Sophia Paper!

Jeanette Lynton is the owner and founder of Close to my Heart. She is a really amazing lady who just glows when she is among the consultants she loves so much. She believes in family and recently welcomed a new grandchild to her family named Sophia. In honor of the little girl she names this paper set, Sophia. (Check out her granddaughter on the cover of the new catalog too)! This set just screams "Spring" everytime I pull out the paper and if you are living in one of the states with snow this winter, you know spring can't come soon enough. If you need your day brightened up, make sure you get this paper set HERE!

Miracle Paper!

Early in 2010, Close to my Heart had a special promotion (constant campaign) where you could get this wonderful Miracle paper with a set of Irresistibles, waxy flax, buttons, brads and instructions to make 2- two page layouts. I loved it! So did the other consultants and they started asking the corporate offices to turn the Miracle paper into a full set. Well, like so many times before, corporate listened!! Here is the brand new Miracle kit which includes my favorite color combination, blues and greens! You can buy it HERE! Enjoy!!

Sweetheart Paper!

Anyone in the Valentine's mood? I've already shown you a little bit of this paper because I have the Sweetheart Workshop on the Go class coming up quickly! The beauty of our paper is that it has two sides so if you aren't looking for the Valentine colors, use the ones on the backside! To sign up for the Sweetheart Workshop on the Go at my house, see details HERE!

Wings Paper!

Wings is the first new paper in our new catalog. Close to my Heart wanted you to be able to have one new paper early since we are transitioning from having a catalog every four months to one every six months so they let you have a chance at this all of January. See that cool standing triangle album? That is our My Creations Banner that the fabulous group of artists at Close to my Heart came up with. You can also use it as a banner that YOU DECORATE to fit the holiday or event you need. It's only $5.95 too!!

This is the Workshop on the Go. You know that in each Workshop on the Go kit that you can make layouts, cards or both and all the instructions are included. If you need more help than that, buy the kit and come join me on the 13th of February and I'll show you how to make them. Click on this link to get to the paypal link and buy the kit and class.

Here are the cool cards (I've already made them and love the new spray pen)!!

I'm also using Wings paper to make this cool card box. I would LOVE to do this $25 workshop at your home for your friends. Book with me and we can have your cards organized in no time!

New Close to my Heart Consultant Kit

Technically there is not just one kit for Close to my Heart newbies anymore. Instead you get to choose three of six different items making it easy to customize for yourself. To join Close to my Heart it's only $129 plus shipping and tax. Yep, that's it and here's what you get to choose from:

First up is a year's membership to Studio J. Now if you've been following my blog for anytime at all you know that I have completely fallen in love with Studio J digital scrapbooking. It's easy and so close to actual scrapbooking that I even do everything in the same order! If you have a membership, the per page cost of your Studio J layout is just about $2.50! If you are mainly a digital scrapper and have digital scrapper friends you have a built in business that will require little more than sending out a newsletter to remind your buddies to keep buying from Studio J on your website. It's a $99.00 value.Speaking of a website, you definitely want one! Almost every business has an online website these days so that people can buy from the comfort of their own homes, why not you? The other benefit are the frequent specials that are website only that you and your friends will want to take advantage of, sometimes discounts for up to 90%! The website is worth $155 all on it's own!The third choice includes the Mayberry Kit Workshop on the Go, the Summer Days stamp set, Smoothie and Olive ink, Pink Brads and a 2" x 3 1/2" My Acrylix Block. The value of this is $66.85.Now the 4th choice is up my alley. I LOVE this new paper set called Lucky. You get a Workshop on the Go kit in that paper, Lucky Level 2 Assortment, an Enjoy Life stamp (I just bought this one), Outdoor Denim and Desert Sand inks, Kraft Color-Ready borders, a sponge, an edge distresser and a 2 1/2" by 2 1/2" My Acrylix block. The value of this choice is $78.55.Choice number five lets you try out our new Quick Pic album plus a Dark Chocolate My Legacy Faux Leather Album plus a Ciao stamp set, Chocolate ink pad and a 4" x 4" My Acrylix block too! The value is $73.60.Last up is choice number 6 (remember you get to choose 3 out of the 6) includes a Double Scrubber, My Acrylix Spritz Cleaner, A Tulip stamp set, the Spring Up stamp set, Bless This Nest stamp set, tulip and garden green ink and a 3" by 3" My Acrylix block. Wow!What if you can't choose only three? Well, that's no problem because for the discounted price of $40 per choice, you can add the other one, two or three groups that you like!!! Added to all of this is also an Open Me First Brochure, five new Idea Books, You are Welcome Here Brochures, The Rewards Come Now Brochures, Customer Order Forms, Studio J Order Forms, Studio J Membership Membership Cards, Studio J 5-pack cards and Cello Bags too!

