I fell off the end of the earth but I did come back!

Wow, what a month.  Filled with great family time and creative time!  I spent time getting ready for my open house which was August 24th.  If you were able to come, I am so glad you were here!  If you missed it, well, we missed you!  But you will all get to see the new Fall Idea Book beginning September 1st.

I have been making cards, layouts and gifts using the new stamps and paper packets and I love it all.  That is one reason I became a consultant afterall, I love the products and I get early access to them!  Contact me to receive your new idea book!

SAVE the DATE!

Tuesday August 24th is my annual open house, fall idea/book release and just plain old fun party!  It will be at my house in the cool basement from 6:30 - 9 p.m.  As always there will be games, drawings for free products, give aways, mystery hostess, refreshing snacks and did I mention, lots of fun.  Oh yes, create and takes too!  Watch your email for more details on how you earn tickets for the drawings!  Hope you can join me again this year!

Where is Michele now?

Well, I am still on the East Coast and attending the CTMH convention which was the catalyst for this entire trip.  The family trip has been great but the energy from convention is amazing.  I will have so many new and exciting things to share, I will be bursting...as will this blog.

But, since tomorrow is the create and take time, you will have to wait, as patientily as, possible for artwork.  So take some time to do a blog hop starting here and enjoy the July SOTM creations made by many of the consultants who are here with me!  If you want to play with this cute hedgehog guy, then you will want to attend my workshops July 30th and 31st. 

June 2 Jackpot! Goodie Box Day!

Today is a Goodie Box day! Get a box filled with popular products at 60% off of retail value. Plus you'll get a deal on shipping/handling. Purchase today's Goodie Box (retail value $200 US) for only $80.


Buy now! This offer is while supplies last and will be snatched up quickly.

Jack Pot June is Here! Discounted and Free CTMH Products

This Close To My Heart special, starts TODAY and provides you with a different deal each day. . .


Check out my web site daily for each new and exciting offer!

• Some days you can grab loaded Goodie Boxes at 50% or more off retail value.

• Other days are Jackpot Days. These days give you a list of 5 products offered at special discounted prices - - one of which will trigger the Jackpot - - a surprise product you’ll receive free! Take a chance and hope that you buy the right item that gets you the free product, or play it safe and buy one of each, guaranteeing that you will hit the Jackpot!

Either way, you will save money on favorite scrapbooking and stamping supplies by grabbing a different bargain each day in June. Deals include discounted shipping/handling, too! These special offers are available only online so be ready every day to check out my website and get your deal! New deals are posted each day at 8:00 am (PDT).

Jackpot June purchases must include ONLY Jackpot June items (the Goodie Box or the discounted items) and nothing else.

This will streamline orders and allow Close To My Heart to offer discounted shipping for this exciting promotion.

Where has the time gone this week?

1.    Two day crop on Friday and Saturday, and a gathering on Sunday.  Lots of stamping and scrapping time with a great group of gals. 

2.  A new Summer Idea Book with lots of new product to try.  Planning for summer workshops and events that will knock your socks off!

2.    Orders and more orders for the Miracle kit special.  This is a fabulous offer and I am doing a workshop Friday June 4th to create 14 cards from this kit.  Beautiful cards, inspired by Becky Lehman.  Still time to join us.

3.    Two days to the barn for horseback riding, one track meet, one PTA meeting, a Pampered Chef party and a Girl Scout service project sewing to make "ditty" bags for a homeless shelter.  Did I mention 50 of them? 

4.    A 30 minute hail storm with pellets the size of Kix cereal.  Just had to sit and watch it, it was amazing.  And it was in MAY!

5.    Caterpillars that have turned into chrysalis, transforming into butterflies.  This was a gift for Marissa's birthday and it is amazing to just sit and watch!

Hopefully the flash didn't do them in!  We haven't had much direct sunlight!

6.   Studying for social studies test about the first colonies.  Much more interesting as an adult and hopefully helping my fifth grader to understand it better than I did as a fifth grader!

7.   Finally, a little creative time squeezed in between for the Heart 2 Heart Challenge, using the May stamp of the month, and making Mother's day cards.  (Now I just need to get them in the mail)!

For last weeks H2H Challenge, two ribbons, and for this week, a Mother's Day card.  Take a look at the challenge and participate each week!  It keeps creativity fresh! 

And a thank you card to all of you for continuing to read and comment on my blog!

