October CTMH News

I cannot BELIEVE how quickly time is racing by right now. It's AWESOME! hahaha I'm one-month closer to the end of school - hooray!! Oh, I can't WAIT! And as my faithful readers (I'm sure there are just OODLES of you! hahaha) you should be excited too - no school = more creative time! WOOHOO!!

Anyway, here's this month's newsletter, hot off the presses! PLEASE do contact me with questions, comments, suggestions, whatever you may have. Leave a comment in the 'comment' section below this blog post or click here!

Happy October! :D

October 2009 News

In This Issue:
Studio Splurge
Grace Workshop
Upcoming Events
Tips and Techniques

Studio Splurge
October features a fantastic campaign for any of you who have been thinking about starting your own fun-filled CTMH career!! When you join CTMH in October and successfully complete our wonderful Straight To The Top program (which lands you $30-$200 worth free product ALREADY!) then get your first TEN Studio J layouts printed FREE, an additional $150+ value! Yes, this means we are gearing up more than EVER to launch Studio J next year - see www.studioj.com for information and details and ME for questions!!

Grace Workshop
Introducing this month's workshop, Grace, including a fantastic, whimsical EXCLUSIVE stamp set only available in your workshop kits! I'd like to hold this month's workshop on Oct. 29th and will be placing the order on the 15th - please PLEASE RSVP by then so we have your kits here and ready to go!!


AND now it's easier than ever to participate in the wonderful new workshop program! If you can't attend the physical event you can still order your workshop kits including full step-by-step assembly instructions online at rking.myctmh.com or even get the current workshop kits as a hostess bundle when you host a gathering! Ask me for details!

Upcoming Events
This month my place will be open this Thursday, the 8th, and Tuesday, the 20th for your cropping pleasure! Please let me know if you can or plan to attend as I have a tiny house and space is limited. AND we'll be collecting your $2 donations to Operation Smile, which will entitle you to use whatever I have that you don't and want/need to use. I have a pretty good stock-pile of stuff.... hahaha

ALSO, mark your calendars and CONTACT ME ASAP - I will SHORTLY be sending out registration forms for our very first "Stamp Camp!" This event will be ALL DAY November 21st at my mom's house in Georgetown. Again, space will be limited so you MUST register as soon as possible. We are hoping this event to happen 'regularly' alternating between Georgetown and St. Catharines, so if you can't make the travel distance this time around we haven't forgotten about you! Watch your inboxes for additional information including registration forms!!

Tips and Techniques - Chalk Popping
Supply List:
VersaMark Pad (z891)
Soft Chalks
Sponge Daubers (z726)
Stamp Set of Choice

Step 1: Using VersaMark ink, stamp desired image on paper (can use regular cardstock OR technique is great when used with B&T Duos paper!)
Step 2: Using a Sponge Dauber, apply a light colour of Soft Chalks to the entire stamped image.
Step 3: Allow VersaMark ink to dry slightly, then apply a slightly darker coordinating shade of Soft Chalks in a circular motion to the edges of the stamped image, giving image a shaded look.

That's all for now!! Happy October!
(PS - don't forget to check out this month's Stamp of the Month - it's SO cute! AND don't forget to place your CHRISTMAS ORDERS or order Gift Certificates!!)

Volume 2

I have NOT forgotten about the stamp camp report - just been enjoying the last few days with Little Miss before classes started today. BACK to the grindstone of school and I'll be reporting in...SOON!! (I know I always say that, but hold me to it this time!)

September 2009 News
Volume 2

In This Issue:

* Fall/Winter Idea Book
* National Stamping Month
* Workshops/Crops
* Christmas

Fall/Winter Idea Book
WELL we had a FANTASTIC time at the Idea Book Launch last Friday -thanks ALL those who came out to celebrate with me! There were lots of prizes and lots of fun, not to mention playing with the new eyelets and yummy food (thanks, Mom!) And a big congratulations to Heather Brown who won the title of 'hostess' for the evening, walking away with $100 in free product!!

If you DIDN'T make it but want to see the book, let me know!! Book a party, come to a workshop, or just BEG me for one and I may be able to help you out. (Or just visit my website!)

National Stamping Month
Don't forget that September is 'National' Stamping Month and that Close To My Heart is celebrating by giving away a FANTASTIC everything-you-need card kit including a fantastic d-size stamp, papers, inks, accessories, and the how-to instructions for 16 cards! The kit is available while supplies last until September 30th for $49.95 OR earn it free by purchasing $75-worth in stamps (EASY to do in this new catalogue!), hosting a gathering in September with sales of $500+ OR signing up as a consultant! It's THAT easy!

IF you have already ordered the kit and are looking for guidance LET ME KNOW and we'll set up a Card-Kit Assembly workshop - there ARE instructions but for any first-timers it can be a little bit daunting. LET ME SHOW YOU HOW!!

Workshops/Crops
SPEAKING of workshops, as mentioned at the launch party CTMH has come up with a GREAT new workshop program - there are fliers attached about the upcoming September workshop(s). The basic gist is for $37.50 get your level 2 paper pack, an EXCLUSIVE stamp set, ONLY AVAILABLE in your workshop kits - not in the idea book, not online, not through your consultant on a supply order - coordinating accessories, and the how-to for one two-page layout and six cards PLUS add a couple extra pieces of cardstock to your workshop supplies to stretch that paper pack to another two-page layout (or forget the cards and just do the layouts). It's FANTASTIC, EASY, FUN, YOU decide what you want to do, and they will be up and running SOON! Each month I will be offering one each of the scrapbooking and cardmaking workshops. So check out the attached flier and contact me to sign up!

