Seasonal Changes Are All Around Us

Oh my gosh it has been a long and extremely busy fall here in Alberta! Just as the seasons around us change so do the seasons of our lives. Mine has seen several changes this fall including an important decision regarding my paper crafting.

You have probably noticed differences in my blog. This is because I have decided to take a break from being a Close To My Heart consultant. Don't get me wrong - I LOVE all my customers and the CTMH product line but I need to slow down from sales so I can start to enjoy having the time to use them!! I have started a full time job and for the time being I need to concentrate on learning all the ins and outs of my new position. My downtime - just as it is for many of my followers - is the actual creative process.

DON'T PANIC!!!!!

My awesome team members are here to keep you up to date on all the CTMH goings on!

First check out Shandel's blog
Shandel has ongoing workshops with the latest paper packs. She just completed her latest Christmas card workshop using Mistletoe - pictures to be posted soon. Shandel has also posted a challenge on her site. Head on over and check it out! I have a project in the works for this challenge...can't wait for you to see it!

Next head on over to Miranda's blog
Miranda has completed her CTMH training and is PhD Certified. She also works full time so her posting may be a little slow but when she does - WOW - what amazing talent this lady possesses!

And finally, I will continue working behind the scenes for both my customers and my team members to ensure that everyone stays on top of all the new developments. MyCTMH will be available for online ordering until the end of December.

Close To My Heart is going through it's own seasonal changes and what HUGE changes they are to be.

Starting in February 2011, the Idea Book will be switching to semi-annual. Instead of the usual 4 new paper packs per book, there will now be 8!!! Yes, you heard it right!! I can hardly wait to see what gorgeous papers they will share with the world! What an advantage to you, dear customer! This will give you a longer window to purchase the supplies you need to complete your projects.

Please keep watching my blog for my creative evolution! Please become a follower of Shandel's and Miranda's blogs to stay up to date on the CTMH evolution!

Happy Fall Everyone!!!

Creativity on the Street

I know this is not scrapbooking related but I just had to share this video! This man uses his creativity to try and help feed his family. If Jeff Dunham can make money with puppets who swear and make racial slurs why can't this fellow get paid for clean material? Now if only some talent scout would see this video and get this guy off the street and onto a stage.

Enjoy!!

Ghoolies and Ghosties Have Arrived

October 1st. Where has the year gone? No point dwelling in the past though. October is bringing some special treats for everyone. Ghosts, pumpkins, Witches, skeletons....ooOOooOOOoo...exciting!


For those Hostesses who love Close To My Heart, the Jump For Joy campaign right up your alley.



Every gathering held from October 1 to October 31 that reaches $500 in sales, the hostess will be able to "jump" to the next level of hostess rewards - which mean more free products and more items at 50% off.


Let's examine this:
January to September, November and December
$500 in sales gets you $95 in free product and 2 items at 50% off  plus the SOTM free.
$650 in sales gets you $115 in free product and 2 items at 50% off  plus the SOTM free.
October
$500 in sales gets you $115 in free product and 2 items at 50% off  plus the SOTM free.
$650 in sales gets you $140 in free product and 3 items at 50% off  plus the SOTM free.

Oh my, talk about filling your treat bag!!!! This is the perfect time to get your holiday shopping done.

Halloween Blog Hop

Although we are still in September, I'm anxious to get to Halloween! This holiday isn't just for the kiddies to get a free candy grab...LOL. It has a long history and is misunderstood by most people. Google "halloween" and "samhain" and read some of the articles - you will be amazed at how this ancient religious festival has been twisted over the years!

Now on to my creation. I used several techniques in creating my card - masking, sponging, embossing.

I used the stamp sets Spellbound and Spooky Night. A $Store fabric ghost completes the card.

This is my first blog hop and I'm so excited to be a part of it. Thanks to Tresa Black for arranging this and making it sooooo easy. Come and be a part of the hop.

For Our Angel

I have not turned my back on you, so there is no need to cry.
I'm watching you from heaven, just beyond the morning sky.

I've seen you almost fall apart, when you could barely stand.
I asked the Lord to comfort you, and watched him take your hand.

He told me you are in more pain, than I could ever be.
He wiped his eyes and swallowed hard, then gave your hand to me.

Although you may not feel my touch, or see me by your side.
I've whispered that I love you, while I wiped each tear you cried.

So please try not to ache for me, we'll meet again one day,
beyond the dark and stormy sky, a Rainbow lights the way.

Naomi Eva Moreno

September 12, 2008 - September 27, 2008

Tribute to Naomi in Olivia

This layout really shows why I scrapbook.My first grand daughter only graced my life for 15 days but has left me with so much love, so many memories, and a renewed sense of what it means to live a courageous life.

Yesterday would have been her 2nd birthday and I kept busy by working out in my yard, tidying things for the coming winter. Working out in nature eased my hurt soul and yet my mind kept wandering to her and what I could do to honor this sweet little girl who entered my life so briefly yet made such a huge impact in it. Her ability to beat the odds stacked against her each and every hour of her life - day after day - taught me that I can certainly overcome any hurdle in my path.

