Close to My Heart Trip to New Zealand

What a fun perk to a GREAT job!! Close to My Heart just took 35 consultants and their guests on a trip of a lifetime. We went to New Zealand! What an adventure. After 13 hours on a plane, we arrived in green and gorgeous New Zealand. What a nice change from the snow and ice we left behind. Thank you Close to my Heart and to all my customers for making this trip possible for us! I LOVE my job!

National Papercrafting Month

Have some fun in January during NATIONAL PAPERCRAFTING month. Earn this set FREE or purchase as many of them as you would like. See my website for more details.

A Sneak Peak!!

Earn this darling little set FREE during January! When you spend $75 on any product during National Papercrafting month (January) you get this darling set FREE from me!



During the month of January, you can get this fabulous set of stamps! You can even earn it FREE, or at a discount.

Christmas Memories

What a fun holiday! We had 4 of our 6 children home for the holidays. Grandchildren bring back the magic of Christmas. We had such a fun time. The big boys even helped Grandpa dig out his old toy train. That was set up in the middle of the room and was a hit with ALL the kids. Even the two year olds learned how to make it go. Lots of fun, food, paper wrappings, giggles, smiles, shouts of joy and messes all made the holiday WONDERFUL. We all made gingerbread houses. Some ate more house components than they did any building with them, but the night was a hit. Here are a few pictures of our Picture Perfect holiday. Hope you enjoyed every memory of yours as well. Lets get together and start making some fun layouts to put these memories on. Two of the "cheaper by the dozen" layouts will be Christmas layouts to help you get going. There are still spots open if you want to join us....Jan 23rd. Email me or call for details. 988-6030

HOLIDAY HEYDAY!!

Shop online starting today for clearance prices 50-70% off! These are fabulous products at clearance prices. Start shopping today!!

MORE fun Scrap Catchers

Here are a few more styles. Need a specific color? Let me know. I will be happy to take special orders.

Let the Shopping Begin!!

Did you make it through Black Friday? I choose to stay home this year. Was so glad there was nothing in the ads i just absolutely needed! Instead, I made some fun gifts on my own. Thought I would share them with you. Fun little gifts with the handmade touch for all your crafting friends.

SCRAP CATCHER
I have used these 'scrap catchers' on my tables in my workshop room for years. They are the best! I take them to crops, or wherever I need a catcher for my scraps. Very portable and I have made them to match my workshop room and different ones for my studio and sewing room! I thought I would share these with you this year. Each bag is only $15 (+$4.00 shipping) and can be made to match a color scheme of your choice or just a random fun selection. They come packaged and ready to wrap up for a gift as well. Order one, or several! You will always be prepared for any crafting you do!

SCISSOR LANYARD

Are you always loosing your scissors? Do they get lost under the piles you have on your desk. Attach them to a hand-beaded lanyard. Wear them around your neck and you will never wonder where your scissors went again. They will always be right there ready to use! Designs will vary. Each lanyard is $10.00 (plus $2 shipping) Add some fabulous Close to my Heart craft scissors and your total will only be $20

What fun little gifts for those hard to buy for on your shopping list!!

10 Things I am Thankful for!!

It has been a fun week! Card making workshop, two Christmas Album workshops, a little Christmas shopping, a little babysitting, seeing the grandkids I dont get to see on a daily basis, watching other grandkids 'shoot a commercial' dr appointments, and more but we topped off the week with an early Thanksgiving Dinner. This year, most of the kids were going to their in-laws house for Thanksgiving so we had ours last night. What a fun time. Lots of giggles, messy faces, food and fun. After they had all gone home, dishes were done, and I was waiting to fall asleep, I took that quiet time to reflect on my top 10 list of things I am thankful for. It has been fun this week to read others post on facebook daily of things they are thankful for. It is so easy to get so busy we forget what is most important. Here is my top 10....