Today is the Day for Studio J

I have been talking about it for months, it has been advertised in our idea book since the fall, and I have played with it, creating 10 layouts of my own!  It is finally here for YOU!  You can begin creating today (http://mrowley.myctmh.com/).  Don't worry, it costs you nothing to begin your layouts.  Be sure to create an account and your layouts will be saved for 90 days.  When you decide your layout is the way you like it, you can purchase it.  Need more information?  Read the information below (summarized by the wonderful Karen P.), just go to the site and play or contact me! 

Don't forget to leave a comment on my blog, sign up as a follower or sign up for email updates (email me to let me know) and you will be put in a drawing for a free 12x12 Linen Album.  Perfect for your Studio J and classic layouts.  (Drawing May 1st.)

Questions and Answers:

What is Studio J™ Design Software?

Studio J™ is free online scrapbooking design software brought to you by Close To My Heart. Studio J helps you easily create custom-printed two-page layouts using our foundational scrapbook patterns, exclusive color palette, and themed designs all delivered in 12" × 12" custom prints ready for your albums. It’s a snap!

Is Studio J easy to use?

Studio J software is extremely intuitive and easy to use. The program walks you through five steps that include:


uploading your photos;


choosing your desired themed kit;


selecting an exclusive layout pattern;


adding photos, embellishments, titles, and journaling;


and purchasing custom-printed layouts ready for a cherished album.

I love Close To My Heart products. Will Studio J use the same great papers, patterns, colors, and embellishments?

Of course! If you love Close To My Heart’s scrapbooking philosophy, then you will love Studio J.

Do I need to download any software to my computer to use Studio J?

Not at all! You only need an Internet connection, and then you simply log in to your Consultant’s MyCTMH website to get started. Feel free to design to your heart’s content—you are not required to buy anything or provide any personal information to get started!

Can I save what I am working on and come back to it later?

You bet! You can create a customer profile that allows you to save and return to a project in progress at a later time. Your active projects will be saved for up to 90 days, giving you plenty of time to work on them. You extend that timeline for your active projects by 90 days each time you make a purchase, and your purchased projects will remain archived for one full year after purchase.

Do I need a printer that can print 12" × 12" pages to use Studio J?

No. Your Studio J layouts are not available for you to print from a home computer. In fact, we take care of the printing for you. When you purchase your designed layouts, we print and ship them quickly and directly to you using only top quality printing technology and archival-quality papers.

What is the price?

You are not charged a thing until you order your custom prints. The price per printed two-page layout is $12.95. We also offer some fantastic rewards for larger orders. You can receive FREE Memory Protectors® to protect your layouts in your albums, and FREE shipping/handling based on the number of layout prints you purchase in a single order as follows:


For 5–9 layout purchases: You’ll receive a pack of 5 Memory Protectors FREE!


For 10–20 layout purchases: You’ll receive FREE shipping/handling PLUS a FREE pack of 5 Memory Protectors for every 5 layouts in your single order.
When can I begin creating with Studio J?

TODAY!

Have fun!

So Much Exciting News!

It is finally here!  News from our corporate office "We are excited to announce the official customer launch of Studio J™ on Tuesday, April 27 at 8:00 am (MDT)."  That means, beginning next week, you can play with the newest and greatest Close to My Heart Product!  No purchase is necessary to try it out the easy step by step process of creating beautiful layout.

Step 1:  Upload your photos anytime during the design process

Step 2:  Choose the kit that coordinates with your photos and theme

Step 3:  Choose a pattern from a seledtion of patterns in our Cherish and Imagine books. 

Step 4:  Personalize this layout by adding titles, journaling, embellishments, paper and distressing. 

Step 5:  When you are completely satisfied with the layout you have created, purchase the layout to add it to your 12 x 12 album.

Here is a layout I have added to my scrapbooks from Studio J.

The paper pack is Jingle from the Fall/Winter 2009 Idea Book.  I will be scrapbooking another set of holiday photos with the same paper, using classic scrapbooking.  I look forward to seeing them side by side!

Senior Executive Manager! Toot Toot!

Yes, that is me tooting my own horn.  Just as I was headed out the door this morning, I got a call from the CTMH corporate office congratulating me on my promotion to the next level!  Yippee!  And, I admit, I was a little surprised!  I have been working toward becoming a Director, but there is a step in between where I was, Executive Manager and where I am working to be.  I had completely forgotten about that step. 

The lesson here for me was, don't forget the baby steps.  Sometimes I get discouraged because I can't "work my business" like I would like to or because when I do, I don't see immediate results.  Baby steps my friends, baby steps.  (Really, I am talking to myself here!) 

