Sunday, April 25, 2010

INTRODUCING..... (drum roll please....)






Do you have your calendar handy? How about a red pen? No? Well, I'll wait a minute while you grab one. Got them? I hope so because this is a RED LETTER DAY...as in Letter "J." ….Studio J that is!

I am here to announce (horns and trumpets please) the customer release date of Close To My Heart's AMAZING new digital scrapbooking program, Studio J. The layouts you see here were some I made! Trust me, you're going to LOVE this!


Our tagline is: Real life. Real scrapbooks. Real time. If I can do it and LOVE it, you can too!!
You are going to want to carefully read this whole post. It will be worth every juicy little tidbit!
To answer a few commonly asked questions:

Q: When is the release date?
A: TUESDAY, APRIL 27, 2010. 9 AM CST. Just go to my website (http:// chris.myctmh.com) and there will be a tab added that day for Studio J. Click there and you can begin playing...for FREE! You pay NOTHING unless you order some layouts. Putting them together is TOTALLY FREE! I love free! In the meantime, if you haven't watched the Studio J introductory video yet, click here to do it!

Q: I LOVE traditional scrapbooking. Will Studio J take away from that?
A: Absolutely NOT! There is room for both in your life. I am living proof. I love them both for totally different reasons. I love the artistic feel of hands on paper and embellishments. I love the speed and ease and professional look of Studio J. Plus, you can always order Studio layouts and then add a few 'lumpy bumpy embellishments' of your own once they come if you have a serious need to do the tactile thing.

Q: I am not a traditional kind of scrapbooker. I have been scrapbooking digitally for years. Is Studio J something that I will like?
A: No doubt about it! I have looked at and tried several different digital offerings out there, and in my opinion, NOTHING can compete with Studio J in quality, concept, cost or beauty!

Q: So seriously, how much does it cost?
A: There is NO COST to use the program. You have no software or hardware to purchase or download. Unless you make a layout (defined as a two page 12 x 12 layout) and decide to purchase it, there is absolutely no cost. Once you decide to purchase, each 2 page layout is introductory priced at $12.95. That is WAY below the industry average! And, if you purchase 5-9 two-page layouts at a time, CTMH will throw in 5 free page protectors. 10 or more and you get FREE SHIPPING, as well as a package of 5 page protectors for every 5 layouts in the order. Cool beans! Once ordered, Close To My Heart prints your layouts on high quality photo paper (I wish you could see the quality of my photographed layouts above in person) and sends them to you. Mine arrived within days of when I ordered them.

Q: What if I make a layout and want to save it and purchase it with a group of layouts at a later date?
A: No worries! That is actually the smart way to do it anyway. CTMH will save your projects for 90 days. And, every time you make a purchase your 90 days start over. So, say you make several layouts and then purchase them on day 80. Your 9o day clock starts over. They are saved again. Totally awesome! On top of all of that, CTMH even emails you periodically to remind you where your project clock is.

Q: In a nutshell, how does this "Studio J" thing work?
A: In a nutshell, these are the steps to creating an amazing 2 page layout:
• upload some of your favorite photos
• choose from one of the 54 awesome kits (including most of your favorites from our Idea Books plus some that are exclusive to Studio J).
• choose a layout pattern. There are MANY to choose from. They are like the patterns you'll find in our wonderful "how to" books like Cherish, Imagine, Reflections. The possibilities are endless because all the patterns you can choose from can be rotated 3 ways and flip flopped.
• now personalize! You get to drop your photos in, add text, choose cardstock and background and texture papers from the kit, add accessories (just about every accessory item you can imagine!), distressing, titling, MyStickease, and so much more.
• save and/or buy your layout(s).
Q: If I'm not the techiest of techies, or even techie at all, will I be able to do this?
A: YES! This program is great for techies and non-techies alike. The program is VERY intuitive. And if you need help, there is a user guide you can refer to quickly and easy!!

I am SOOOOOOOOOO EXCITED about this program. I know you are going to love it. So, take that red pen I made you run and get and mark Tuesday, April 27 at 9 am CST on the calendar I made you run and get. You won't want to miss it!
If you have any questions, I am MORE than happy to answer them. Email me at chris@myctmh.com

Here are a few more layouts of my darling grandchildren, all designed and created using STUDIO J


If you have lots of friends who love digital, you might even want to consider signing up to be a Close To My Heart Consultant with your own website so that you can make money (cha-ching) while they fall in love with Studio J! You can do that right now while you are waiting for Tuesday. Just click here, then on "Your Opportunities" and then follow the prompts. You can become a Close To My Heart Consultant for as little as $99!








