July 29, 2011

Close to My Heart Convention Recap #1

I am not even sure where to begin but I do know that part of my summer for the past eight years has been attending this very inspiring conference.  I have made many new friends, connected with those I know from previous conventions and just come home ready to be creative again. 

I can't even begin to recap it all in one post but I will give you a start here...with some art as well.

This year we were in Disneyland and my family joined me.  They got to play in the park while I got to play with new product.  CTMH is so generous with sharing the new product.  Here is the loot I came home with (in no organized fashion, just dumped gently from the suitcase). 

This is kind of a "eye spy" photo but what you see or not is:

New stamp set Love Life (D1482)  $17.95 (yes the price of stamp sets is lower!)
All six stamp of the months (came free with my order of 100 idea books)
6x6 Kraft Cards and Envelopes (z1474) $6.95
Color Ready Cork Alphabet (z1450) $5.95
New stamp set Happy Clusters (C1471) $13.95
August bonus stamp of the month Typeface (watch for announcement on this special deal)
Roxie My Reflections paper packet (x 7140B) $9.95 (yes, the prices for the paper kits have been reduced!)
Elemental Complements (x7141C) $4.95
Red Ribbon Assortment (z1615) $5.95
Bling Assortment (z1466) $4.95
Just bloom flutter shapes (z1463) $5.95
Milepost Shapes (z1464) $4.95
10 things pocket (Z1412) $3.95
10 things Stamp set (C1474) $13.95
Decor Journaling Spots (Z1461) $5.95
Foundry Pin Clips (Z1635) $5.95
Bundled Buddies Stamp Set (C1472) $13.95
Fill in the Blank Holiday Stamp Set (D1493) $17.95
Name tag with PhD. Ribbon
Idea Pad
Convention book
Flower convention satchel
Gifts from my upline!

Next year, convention is in Dallas!  I plan to be there and would love it if you would like to join me!  I have information on the new consultant kit.  Contact me and I can share it with you!

July 20, 2011

Sneak a Peek at a New Paper Packet

One of my favorite parts of convention is the create and take.  This is when we get to play with new product and take home the sample of art we created.  One of the new paper packets is called Roxie and we made a "10 things" layout using a library pocket, "10 things" stamp set, bling assortment, red ribbon collection and cricut cut dies to stamp on.  I am ordering photos for this layout but couldn't wait to show you! 

The Bling assortment includes the rhinestone buttons and hat pins.


The library pocket comes blank with the 10 numbered strips so you can personalize for your artwork. 

Members of my team, Cindy and Gail, joined me at convention this year.  It is so fun to create together!  Will you join me next year?  Let me know if you are interested in being part of my team!  Next year, we are headed to Dallas and I would love to have you there!

July 18, 2011

Convention was an blissful summer event!

One the way home from the airport Saturday night, I asked Jeff what the temperature was outside and he said it read "you are not in California anymore."  Yes, California was beautiful, Disney was fabulous, and convention was incredible.  The girls drove the cars of Autotopia endlessly!  It was the favorite.  And although I am not in California anymore, I am living off the wonderful week we did have in California!

There are so many new exciting Close to My Heart products and programs to share, I am not sure where to start.  But, I think I will start with the pairing of Cricut and Close to My Heart.  Ideal for stamping and die-cutting, the exclusive Close To My Heart Cricut® Art Philosophy collection will be available August 1st! This collection includes a Cricut® cartridge with 700 shapes, ranging from elegant rosettes and lace to trendy gift boxes and banners, chosen by Jeanette herself, and three coordinating D-size My Acrylix stamp sets and three sets of Dimensional Elements (9" × 12" sheets). The stamp images and Dimensional Elements coordinate perfectly with the images from the cartridge making it so easy to quickly create fabulous artwork. The entire collection is available for only $99!




Do you own a cricut?  Are you in the market for a die cutting machine to use in your creative projects?  Then this is for you!

You have a couple of different ways to get this new kit:

1) The collection is available August 1. You can email your pre-order to michele@therowleys.us (when you include your address I’ll send you a copy of the new Idea Book). And we now can offer Hostess Rewards for every order over $150. So if you add a few other items, you can also get at least $25 in rewards.