So what is a Senior Executive Manager? 

It means that I have a wonderful group of customers and friends who have supported me for 8 years as I have grown in this business. I am so grateful to each and everyone of you who have shared in this business by purchasing and using CTMH products, by sitting around the crop table with me each month and sharing your stories, and by being a friend. You are all awesome! Thanks so much for everything!

It means that I have at least 13 wonderful, active consultants who work with me to share this great company, their products and inspiration.  (I don't know exact numbers at the moment because the monthly reports are posteded on the 15th.)  I have others that a junior consultants who do the same but at a different monetary level!  I love them all!

It means that I get a pay raise!

It means that I get a promotion certificate, my name published in the Ribbon, a phone call from the corporate office, a CTMH apron with my name on it, and free registration for leadership day at our annual convention!  Have I mentioned that I love this company? 

I will post a photo of me and my new apron after I get it. 

And now off to celebrate!
Michele

Why I love being a CTMH consultant! Why you will love it too!

I love receiving gifts, the pretty wrapping, the anticipation of unwrapping, and the surprise of what may be inside! I have this little bag and in it I have a toy horse, a luggage tag, and some paint chips. What do these mean? These are items that represent only a few of the "gifts" that I have gotten to do as a result of the extra income I get from my CTMH business.

THE HORSE
My daughter Alli has been a horse lover since she was about 4 years old. As she started taking lessons, I had this urge to live out my childhood dream and learn to ride as well. I began in a "mom's" class at the arena where she was riding. I was able to take lessons for about two years, using my CTMH income. I loved it and although other commitments have taken me out of the arena, I feel very blessed that I know how to ride and care for horses. It's a good thing...Alli will start leasing her own horse in April.

THE LUGGAGE TAG

In the fall of 2008, Jeff and I celebrated our 20th anniversary on board the Norwegian Jewel in the Mediterranean, compliments of CTMH. Yes, I earned that cruise through the incentive program offered by CTMH. The entire trip was a gift of a lifetime. The opportunity to explore the art and history of Italy, the civilization of Pompeii, the beauty of the Amalfi coast and the wonders of Barcelona were amazing. I am so thankful for the gift of experience and celebration on this memorable cruise.

THE PAINT CHIPS

We have lived in our home over 10 years and I have wanted to add some color to the walls. I was able to do so this winter with the CTMH income I saved throughout the summer and fall of 2009. I love the khaki and red colored walls in the living room, the sunny yellow in the bathrooms and the subtle sage green in our bedroom.

You can experience gifts like these as well! From the moment you become a CTMH, you are given access to the consultant website with ideas, training, support and information you will love! Then your kit arrives, for $99, you receive $300 in product! It's like Christmas! And in the month of March, new consultants will also receive the four “stamp of the month” sets from the Summer Idea Book 2010. That means, new stamp sets before even current consultants get them! And it adds another $90 value to the kit.
The gifts don't end there! You receive $25 in product credit when you have $300 in sales in the first month and $125 in product credit when you have $1800 in sales in the first 3 months for a total of $150 in product credit.

WHAT'S NEXT

That is up to me! I can decide what my next goal is and when I want to reach it! You can too!

Contact me if you want more information how you can receive $400 in CTMH product for $99...that is a great gift, full of potential to keep on giving!

New Art & Soul episode

If you haven't had a chance to watch it yet, there is a new episode of Heart & Soul on CTMH TV.  February has flown by so fast I missed posting it on the day it went live.  But, for the wonders of technology, it is still available to view!

This episode features an embossing technique you can’t resist, an overview of our super chic Topstitch papers, and some fun ideas for using our Irresistibles™ alphabet stickers. Plus, Jeanette Lynton shows us a delightful way to use the My Creations™ Cube!

Hearts for Haiti: What will $2 buy in Haiti

Our hearts go out to the victims of the earthquake in Haiti, and like so many of you, we're eager to help. And helping has never been easier!

For only $14.95, you get two packs of 12" x 12" textured cardstock (a great deal at about $.30/$.36 per sheet!) and Operation Smile will receive $2 US to benefit the urgent, important cause in Haiti.
Email me to order your paper today and or visit my website. Stock up on every color combination.

• X5747 Basic
• X5681 Spring Harmony
• X5745 Summer Celebration
• X5669 Autumn Harvest
• X5670 Winter Cozy

What does $2 buy in Haiti?