Sunday, April 18, 2010

SPRING FLING ...Just a reminder

HAPPY SPRING!! Don't you just LOVE it!! SUMMER is just around the corner and our new SUMMER IDEA BOOK is filled to the brim with pages and pages of GoRgEoUs new papers and FaBuLoUs new Embellishments!! You will just love them all. Great for ANY paper crafting project you might have, from recipes, to travel, to summer fun to amusement parks. You can HAVE YOUR OWN FREE COPY! Just stop by my SpRiNg FliNg Open house any time Friday evening (April 23rd 6:00 - 10:00 pm) or anytime Saturday morning (April 24th 9:00 am - 1:00 pm) and pick up yours!! It is filled with fantastic ideas for you to re-create too!!

If you signed up for a project, they will be waiting for you. If not, no worries, I have cut a few extra of some of the projects, and everyone can make a cute little summer tag! It will be great for a gift tag, to put on the front of a card, or as an embellishment for a scrapbook layout. Come make yours this weekend.

See you soon!! Bring your friends. Everyone gets to enter the doorprize drawing!!
You could win some fun new summer products just for dropping in!

Thursday, April 15, 2010

MIRACLE - National Scrapbooking Month



Get ready for National Scrapbooking month with our exclusive 'MIRACLE' Scrapbooking kit designed for National Scrapbooking month (The month of May) Visit my website and find out how you can get your very own. Get it today, while supplies last, so you will be ready to make this fantastice project for your favorite scrapbook. Let me know if you have any questions.

Monday, April 12, 2010

ITS MY BIRTHDAY.... and....

YOU GET THE GIFT! Thats right, I am giving you a gift on my birthday! All you have to do is PLACE an ORDER (minimum $25) from me TOMORROW, April 13th! You can place the order online, or email me your order. Either way. Once you place your order, a fun NEW product will be ordered for you from the NEW upcoming idea book! You will receive a gift from ME in the mail Dont delay...this offer is only good TUESDAY APRIL 13th, on my birthday.

SHOP ONLINE HERE

Friday, April 2, 2010

CIRCLE THE DATE - Friday April 23rd 6pm-10pm or Sat April 24th 9am-1pm

READY for some SPRING FUN!!!
Need some New Ideas???
Need a graduation or Mothers Day Gift???
Come to the SPRING FLING....
....Read all about it!!

SPRING FLING!!!






Come join me and bring your friends! It's a SPRING FLING! There are projects to make, new product to see, and you can pick up your very own FREE COPY of the brand new SUMMER IDEA BOOK!! It is filled to the brim with wonderful fabulous, spectacular new products for ALL your paper crafting! Here are a few of the projects. RSVP by April 15th so I can get supplies ordered!! Just email me at chris@myctmh.com for details and to get yours ordered.

Sunday, March 14, 2010

ART and SOUL

Have you watched the latest episode of ART and SOUL? It is the greatest! All of the fabulous episodes of Art and Soul and Fantastic. Be sure and watch this one. It will put you in the mood for Spring for sure. Visit my website, and click on CTMH TV.

Saturday, February 20, 2010

Little Blessings


There is nothing more miraculous than the birth of a new baby! We welcomed grandbaby #10 into the world last week. She surprised us all coming 2 weeks early. Wanted to introduce our little doll with you! Yippeeee another reason to SCRAPBOOK!!

Monday, February 15, 2010

FUN little Basket


Just in time for Easter, May Baskets, or any reason you might need a little basket. Enjoy learning how to make these adorable little baskets with our fabulous papers.

Cheaper by the Dozen!!

ITS BACK by popular demand!!! Another Cheaper by the Dozen workshop!! Spread the word. Tell your friends!!
April 17th 9:00 am - 3:00 pm
All supplies included in kits for a DOZEN layouts!
Call or email for detail!!
Early registration is only $50 ($10 more after March 20th)
LUNCH is included

*** cant make it? Still want the layouts? Kits can be ordered with instructions and full colored photos for you to assemble on your own!! ORDER YOURS TODAY.

Wednesday, February 3, 2010

February Stamp of the Month


We all have celebrations in our life. Why not help celebrate them, and then preserve the memories in your scrapbooks with this adorable set of stamps. It is filled with images of cakes, words and fun!! Remember, you can get it for a discount, or even FREE, but only during the month of september. Visit my website to see some great samples made with this fabulous set of stamps. click below then click on artwork! You will love this little set.

Hearts For Haiti


Our hearts go out to the victims of the earthquake in Haiti, and like so many of you, we're eager to help. Helping has never been easier OR more fun for you! Through the month of February, purchase a "12x12 textured cardstock combo pack and you will get one pack FREE - and with every offer purchased, Close to my Heart will donate $2 to Operation Smile's Haiti relief efforts. That means for only $14.95 you get two packs of our high quality textured cardstock and you help this urgent and important cause.

Sunday, January 24, 2010

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!

Tuesday, December 29, 2009

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.

Sunday, December 27, 2009

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

Wednesday, December 2, 2009

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.

Sunday, November 29, 2009

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!!

Sunday, November 22, 2009

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!!