And that's not all, you also get the support of an upline (ME!!) who will be there for you to help you get your business started, an entire FREE training academy where you take online classes that teach you how to run your business, a team of fellow consultants who will welcome you, a chance to get free products FREQUENTLY, and so much more that I can't even begin to tell you! I LOVE BEING A CLOSE TO MY HEART CONSULTANT AND WOULDN'T OFFER THE OPPORTUNITY TO YOU IF I DIDN'T BELIEVE IT WASN'T AN ABSOLUTELY WONDERFUL "JOB" TO HAVE.
So, now that you have taken a look at the kit, let me tell you that in February we have a special just for people who sign up. I will be telling you all about it so don't sign up now, wait until February. If you need more information or have questions, give me a call or shoot me an email and we'll chat about it.

(989) 906-6420 caldreamin05@comcast.net

Wow, I can't wait!!

On Thursday I'll be heading out to prepare for my Can't Stop Dreaming's Team Shipshewana 3 day crop in Indiana. I can't even tell you how excited my team and I are about this. It's our first team crop and we have been planning for months. We have 54 ladies coming and the surprises we have for them are plenty!

We hope to run another one of these in the fall and I will put the date out on my newsletter as soon as I know. We filled up in about a week and a half for this current crop so do not dally on sending in your deposits. I will not announce it on my blog or on facebook until my newsletter is out for a few days so make sure you are signed up for my newsletter (to the top right of this blog) so that you don't miss out.

In the meantime, since it's near the end of the month, I'll be posting a few items from the brand new Spring/Summer catalog that will be going "live" February 1st. Stay tuned starting tomorrow to see the first sneak peek, the new consultant kit!

You're So Sweet Sweetheart Card

Here's another sneak peek of the new Sweetheart paper. You are just days away from being able to purchase it! Check out my website on February 1st and be one of the first to get yours!
For this card, cut your paper as follows:

Black cardstock - 8 1/2 by 5 1/2, folded in half

Polka dotted pattern paper - 5 1/2 by 4 3/4

Polka dotted pattern paper - 5 1/2 by 1/2

Tulip cardstock - 5 1/2 by 1/4

Pink pattern paper - 4 by 1/4

White cardstock 1/2 by 2

White cardstock scraps for stamping

Dry emboss lines in the black cardstock (front only) about a 1/2 inch apart using your trimmer and a dry embossing tool.

Distress the polka dot paper (with black ink) and wrap it around the back of the black cardstock base back and glue. Fold 1/2 inch over the top of the front of the card and glue.

Here's what the back should look like.

Here's how it looks in the front. Distress and add the other polka dot piece at the bottom of the card.

Distress both sides of the pink pattern strip and begin to fan fold it but not evenly, make some folds longer than other until it's about 3 inches long. Add distressed tulip cardstock strip about an eighth of an inch from the pink pattern strip.

Here's what the folded strip should sort of look like.

Now glue that strip down to the card under the polka dot paper.

Stamp the Sweetheart stamp set words "You're So Sweet" on the white strip of paper, cut apart and distress. Glue to right hand side of card just above the tulip strip.

Stamp a large and a small heart from the Sweetheart set to your scrap white paper and cut out.

Glue just to the left of center above the red strip.

Add a swirl epoxy sticker from your Sweetheart set (all of these can be found in the Sweetheart Workshop on the Go too)!

Using Liquid Applique, make 3 dots just above the word sweet.

Liquid Applique can dry overnight on it's own or you can help it along with a heat gun. It makes it puff up!

Here's the final product! Have fun!

New Workshop!

I am going to do TWO Workshops on the Go on February 13th. At 2:00 I will be doing the Wings workshop. You can see the layout that we'll be making below and also at this LINK. The total cost for this workshop is $35.00. You can join us in Stevensville at 1247 W. John Beers Road to make this beautiful layout and learn how to use the brand new spray pen! To sign up, hit the paypal link under the picture or call me at 989 906 6420. Remember when you buy this particular workshop (Wings only), that you can also take advantage of a bunch of brand new discounted stamps. See that information HERE or call me and I'll explain it to you.

The second workshop of the day will be the BRAND NEW Sweetheart Workshop on the Go. This is just gorgeous and I can't wait to teach it to you. Remember that with both workshops you get a Level Two paper kit, an exclusive stamp set and embellishments! It's an incredible value plus I'll take you through the workshop and even add special hints and techniques to make it even better. This workshop will start at 6:00 so eat before you come and I'll provide your dessert. The price is also $30 and if you'd rather make the cards that come with the workshop, you can!!

Click on the paypal link under this photo to attend or call me at 989 906-6420.

So Sweet Card

I love this card, the combination of pink and black is really neat. The paper is Sweetheart and so is the stamp set (comes together in a kit). Cut your paper as follows:

Cotton candy cardstock - 8 1/2 by 5 1/2, fold in half as card base

Polka dot pattern paper - 5 1/4 by 4

Pink pattern paper - 1 by 5 1/2

Black cardstock - 1/4 by 5 1/2

White daisy cardstock - 2 1/2 by 2

Black cardstock - 2 3/4 by 2 1/4

Distress everything with black ink.

Glue polka dot paper in middle of folded card base.

Glue pink pattern paper strip 1/2 inch down from top of card.

Add black strip across top of the pink pattern paper strip. Glue white rectangle to center of black cardstock and glue 1/2 inch from left and an inch from top of card. Stamp "so sweet" in black ink at lower black of card.