1. FAMILY! First and farmost, I am so thankful for such a great family. My dear hubby (and best friend) and I have 6 fabulous kids and 9 grandkids, (with 2 more on the way) So thankful for parents who taught me the value of the family! Thanks mom and dad. Thanks Scott for making my life the best!! We have been married for 34 fabulous years! So many memories.... so many things to be thankful for. Thanks Scott.

2. My Heavenly Father! So blessed to know I am a child of God and He is there for me and loves me. So thankful for my testimony of the gospel, and for my brother Jesus Christ.

3. HEALTH!! I am appreciating good health more and more each day! Thankful for each day.

4. FRIENDS! What would my life be like without friends. So thankful for those who add fun and enjoyment to my life. Thanks my fun friends!!

5. MEMORIES! I have been working on a scrapbook album of many years ago, when we first got married and began our little family. It has been so fun going back through those memories and 'watching them grow up' through pictures.

6. SCRAPBOOKS!! I love putting together Scrapbooks to hold those memories. Scrapbooking has brought me so many more things to be thankful for.... Some of those are.....

7. CLOSE TO MY HEART! What a great place to work! I became a Close to my Heart consultant in July of 1991. Thinking it would just be an outlet to get the fun products I wanted to use in my papercrafting projects..... I signed up. Has it ever proved to be more than that. I am so thankful I found this fabulous company so many years ago. It has brought me so many more things to be thankful for....

8. CUSTOMERS who have become my friends. Not many people can say they really LOVE their job! I CAN!! I love the fabulous women I have met. They are far more than just customers. I consider them friends. Thank you CTMH for bringing me such fantastic women and for such a great opportunity!

9. My friends AT Close to my Heart Corporate office!! and all other consultants and team members. Besides the friends I have made as customers, I have a fabulous team of fantastic women! They too have become my friends. Thanks to each of you. Thanks also for each of you at Corporate! I am thankful for our friendship and for all the fun times! Looking forward to seeing you in New Zealand! So grateful for all the trips I have earned with Close to my Heart. What a fun way to take my sweetheart on some terrific vacations!!

10. THE SEASON! I am thankful for this time of year, when things get so busy that somehow we figure out how to slow down and really think of all the things that are important to us. So thankful for my life!!

ART and SOUL - The Sparkle of the Season

The season for Sparkle is quickly approaching! Want a fun idea or two to add sparkle to your season! Watch the latest episode of ART and SOUL and see the FABULOUS ideas to add sparkle and shine to your season! Click here and enjoy the latest episode as well as many fun ideas that are there for you to watch. Be sure to check out the special deal at the end of the segment! Get your jumpstart on your sparkle and shine!

ITS a STAMPAGANZA!!!

Stock Up on Gifts During Stampaganza in November!
We've never done a promotion like this so close to the holidays! Buy two stamp sets, get one free-is a singular opportunity to make gift giving more fun and more affordable. Tell your friends, your family, your neighbors, your co-workers-you might even want to tell Santa Claus!

From November 3-30th, 2009, when you purchase any two stamp sets (sizes A, B, C, D, and or E only) at full retail price you will receive a third stamp set of your choice FREE* (of equal or lesser value)- a savings of up to $22.95!


Take advantage of this month's great offer to add to your assortment of these innovative stamps!
*Shipping/handling apply. Stamp sets available as the FREE set include A, B, C, and D-size sets only. E-size, customizable (k), Art & Soul, and stamp of the Month are not available as the free set. Stamp sets that count toward the qualifying purchase include full-priced A, B, C, D, and E-size sets only. Stamps that do not count toword a qualifying purchase include Stamp of the Month, Art *& Soul, Workshops on the Go, and Customized (k) stamps.

OCCASSIONS Card Workshop

Thanks to everyone who came to the Occassions Card Workshop tonight. What a fun bunch of stampers! Great Fun, Great company, Great conversation.... What more could you ask for. Oh yeah, and everyone took home 10 new cards! Take a look at what they made. See you in November for Christmas Cards!!

HALLOWEEN ideas!!!