2) Host a party! When your party total reaches $250 or more, you will be able to get the bundle as a half price item – so you can get the Cricut Cartridge for less than $50!!!! And you’ll get at least $40 in Hostess Rewards.  Email me today to set a date for your gathering.  I will bring my cricut and show you how!

3) OR you can join Close to My Heart as a consultant for only $99, get an amazing kit of new products and  supplies, and then order the Cricut Cartridge from yourself at a great discount. I’d love to have you join the Evergreen Memories team. Email me for more details!

Want to see more?  Take a look at this video! And then contact me to order yours.

July 12, 2011

Time for some Disney Dreams and Close to My Heart Magic


I am off to the CTMH convention at Disneyland.  I am looking forward to seeing friends and meeting new ones!  A new idea book, product, presentations and so much more to look forward to.  I look forward sharing all of this with you when I return.  In the meantime, watch for sneak peaks on facebook!

July 11, 2011

Birds and Birdhouses speak summer to me!

I had an opportunity to be away by myself a week ago for about three days.  Besides painting the bathroom at our cabin, I took a couple of stamp sets that I had yet to even open and use.  I took inks, cutting tools, papers, adhesive, foam tape, sponge and blocks.  I also had a catalog with me.  It all fit nicely in a small basket.  No embellishments, no how to books, and no access to a store!  It was a great challenge to "use what I have."  Close to My Heart made it easy!

I started by perusing the catalog and then using some of the cards as a jumping off point using my paper and stamps.  Here is what I came up with using "Bless this Nest" and Mayberry Workshop on the go. 

It is hard to tell in the photo but I pleated the paper on the right side of the images. 

Faux stitching around the focal image on the left card and across the cocoa strip on the right card.

Paper roses.  Used the basic instructions from Tracey Mason.

Fun playing with Mayberry!

July 07, 2011

Fireworks and Celebrations

I hope you enjoyed a fabulous 4th of July with your family and friends.  They say that summer comes after the 4th of July in Seattle and it even came with some sunshine for the entire weekend this year.  I am soaking up and enjoying every minute of it. 

The July stamp of the month, America, is a patriotic stamp set but can be used for other celebrations including birthdays and even Christmas.  Follow the blog hop and see the creations of many talented consultants.




I love the vintage USA look and so I played with some darker color and came up with these two similar cards.  I am looking forward to creating some "Christmas" in July cards next. 



Add this set to your stamp collection for a great discount with the "Bang for you Buck" July special or even for free.  Shop here on my website or contact me with questions.  Available until July 31st, 2011.

July 06, 2011

July has more Bang for your Buck!

It really is as simple as that!  Place a minimum purchase of $50 from the current Spring/Summer 2011 idea book and get and add a bonus item for $1!   You can choose from five different items, with a retail value between $8.95 - $14.95.  Choose from the items below. 


•Creative Basics Mistletoe Collection


•Creative Basics Animal Cookies Collection

•My Originals Bits and Pieces Card Kit

•My Originals It's Your Day Card Kit

•My Originals Around the Holidays Card Kit



Which one will you choose?  Maybe these samples will help you decide!
Here are some projects made in the past using some of these products. 
 
 

Animal Cookies


 
Around the Holidays Card Kit



Mistletoe Creative Basics made by Barb L. 

July 05, 2011

A Little Bit of Summer!

Sporting her first swimsuit and ready for the sprinkler, this is some summer fun and excitement here! 
This cutie is my niece Esther.  She just turned one last month.  Although I have not gifted it yet, I made this banner for her room. 



(Is it tacky to post a gift before you have given it?  Forgive me if it is please!) 

I saw this video from Close to My Heart using the Dreams Come True stamp set.  I love this set.  I immediately started to create the banner after watching the how to video. 


The flourish so pretty to use where ever you need a little "something" on a card or scrapbook page.


Here are some other items I have made using this set. 



July 01, 2011

School is Out, Summer is Here

Even though the weather isn't cooperating, I am looking for finding pieces of summer to celebrate the season.  Here is my first Summer Find.  I love this stamp set that Close to My Heart has called Trees & Things stamp set.  The images remind me of a summer to remember, hammocks, tire swing, rope ladders and lanterns. 

Here's a tutorial video using this stamp set and several great stamping techniques!  Enjoy this bit of summer!