Stamp big butterfly in cotton candy ink to center of white cardstock.

Add dots and heart from the new Sweetheart epoxy stickers.

Add a sparkle to the butterfly's head and you're done!

Book a party with me in February and you can order this BRAND NEW PAPER! Call me at (989) 906-6420 or email me at caldreamin05@comcast.net and I'll treat you and your friends to a great scrapbooking and cardmaking party!

It's My Birthday!

I am 50 years old today and I'm pretty cool about it. I know this world is obsessed with not revealing or showing your age but each year we are on this wonderful planet should be looked at as a blessing.

I know that people always say that wisdom makes up for the things that you lost when you stop being young but I think there's something better that I've gained than wisdom.

Courage.

Yes, the cowardly lion had it right, courage is an amazing thing. I speak up now, I go for my dreams, I try new things and stand up for myself. I'm not afraid to say, "it's not good, send it back," or "wow, I would love to take guitar lessons!"

Getting older means that you understand how precious time truly is. It means that when your son comes home from school you stop typing on the computer keyboard and really look at him when he tells you about his day because there will come a time when you won't be the one he's telling. It means understanding that the crinkles around your eyes aren't a sign of aging but instead a record of every laugh you ever had.

I love turning 50, I really do. I am looking forward to the next 50 years, can you imagine how good they are going to be!

American Idol - Season Ten

My family and I were invited to an American Idol viewing party at the Fox 28 studios in Elkhart. We were treated to snacks, prizes and a big screen viewing of the new season! We were also interviewed for the newscast. Here's the link for those of you who would like to see us acting silly!

IDOL PARTY

Aren't these pretty? January Stamp of the Month

There are just a few more days left for you to get this wonderful stamp of the month. You can see it up close RIGHT HERE. Remember the stamp of the month can be bought at a discount or you can even get it free! This is a beautiful set, don't miss it. BUY IT HERE!

Great new tutorial in my newsletter

I just sent out my newsletter yesterday with a BIG SPECIAL for my birthday and new card tutorial plus a sneak peek at the next stamp of the month. To get this information you need to be signed up for my newsletter. You can sign up at the upper right of my blog.

Be Mine Accordion Album Workshop

Need a sweet gift for your loved one on Valentine's Day? I'm doing an Valentine's Day accordion album workshop on February 12th around 1:00 at the Road to Life Church on Niles Road in St. Joseph, Michigan. It's a mere $10 and all you need to bring is your favorite adhesive. There is a crop at the church too and it's free from 9-3! If you would like to attend the workshop, please click on the paypal link below the album photos!

National Pie Day - January 23rd

Did you know that there is actually a National Pie Day! In honor of that day, I would love to see your favorite pie recipes this week. As a kid growing up this was always mine, Strawberry Bavarian Cream Pie. If you have a favorite recipe, email me at caldreamin05@comcast.net and I will place it right in this post. We can have a great list by the time the 23rd rolls around next Sunday.

Strawberry Bavarian Cream Pie Recipe

This chilled summer dessert looks as good as it tastes! It's an easy no-bake recipe that makes an elegant dessert.

• 1 box strawberry flavor gelatin - 4 serving size
• 1/4 cup sugar
• 1 cup boiling water
• 1/4 cup cold water
• 1 - 8 oz. container frozen non-dairy whipped topping, thawed
• 1 pint strawberries - washed, hulled and sliced lengthwise
• 1 baked 9" pie shell
• extra strawberries for garnish (optional)

Preparation -
In a large mixing bowl, dissolve the gelatin and sugar in the boiling water. Add the cold water, then place the mixture in the refrigerator to chill until thickened. Remove from the refrigerator and, using an electric mixer at medium speed, beat the thickened jello until it's about double in volume. Whisk in 1 cup of the thawed whipped topping. Place it back in the refrigerator and chill for about 1-1/2 to 2 more hours or until the mixture will mound easily. Place the sliced strawberries in the bottom of the baked pie shell. Spoon the whipped jello mixture over the berries in the pie shell. Refrigerate for at least 4 hours before serving. Garnish with the remaining whipped topping and a few additional strawberries, if desired. Serve chilled. (http://www.bellaonline.com/articles/art10383.asp)

Convention 2008 Closing Video: Close To My Heart

I was surfing You Tube today and found this 2008 video of the Orlando Close to my Heart convention. I was there and it was wonderful. Convention this year is going to be in Anaheim and believe me, I'm counting down the days. Convention is the highlight of my year and I can't wait to go back and be a part of this. Check out this video and see if you would too! If you like the idea, the enrollment form to join us is right HERE!

Direct Sales: A Proven Moneymaker

Direct sales are big ESPECIALLY in a recession. If you love scrapbooking and stamping like I do, why not make money from your passion? I found a cool newscast about direct sales that I thought you might like to see. After you see this video you can look over our opportunity to become a consultant for Close to my Heart. We have some testimonial videos on the Close to my Heart website too! Check them out HERE! Once you see what a wonderful company this is to work for, sign up to be a member of my team right HERE!!