Our new paper pack Olivia seems to do Naomi justice at this time of year. It's swirled patterns with vines and leaves reminds me that life is an endless circle. Plants slow down and fade away to sleep under the snow until it is time for them to return once again in new forms. Although Naomi can never return in her physical form, her precious soul reappears daily to say "Hello Grammy, I'm never far away when you remember me."

Creating Again!

Well I have finally managed to move most of my stuff to the new scrap room...YEAH!!!!!
So as soon as I found desk space I had to play. The boards have been showing clear cards with embossing on them so I gave it a whirl.

I used a circle clear card, the new Olivia paper, The Present stamp set, and a pumpkin Cuttlebug folder. I'm not sure I'm happy with the result but it was fun to play! After I embossed the card, I also embossed the same pattern on the B&T paper then cut out the pumpkin and LG'd it to the inside of the card. I added brown Staz-on ink then wiped it off to lightly "smoke" the cover.

You can see the difference the Staz-on made on the cover compared to the back of the card. I used the corner grassy stamp and the vine to create a "garden" for my pumpkin. I'm thinking I will cut out another pumpkin in reverse to hide the green color on the inside. What do you think?

I covered the back side with some more Olivia B&T to hide my glue from the inside.

And there is my very first clear card! When working with these remember that they have a protective coating on all sides so remember to remove that BEFORE adhering your elements. I left the coating on while embossing the card to prevent any errant scratches.

It's Live!!

The 2010 Autumn/Winter Idea Book is HERE!!! Oh my gosh, what an amazing book it is! The 4 new paper packs are absolutely stunning as are all the new embellishments to go with them. Here is a look at the new paper packs.

Olivia:

Magnifique:

Hooligans:

Mistletoe:

Also, 8 new colors have been introduced. They are fabulous!

Check out all the latest and greatest right HERE

Congratulations to My Team Members!

I am so proud of two of the following team members. They have worked hard and have both achieved their Bachelor's Degrees from the CTMH Training Academy. Please join me in congratulating these 2 rising stars.

YEAH!!!!! 

Standing ovation for Shandel and Miranda!!!

And as any grad knows, there are always graduation presents!! Both ladies will receive a free Level 2 paper pack and embellishment pack of their choice! Keep up the great work.

Back To School at Canadian Paper Trail

It is the end of August and that means back to school for all the little boys and girls. Let's also not forget those dedicated educators who are back once again to fill those minds with worldly knowledge. They all deserve a treat and so I've put together a couple of projects to make that first day back extra special.

What student wouldn't love to get this miniature backpack filled with chocolate goodies?

I used the CTMH Felicity paper and CTMH ribbon and brads. The pattern came from Splitcoast Stampers website. Mmmmmm yummy Hershey's nuggets complete the treat.

And for the dedicated teacher, back to fill the minds of another class.

The Survival lunchbox is created using my Hinged Box pattern and CTMH Notebook paper. I also included some yummy Hershey's nuggets for the teacher. Chocolate is always a good stress reliever don't you think?

The photography was done by my wonderful friend Erica. She is an Edmonton, AB budding photographer. Be sure to check out her work by following the link at the bottom of this page - Erica's Fabulous Photography!! She does amazing work.

Hello From Revelstoke, BC

Yes, we are on vacation - including Miss Magoo who you can see below enjoying some down time. Tee-hee!!

I have some gorgeous pics from south eastern BC and already have dozens of ideas for scrappin them!

Is Friday the 13th Lucky or Unlucky??

Happy Friday the 13th!!!

How do you feel about this day - LUCKY or unLUCKY?

Well, I have always considered this day a lucky day. I would like to pass this luck onto you!

Friday the 13th Special - TODAY ONLY!!

1. Place a $50 order on my MYCTMH website and received a coupon for 13% off your next order.

2. Book a home gathering with me and receive 13% off your hostess paid order.

3. Book a workshop and receive 13% off extra accessories to bling up your project.

Yes, today is your lucky day!! Act fast for when the bell strikes midnight it will be over.

Miracle Kit by Miranda!!

Miranda Moreno, my daughter and a Close To My Heart consultant, has finally gotten around to working with the Miracle kit. Too bad she waited so long as she created such a wonderful piece of art to commemorate their visit to Mexico. More! More!

She didn't have a 5 x 7 photo so she added a 1/4" frame of Bamboo cardstock followed by a 1/2" frame of Crystal Blue Cardstock. This layering makes the photo of her husband pop off the page.

She used Holiday Red to accent the Irresitables chipboard to co-ordinate beautifully with hubby's ball cap.

The remainder of the layout was completed per instructions.

Last Day of Sale

Today is the LAST DAY to get your hands on these fantastic deals!! Head on over to my MYCTMH website to stock up on all your paper crafting supplies.

New Blog in Town!

Please join me in welcoming sister consultant, Shandel Bombay, to the world of blogging!!
Shandel has recently joined my Close To My Heart team and has jumped in with both feet!  She loves all types of paper crafting and is eager to share her wealth of knowledge with you!

You can watch her progress here:

Shandel's Blog

8 Day Sale List

Make your list and check it twice!! Once these items are gone they are gone forever. These items are on the retired list so stock up now!!!!

They are ONLY available on my MYCTMH website so head there fast and get yours!

Here is the list for the 8 day sale coming up: