Had a blast at Convention!

You may have noticed that I've been absent from blogging since the end of the school year.  There has been a lot going on including writing a Geometry curriculum, preparing to move and getting ready for Convention.  The next week or so will bring a frenzy of things to do but I won't go too far, I promise.  (Thank goodness for being able to schedule posts. LOL)

If you're a friend of mine on Facebook you have seen some fun photos of me and other Consultant friends who celebrated BIG time in Dallas this past weekend at our annual Close To My Heart Convention.  There's no better time to come together with those who share the same passion as I for papercrafting and for Close To My Heart's exclusive products.

There are some fabulous new products, program enhancements (to Studio J) and some fabulous upcoming campaigns that are exciting, not to mention a beautiful new Idea Book which will debut on August 1st!  Watch my posts with these exciting announcements!

Today I would just like to share a few of my favorite photos from the event starting with our Opening Day on Thursday... 

Directors were given these CUTE signs with our team names as we started off Convention with a Texas-sized parade!

On Wednesday evening we had a Texas-sized team celebration at Original Market Diner in Dallas (photos to come soon) and each attendee was given several fun treats.  One of the goodies were these white cowboy hats given to everyone by Angie Esquibell.  That evening the girls had the opportunity to bling them out, perfect for wearing with our team shirts on Thursday.  

Tawnya and Michelle during a Create 'n Take session.

Kimberly and Cyndi taking a break from creating.

Xellina and Marianne enjoying the creating!

Amanda and Kristi working on a layout.

Windy and Christy with their cute hats.

My Mom and I perusing the new Idea Book.

Mary and I just taking a moment for a pose.  (I love this picture!)

And then...before breaking for the day many of my team members and adoptees took a moment to pose for this fun picture!  How fun is that?!  Talk about a party waiting to happen with the ladies in this photo! I love my girls!

There are more event photos to include along with some great information so stay tuned!

Stampaganza IS HERE!

Do you have stamp sets on your wish list?  Well, wish no longer!  This month, through the end of the day June 30th, you can purchase any two stamp sets (sizes A, B, C, D, or E) at full retail price and receive a third stamp set of your choice FREE (of equal or lesser value) - a savings of up to $29.95!  (View complete details on my website by clicking here.)  This campaign is a popular once each year for good reason!  

If you have any questions, let me know.  You can place your stamp order directly through me or by through my website.

Happy June! (June Stamp of the Month)

The summer months are upon us and I have completed another year in Education! It was a blessed year and now I look forward to the promises ahead of me. I am blessed and highly favored by the Lord!

This month's stamp set is absolutely adorable! I have been playing with it for month's now and today it becomes available to you!

You can get this stamp set for just $5 with a $50 purchase!  And to make this even better...Stampaganza is upon us!  That's right - this month you can buy two stamp sets and get one FREE! (Watch for complete details tomorrow.)

Using our exclusive Cricut Art Philosophy cartridge, I made this Chinese take-out box.

The floral image was cut out on the Cricut as well and coordinates perfectly with the image in the stamp set.  (Looking above, any image outlined in red indicates there is a coordinating Cricut diecut to go with the image.)

I loved incorporating this stamp set in design on this Milk Carton.  On both pieces of artwork I did paperpiece the circle in the middle - stamping it a second time, cutting it out, and using 3-D Foam Tap to "pop" it.

Here is some additional artwork samples, made using this stamp set, from some fellow Consultant friends of mine.

Designed by Judy Faye G.

Designed by Sheila W. 

Here's to a blessed and enjoyable month!

Convention Fever is in the Air!

53 days remain until Close To My Heart invades Dallas, TX in celebration of our annual National Convention.  Initial plans are underway for team fun and we are going to party Texas-style!  You know the saying..."Everything's BIGGER in Texas!"

In reflecting back over Convention 2011, held at the Disneyland Hotel (Anaheim, CA), I found myself browsing through last year's Convention CD.  In it, I was amazed to find several photos of me and my team members.  Too fun!

Lulu, Marianne, and Grisselda at General Session

Me as part of the presentation panel for a break-out class.
(I'm to the immediate left of the girl standing.  Third  person from the left in the back row.)

Awww...my team members/Consultant friends.
(L to R - front row and then back row:  Judy  Faye, Lulu, Grisselda, Michelle, Tawnya and Cherri)

Here I am at the Director's Dinner.  Our Mickey ears were a gift and served as our place cards.
(I'm the second one from the left.)

My first downline, and Director, Joy, at the Director's Dinner.
(She is first one from right in front row.)

Joy and I on Leadership Day.  Awww...

My great friend Sheila and I.  Awww...

For those of you joining us this year - whether you've attended before or not - get ready for the biggest celebration ever as we gather at the Anatole Hotel, Dallas!  I can't wait to par-tay with my team members and Consultants friends!  Dallas...HERE WE COME!

With my spurs and boots on,

Layouts from Studio J!

I posted a video just a couple of days ago about our online scrapbooking program Studio J!  That prompted me to get in my account last night and purchase some of the AWESOME layouts I had already made using the program, but hadn't yet purchased.

Feel free to enlarge the photo by clicking on it so you can read the journaling.

I purchased 11 layouts at just $6.50 each and received 11 FREE 12x12 page protectors!  Who can make a handmade layout for that price, not to mention not having a mess in my scrap room when I was finished?!  This phenomenal price is exclusive to those who hold Memberships but there are some options for just testing the waters and seeing how you like the program before taking the plunge.  I am happy to provide you with some additional information regarding these options.