» Collapsible water containers ($2 per container): Each container holds 10 liters amount of water and is especially useful for kids carrying water for long distances to ensure that all their water doesn't spill en route from their water supply. It is also very useful for storing clean, safe water for everyday use.
» Water purification tablets (60 cents for 50 tablets): Each tablet is able to turn 4-5 liters of dirty water into water suitable for drinking. Every day, 4,000 children worldwide die because they do not have access to clean water, according to UNICEF.

» High energy/protein biscuits ($1 per pack): These contain minerals and vitamins and have been developed for malnourished children during emergencies.

» Oral rehydration salts (7 cents for one package): This solution, containing sugar and salt, treats children suffering from dehydration caused by diarrhea. Approximately 3,500 children die each day from dehydration caused by acute diarrhea, according to UNICEF.

Hearts for Haiti

My blogging time was sparse last week so hopefully I can share some new and fun ideas and thoughts with you this week. 

But first, I want to recognize that many of us have been watching the devastation that has taken place in Haiti two weeks ago.  Some of us may even know someone who has been directly affected by this tragedy.  Close to My Heart has been watching too and has opened up an opportunity for you to share your heart. 

"Our hearts go out to the victims of the earthquake in Haiti, and like so many of you, we’re eager to help. We’re excited to announce Close To My Heart’s February Constant Campaign, Hearts for Haiti—where customers can get a great deal while doing great good for those affected by the devastation in Haiti."

From February 1-28, 2010, our 12” x 12” textured cardstock combo packs are buy one, get one FREE—and with every offer purchased, Close To My Heart will donate $2 US to Operation Smile’s Haiti relief efforts.   Close to My Heart has been a donating a portion of their profits from every stamp set purchased to Operation Smile for several years.  This is an additional charitable donation to go directly to the Operations Smile's work in Haiti. 

Watch my blog throughout this month for fabulous ways to use textured cardstock in your artwork.  You can order your textured cardstock on my website or by contacting me directly. 

Art & Soul: New Webisode Featuring Veranda Paper and Valentines

You’ll adore all the sweet ideas featured in our special Valentine’s Day episode! Whether you create hand-crafted lollipop covers or personalized Valentines, the important people in your life will love knowing how much you cherish them. Plus, learn a variety of ways to use Dimensional Elements! All this and more on this episode of Art & Soul®. 

Art & Soul

Every second Tuesday of the month, Close to My Heart releases a webisode packed full of ideas, tips, and lots of fun using product.  And, they offer a featured product at a discount, available for purchase on the consultant's website.  Today is the day for the new episode "Happy Highlights".  I always love the surprises I see each month.  Take a look at the webisode and if you like it, you can always view past ones!  Let me know what you think! 

Reap The Rewards 2010!

Close to My Heart will be releasing its Spring 2010 idea book on Jan 1st.  I have had a sneak peak at this book and am very excited about the new papers, embellishments, and ideas!  Do you love the Close to My Heart Products also?  Is your wish list often longer than you can afford?  I have a solution for you and you can start the program any time! 

Reap the Rewards Program

Agree to purchase $15 or more each month for 10 months
before shipping and tax are added. Optional budget plan is $25 each month for 6 months.
Earn at least $25 in product credit during your final month
In the last month of your program commitment, you will receive the “hostess benefits”, a minimum of $25 in product credit. But you have the option of increasing your rewards! As the total sales for the month increases, your reward amount increases! You can invite your family and friends to help you earn additional product credit by submitting orders during that month as well. *Shipping and tax rates still apply.

Exclusive sneak peaks! Receive new Idea Books - FREE
As a program member you will receive the new Idea Book approximately one week earlier than non-program members…for FREE!

Reap rewards for your consistency! Earn an exclusive booking set!
All orders are to be submitted by the 10th of each month, for the length of your term. As a reward for your consistency, you will receive your choice of a free booking stamp set or an additional $5 in product credit. Refer to the back page of the Idea Book for the petite perks set (previous booking sets may be available as well).

Orders shipped promptly via UPS directly to your front door
When your family and friends order through an email invitation, helping you reap more rewards, their products will be shipped right to them. Imagine, you live in Washington and your friend lives in New York. You both can choose to have your products shipped directly to your own home!

Share your passion (refer friends) and earn bonuses
You know a good thing when you see it. So why not share it with your friends? For every friend you refer who becomes a new member, you will receive $10 in additional product credit upon successful completion of their term. There is no limit, so refer everyone you know. *Shipping and tax rates still apply.

