecting an exclusive layout pattern;
adding photos, embellishments, title, and journaling;
and purchasing custom-printed layouts ready for a cherished album.

It really is THAT easy. 

To see what I'm talking about, you can watch the preview video.  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 Studio J and start designing your layouts! You can create and immediately purchase your layouts, or you can save them for later completion and purchase.

The introductory price per two-page layout is $14.95 CAN.  You can receive FREE Memory Protectors and FREE shipping/handling based on the number of layout prints you purchase as follows:


For 5–9 layout purchases: Customers receive a pack of 5 clear Memory Protectors FREE!

For 10–20 layout purchases: Customers receive free shipping/handling PLUS a free pack of 5 Memory Protectors for every 5 layouts in their order.



Let me know if you have any questions.

Amazing Inspiration by an amazing woman!

Ok friends, so I was just finishing up a super fun scrapbooking club night when I received a facebook post from my new friend Greg Leng.  See, Greg is married to Lori, another CTMH Consultant who lives in North Carolina.  We met on the awesome incentive cruise that we went on last week to the Westren Caribbean.  I was planning to post to you tonight all about our trip & well...I just have to say that Lori posted before me and I could never, in my wildest dreams express so vividly & eloquently as dear Lori did, so....hop on over to check out her blog and be prepared to be inspired!

Back from the Western Caribbean CTMH cruise.

Hello again!  What a wonderful time I had with so many awesome people on the CTMH incentive cruise to the Western Caribbean.  Upon arrival to Miami, Florida, we stayed at the Embassy Suites Airport Hotel.  The next morning we boarded the Norwegain Dawn. 

We were welcomed to our cabin with a nice bottle of Champaign and spent the day at sea.  We had a welcome reception in the beautiful Spinnaker Lounge.  I went to a show called Band on the Run and they were amazing, what a talented bunch of dancers. On Tuesday, we arrived in George Town, Grand Cayman.  We took a bus tour of the island and 7 Mile Beach and then onto a boat ride about 20 minutes out.  We arrived at a sand bar to swim with the sting rays.  I was terrified to say the least but I did swim with them and even touch them. 

Once back on the ship we went to the magic show, Beyond Belief...it was ok, but nothing to write home about :)  The next norning we docked at Cozumel, Mexico and went swimming with the dolphins.  This was the highlight of my trip!  They are such gentle creatures.  I got to kiss, hug & I was even taken for a ride by a dolphin.  It was AMAZING!

Once back on the Dawn, we got cleaned up and went to the CTMH group supper at the Aqua Restaurant.  It was super nice and very intimate.  After supper I went to see a comedy show called The Second City.  Later that night I want to the Spinnaker Lounge for a little dancing.  We spent Thursday at sea on our way back to Miami.  A great time in the sun, poolside with an ocean view to die for.

CTMH gave us a terrific farewell reception where we also celebrated Founder & CEO of CTMH, Jeanette Lynton's birthday.  The chocolate cake was delicious. We went to see undoubtedly the BEST show of the cruise called Bollywood.  If you ever get the chance make sure to take in this show...all I can say is INCREDIBLE.

A huge THANK YOU to Jeanette for my first, awesome incentive trip with CTMH.  I am very much looking forward to joining the amazing group of talented men & women next March upon the brand new Epic.

Bon Voyage!!!

Join Close To My Heart in March and Receive Four Exclusive New Stamp Sets FREE!

Be your own boss with flexible hours and unlimited earning potential when you join Close To My Heart as a new Consultant this March. When you join, you will receive four new stamp sets free! The retail value of the free stamp sets total $107.80, which nearly covers the price of your New Consultant Kit*. When all is said and done, you will receive more than $460 in fabulous new products to get your dream business started.

Now is the time to make your stamping dreams come true! Ask
me about joining our incredible team today.

Join Now & get your FREE stamps!

Hearts for Haiti Textured Cardstock campaign

We have been overwhelmed by the response, which has literally consumed several years of inventory in a few short weeks. We have done a number of campaigns using textured cardstock, so we know the demand well—none of those have performed the way this one has, presumably because people are motivated by an opportunity to help a country in terrible need.  I personally wanted to thank each and every one of you who aided in this campaign to help Haiti.  I also wanted to thank everyone who donated to the cause on their own accord. 

Close To My Heart has sold out of 3 of the 5 Textured Cardstock collections that were available as buy one pack get one free with $2 US being donated to Operation Smile in Haiti.  Please take a moment to hop on over to the Operation Smile site to view some of the progress made.

Thank you again for your continued friendship & business.

Well, it's been an entire month since I've posted on my blog...boy can time ever get away from me. This past month has brought us, here in Manitoba, Canada some serious weather. Althoguh I enjoy our cold, snowy days...-41 is just too cold for me! Bbuurrrrr. So, I am very much looking forward to some sunshine. Just 30 more days until I leave on a Western Caribbean Cruise that I earned from my Close To My Heart business. It's my first ever cruise and I am so excited. I can't wait for the warm weather and the feel of sand under my feet. I wish you all warm days ahead.