I used some fun and easy techniques on this layout including being able to put my titles directly onto the base using font colors besides black!  How fun is that?!

Just thought I'd share one of my Studio J creations with you.  Check out Studio J by clicking here.  Happy Friday!

Missing Florida,

As promised on my May 2nd post, and as noted in my May Newsletter, I am giving away $25 worth of FREE products - winner's choice (select product items as noted on page 2 under Host Rewards).

Participants who are on my customer email list were able to be entered the contest four times by:

• Posting their favorite topic as included in my newsletter on my blog (1 entry)
• Subscribing to my blog to receive emails as I make posts (2 entries)
• Liking my Facebook page (1 entry)

And participant #2...who is the WINNER of $25 in select product credit is...

TERI BAXTER!  

Teri, I appreciate you being an avid follower of me and my Close To My Heart business.  I am thankful CTMH brought us together and is one thing that keeps us together.  Please contact me via email before the end of the month, May 31st, with your desired items.  Please also include your mailing address.

Many thanks to the other participants who are also avid supporters.  I appreciate it more than you know.

It's not too late to do any of the above if you are still interested in following me and all I have to share regarding papercrafting.  If you have any questions, just contact me and I am happy to guide you in the right direction.

Celebrating the winner,

Love Your Layout: Embellishing Across Two Pages

Gotta love Close To My Heart as they continue to improve our online scrapbooking program, Studio J!  Scrapbooking can't get any easier - and be this enjoyable.

So...you might think you can't let go of the paper and embellishments?!  Who says you have to?  I do a little of both, more hand-to-paper, but Studio J provides a great and feasible option for busy scrappers, for those who have little ones and find getting alone-time slim to none, those who have limited space in which to work...  In fact, with Studio J you can grab your laptop and lay in bed while you scrap!  How awesome is that?

If you haven't given Studio J a try, what are you waiting for?!  It's FREE!  Click here to create a FREE account and start playing around with it.  You have nothing to lose...and possibly tons to gain!

This video shows you a little of the in and outs of the online program as well as some fun things you can do with it!  How would you like to have a certain pattern of paper in a variety of colors without paying for each sheet?  Well...now you can with Studio J!

Sit back, relax and enjoy the show...



If you have any questions, please contact me.  Feel free to leave a comment letting me know what you think of Studio J!  I would love to schedule a time with you when I can show you - in person, or virtually - how simple and fun it is to use Studio J!  Just let me know when is a good time for you!

Happy scrappin',

Happy Mother's Day!

Everyone says they have the best mother and I guess all can be justified.  I know mine can.  My Mom has been many things to me over the years.  She has taught me how to act and be respected as a woman.

I have lived an easy life, blessed by a Mother (and Father) who raised me with Godly principles, teaching me right from wrong and instilling in me that I could achieve anything I set my mind to.  Striving to please them, while fulfilling a lifestyle I was proud of, I have been blessed with a successful life full of love and prosperity.  I know I couldn't have gotten to where I am without them and today I honor my Mom.

My Mom and I at 2011 CTMH Convention, Anaheim, CA

Mom, I love you with all my heart.  I'm thankful that I am filled with many of your traits, including the crafty one.  I'm grateful that similarity has brought us closer together over the years as we can have fun and creative chats over the phone and share in unique and special moments at scrapbooking-related events.  And while distance separates us, my love for you never waivers nor do I forget where I came from.

Thanks for opening up my mind to a world of possibilities and for being my biggest cheerleader as I go through life.  God could have given me any Mom...but I am glad he gave me YOU!  I love you!

I am also thankful to have a wonderful mother-in-love in Willie Mae.  I am thankful for her raising up a Godly man.  I couldn't have found a better husband, in all regards and I know she is highly responsible for the man he is today.

Happy Mother's Day to all you Mom's out there.  I know your responsibility on this earth is a challenging one and not recognized nearly enough.

Happy Mother's Day,

So Much Fun!

We extended our stay in California last summer at the conclusion of the Close To My Heart National Convention.  One of the days we visited Universal Studios where we encountered many cartoon characters and took the opportunity to pose for pictures.

Click on photo for enlarged view.

My niece and her siblings took these fun pictures.  My niece is the one posing with Fievel (mouse in picture furthest to the left).  She was so excited to see him and you can tell by her warm embrace.  You can pick her out in the other photos.

I did distress the Blush cardstock by brushing the Blush inkpad over the Blush CS, directly.  It gives off this "leathery" appearance but sure made a difference to the layout.  (I should have taken a before and after photo.)  Give it a try if you haven't done so before.  And don't be afraid to mess up your cardstock.  You can apply as much or as little ink as you want.  Keep brushing the pad on the paper for a darker effect.  (I have found that by applying the ink in circles it gives for a better look.)

These photos bring back great memories of good times!

P.S.  Can you tell I used Dotty for You paper?  The polka dot pattern?  :0)

Got Dotty?

I know, I know...  I'm wearing this paper packet out but can you believe I have only used half a paper packet for all that I have created (plus some cardstock, of course) and I am not done yet?!  And, have no fear.  I have another paper packet where this one came from and I plan on ordering a few more before the month's end.  LOL  I love the bright bold colors of this paper packet!

I used the "Crafted with Love" stamp set for the focal point of this card.

The "hello" sentiment came from "A Garden" stamp set.  (I have already shared another card using this stamp set.  Click here to view it from my post from 4/28/12.)

The simplicity of a card with beautiful papers and a sweet message are what please me most.

Thanks for stopping by,