Take advantage of additional specials and earn even more
You'll have the opportunity to take advantage of Close To My Heart specials, promotions and the Stamp of the Month increasing your rewards.

Fill up your Connection Club card with your club purchases
Your purchases also count towards earning the Connection Club gift! See the back page of the Idea book for current rewards.

You may cancel your obligations at any time.

Please note: All earned rewards and bonuses (excluding referral credit) will be forfeited if program term is not successfully completed.

Contact me today if this program is for you.

Holiday Heyday With Our Online Clearance Sale Beginning Wed Dec 2nd!

Get all your holiday shopping done in one spot this year with our online clearance sale! Many items are 50% off, with some discounted as much as 80% off regular retail. The selection is incredible, too! Shopping begins Wednesday, December 2 at 9 a.m. MT. Sale has quantities restricted to FIVE per item to provide a smooth shopping experience for all customers.

Shipping is weight based for orders of $99.99 or less but flat rate of $5 for order of $100+.
Note that clearance items may not be combined with regular-priced items in a single shopping cart, and clearance purchases are not eligible for any Constant Campaign qualification or Stamp of the Month.

How do you access this sale? Go to my website> shop online> clearance. This will direct you to the wonderful deals you won't want to miss!  If you would like to preview the list of items, email me and I will send you the list. 
Let me know if I can help you with your holiday projects or gifts!

Cyber Monday at CTMH

Don't miss this last day of Stampaganza (midnight Nov 30th, MT)  This a great sale and you have the comfort of shopping from your own home, in your jammies, after the kids are in bed!  For the Stampaganza details, visit my website, and then sit down and shop! 

Did you know that CTMH will be retiring about 150 stamp sets at the end of December?  To see the stamp sets we must say good bye to, to make room for new, click here!  These sets also qualify for the Stampaganza special!  Another reason to take advantage of cyber Monday at CTMH! 

More online specials to come in early December! 

Gift Ideas From Close to My Heart

Take some time to consider gift ideas from Close to My Heart even for those who may not be crafters. Everyone can use a great pair of sharp, smooth cutting microtip scissors. Or what about our new shoulder bag. The colors are a stunning spring iris with black and the size and detailing are great for anyone. Shopping is easy! Visit my website to place your orders or email me with your orders.


Just a reminder that Stampaganza continues through November 30th! This offer allows you to purchase two stamp set and get a third one for free. This is a great opportunity to save on gifts for those who scrapbook and stamp.

Gifts Under $10

My Reflections Level 1 Scrapbook Kit with Stickease $9.95 Multiple sets to choose from

My Reflections Stickease Assortment $4.95 Mulitple sets to choose from

9x9 Simply Snapshots $8.95 Page: 31

Fancy Cuts Botanicals $3.95 Page: 94

My Creations Memory Keeper $6.95 Page: 95

12x12 Monthly Calendar $7.95 Page: 95

My Creations Display Album $7.95 Page: 95

Texture Tools $9.95 Page: 95

Corner Rounder $7.95 Page: 98

Liquid Glass $6.95 Page 98

Micro Tip Scissors $9.95 Page 98

Personalized Name Stamp $7.95 Page 87

Gifts $10 to $15

My Reflections Level 2 Paper Kits $12.95 Multiple sets to choose from

My Original Card Kits $14.95 Multiple sets to choose from Page: 32-33

My Pages Talk Recorder $14.95 Page: 92

Accessories Case $12.95 Page 99

Personalized address/signature stamp $10.95 Page 87

Gifts $15 - $25

Personalized address/signature stamp with icon $12-20 Page 87

Gifts $25-$35

Shoulder Tote $29.95 Page 99



Do you need gift suggestions to pass on to your family?
What about a CTMH kit for $99 which includes over $350 in stamping and scrapbooking product from the new Spring 2010 Idea Book? This also includes a 10% to 22% discount of any future purchases from CTMH. If you are interested in knowing more about this, please contact me or have your "Santa" give me a jingle.
This New Year, give yourself the gift of time to connect with friends you haven't seen in awhile, an opportunity to have some fun being creative and free scrapbooking or stamping products. And, best of all, I do all the work! Let's set a date today!


Thanks for stopping by. Michele

Sneak Peek at New Porduct

While in Portland at the CTMH Regional Celebration, we did get a sneak peek at the journal.  The cover has a plastic pocket so you can personalize it.  Stay tuned for more details when the Spring Idea Book goes live on Jan 1 2010.