Need some inspiration for your Halloween and Fall projects? Check out Jeanette Lynton's fabulous ideas on her blog! You can make such fantastic projects with Close to My Heart products. Follow Jeanettes blog for new weekly ideas!!
Click here for the best blog! Jeanette's Blog

Scrapbook Crop... So much Fun!

I had so much fun yesterday! I went to a fundraiser scrapbooking crop for my grandchildren's elementary school. We scrapbooked from 9:00 am to 11:00 pm! I havent done that and just played for a long time! It was so much fun. I am a mom with all married children, so their scrapbooks are 'done' and I am caught up on all my Close to my Heart trips, so I took on a HUGE project. (Wish me luck)

I took 34 years of photos OUT of their little plastic photo pages (since they were distroying the photos as they were before the acid free days) I organized them by the year, and jumped in with both feet and began scrapbooking a 'Family Album' from when we were married in 1975 to Hopefully someday I will be current! It was so much fun to go back through that many years of memories! I have included a few pictures of some of my layouts. The children on these few layouts were my babies, but are now in their 30's and married with their own children. The years have passed but it was so fun to remember the very details of these moments! I am up to 1984! WOOHOOOO I am having a blast! I may never do housework again. Sorry honey....

"Life isnt measured by the breaths we take, but by the moments that take our breaths away."

MEMORIES....what are you doing with yours???

A New GIFT IDEA - Event Calendar Workshop

Back by Popular demand... the Event Calendar Workshop. This is a Fantastic gift for Anyone on your gift giving list. It is a gift that lasts forever. Each month is decorated up cute, and has numerous lines to put down the important events! Not the dr appointments, but the Annual events. Birthdays, Anniversaries, Etc. Dont forget another birthday or important event again. Have them displayed in a fabulous calendar that will be a daily reminder. COST $15.00 Make as many as you would like! Tell your friends and have them come too! Friday evening Dec 4th 6:00 pm or Saturday morning Dec 5th 9:00 am Choose the date that works best for you! RSVP by Nov 20th

Who wants to join my FAN PAGE?

I started a FAN PAGE on Facebook and I would love you to join us! I am trying my best to get a place set up just for you, to check out some great new ideas, see what is happening, what events are coming up and where you can share ideas and thoughts on fun new projects you have been working on! Join my fan page! Invite your friends to join us on Facebook too!

Santa's little elves...busy at work!

What a fun time we had getting a jumpstart on Christmas Card making. We had a full house, all working hard, and having a great time. The Christmas tree was lit, the Christmas music was playing, and yep, we even had the first snowfall to set the mood. Thanks to all who came and played at our Christmas card workshop! Some made 16 while others set out to make 96! I have been asked to have a 'repeat' day! Let me know if you wished you had gotten in on the workshop and would like me to schedule another day to play!

UPCOMING EVENTS - just in time for Christmas!!

The Crisp feel in the weather is a reminder that Christmas is Just around the corner. Join us for some Christmas FUN.

Want a fun way to preserve your Christmas Memories this year? Maybe a gift for that hard to buy for Mother in Law? Join us for our

Christmas Album Workshop

This year, we will feature our new 'All Sorts' mini album. Each page is made of sturdy matboard and is easy to cover and decorate for ANY occassion. We will use the Jingle Pack of paper a fun and festive new Christmas paper featuring our new colors, Tulip - Creme Brulee - Juniber and Sorbet

The album has 6 pages adorned on each side to hold 12 pages of your memories. Each Page is a different shape making your book so much fun! It is embellished and ready to add your memories.

You can choose which time works out best for you as it will be held two different days/times to accomodate you and your busy schedule. Please RSVP by November 1st to hold your spot, and to allow time to order your supplies. Sign up a friend too and receive a FREE GIFT from me!!

Christmas Album Workshop 2009
Friday Nov 20th 6:00 pm
or
Saturday Nov 21st 9:00 am
Choose which day works best for you

Cost $30
includes EVERYTHING you will need but the memories!

RSVP by Nov 1st to
chris@myctmh.com or 515-988-6030
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Christmas Garland Workshop

Make this fun and easy Christmas Garland. Make one, or make several. What a fun and easy Christmas Gift. This one says 'NOEL' but you could choose any 6 letter word.
NOVEMBER 10th 7:00 pm
$15.00
Reserve your spot by Oct 28th

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Annual 'Christmas Gift' workshop
NOVEMBER 3rd 7:00 Cost $5.00
You will LOVE this fun Girls night out and get hundreds of ideas!!

We will make 5 gifts tonight ready to give to that favorite friend or co-worker! They are adorable, yet easy enough that you can make more of them on your own! All instruction will be provided so you can take home the directions to recreate all the FUN. You will also receive a handout with 100's of other ideas! Don't miss out on this one.
***Spots fills up quickly for this night! ***
Reserve a spot for you and a friend today!
please reserve your spot by October 20th

chris@myctmh.com or 515 988-6030

NEED EXTRA $$$
for the holidays?

Join my team and earn CASH doing something you LOVE!! Join during October and you will receive a special Bonus!! Email or call me for details!!
November Scrapbook Kit - Workshop
November is a time to think of all we have to be thankful for! In November, our Scrapbook Workshop Kit is called GRACE. You will complete a two page layout with these rich beautiful papers, and have plenty of supplies and instruction to take home and create many more. The layout in the photo shows a wedding layout. We will be changing that to say FAMILY or whatever you would like yours to be titled!
Ask me for details! Join a group already going, or get a group of friends together and choose your own night to have your very own GIRLS NIGHT OUT!!

REGIONAL CELEBRATION with Close to My Heart

What a fun fun weekend I had last week! Close to my Heart brought a Regional Celebration to our little mid-west Region. Talk about a fun Girls WEEKEND. We had hours of fun, scrapbooking, stamping, cropping, eating and winning prizes! Who could ask for anything better! Friends, Fun, Chocolate, Prizes, Pajama Party and Crop...... ahh the list goes on. Thank you Close to my Heart for bringing us such a great event. Close to My Heart is the BEST company to work for. Check out some of the fun we had....
Want to join my team???? Email me for details. There is a sign on bonus going on..... You wont want to miss out!

It all Started with a little SEED. Check this out!!

I wanted to share a fantastic Blogspot! The founder and CEO of Close to my Heart just published something fantastic on her blog! You just have to see what this fantastic company has done, and how all their employees and families got involved. http://www.jeanettelynton.com/2009/09/it-all-started-with-seed.html

CONGRATULATIONS to the BIG winners!!

Whew.... what a weekend last weekend was. It started with our Close to my Heart "OVERSTOCK -garage type SALE" I did some cleaning to make room for all the new fantastic products and we had a great time. THANK YOU to all who came by. We had a door prize drawing for a FUN PRIZE!! The $50 Gift Certificate went to...... AMY BANKS!! Congratulations. Happy Shopping.

For those of you who missed the sale, I am extending it to this weekend. I heard from many of your that you needed it on a Sat since you worked on Friday.... so your wish is granted! We will have the family GARAGE sale AND the Scrapbooking OVERSTOCK sale again this SAT - Sept 26th from 8:00 am to 1:00 pm. And YEP there will be another door prize drawing for another $50 gift certificate. Come put your name in the drawing and WIN!!

Saturday we had a bunch of fun at our CHEAPER by the DOZEN workshop. 15 women went home with 12 complete 2 page layouts all done and ready to put into their albums. Thanks to all who participated!

Saturday evening, I was at the AED access for all Fundraiser Crop. This Crop was to raise money for the non profit organization trying to raise money to put an AED (Automatic Emergency Defibulator) in every school, church, workplace. We heard from many survivors who's lives were saved because of an AED. We gave away a new WISHES how too book. The lucky winner there was Jan Morgan!!

Congratulations to ALL!!
See you this Saturday!!