And I will occasionally be hosting crops at my house in my newly tidied and organized basement! Watch for upcoming dates in your newsletters, on Facebook, or contact me to see what's going on!

Christmas
The FINAL thing for September's news!! PHEW! And I KNOW that Christmas isn't until December, but you know, if you're a paper-crafter, that it's time to at least plan when you'll be completing your Christmas projects to avoid last-minute all-night card-making sessions!!

I ALSO wanted to just take a second to remind everyone that CTMH makes a GREAT Christmas present...you just have to give me some notice!! If you'd like some of our fantastic new product under the tree for you this year make sure to leave your wish list lying around with my website, e-mail address, and/or phone number! OR e-mail ME your significant others' information and I can contact HIM! (What man wouldn't love to have his Christmas shopping THAT easy??) I can also make up fancy gift certificates for any occasion and am happy to offer gift-wrapping for your ease, too! So DON'T leave it to the last minute for yourself or whoever you're shopping for.

September 09 Newsletter

PHEW! We had stamp camp this weekend, which I absolutely intend to post pictures from and report on (hopefully tomorrow - check back!) BUT in the meantime here's Vol. 1 (that's right, TWO volumes!) of September's newsletter for your reading pleasure!


SEPTEMBER 2009 NEWS
Volume 1

In This Issue:

* SPLIT ISSUE
* LAUNCH PARTAY
* TIPS AND TECHNIQUES

Split Issue
There are SO MANY amazing things going on with Close To My Heart right now with the NEW IDEA BOOK (live tomorrow, September 1st, people!) that I HAD to split this month's newsletter. This first issue will deal mainly with PRE-launch party news and then you'll have to excuse me as I invade ONE more time this month for post-launch party news! BUT make sure to check it ALL out because it's FANTASTIC!! SO, without FURHTER ado....

Launch Party
THAT'S RIGHT folks!! Tomorrow marks the first day of the brand-spankin'-new Idea Book, and let me tell you this is a book you do NOT want to miss. WOWzers. We're partying on FRIDAY to celebrate - FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 4TH, 7:35PM at MY HOUSE. Now, we ALWAYS have a blast at these parties, but you do definitely want to make it on Friday if you can:

* The first three people to book gatherings to happen before Oct. 31st will receive a free stamp pad of their choice;
* First five orders that reach $100 (before tax) will get free shipping (if you qualify for the dollar amount but don't have your order in fast enough 1/2 price shipping, still!)
* Place an order for $35 or more to get your idea book for free
* get a ticket for our prize(s) draw for every additional guest you bring
* And of course, as always, the grand prize of the evening is HOSTESS REWARDS! JUST FOR COMING you have a shot at at LEAST $30 free product from CTMH - in the past this prize has ranged anywhere from $30 to $100+ in FREE STUFF!!
* NOT to mention other great prizes, perks, and a first-hand viewing of some of the greatest new products on the market: love eyelets but hate the hammering?? CTMH's NEW SOFT-SET EYELETS SOLVE that problem! Love our albums but hate the screws?? NEW SNAPEASE ALBUM SYSTEM makes adding pages a SINCH - you can throw away those screwdrivers! And do you ever wish you could erase your misplaced adhesive or rub ons?? How about a fantastic new eraser designed specifically for those tacky situations!? All this and MUCH more in the new book!

SO put on your party-hat, grab a friend, and come check out the latest and greatest with great food, great ladies, and ME!

PLEASE contact me to RSVP (or for directions!) by THURSDAY at the absolute latest to ensure I have enough goodies to go around! I can't WAIT!

Tips and Techniques - Base and Shade Stamping*
Step 1 - Using the Exclusive Inks stamp pad of your choice, stamp your desired solid base image three times without reinking, creating a first, second, and third generation image.
Step 2 - Using the same Exclusive Inks stamp pad, stamp shade image directly over the third generation base image.
Step 3 - To add dimension, cut out the stamped image and sponge the edges using the foam tool and the Exclusive Inks pad.
*this technique is featured on page 9 of the Fall/Winter 2009 Idea Book including step-by-step photos for ease!

August CTMH News

This is a copy of the monthly newsletter - if you want more information about anything PLEASE let me know i.e. Stamp Camp registration or whatever!!

AUGUST 2009 NEWS

In This Issue:
- Customer Thanks-a-bration!
- National Scrapbooking Month
- Stamp Camp
- Save the Date
- Tips and Techniques

Customer Thanks-a-bration!
My Close to my Heart business would be nothing without my wonderful customers and CTMH KNOWS it! SO we're having a THANKS-A-BRATION from August 3rd - 17th!! Place an order of $124.95 during that time and not ONLY will you get the FREE stamp of the month (which is REALLY REALLY cute this month!) but you'll also receive a current Level 2 paper packet (for a total of $44.45 FREE!!) and there's NO extra shipping or taxes on these items! It's a GREAT opportunity to score some fantastic, versatile products as a sincere THANK-YOU!! from us to you!

National Scrapbooking Month
September is 'National' Scrapbooking Month!! AND we are just so plum stoked about it we're starting our celebration EARLY! SO from August 18th - September 30th when you or your customers purchase a minimum of $75 in stamp sets (A, B, C, D, and E-size; some exclusions apply), you’ll receive a FREE Everyday Celebration card kit containing materials to handcraft 16 exquisite cards. Join the stamping festivities by making a qualifying purchase, or buy the kit outright for just $49.95. Hostesses and new Consultants can also get the card kit free during September. WOOHOO!!

Stamp Camp
If you read my scrapbooking blog then you may already know of all the fun we had at our last Stamp Camp in Barrie. Well, THIS time around it's not an overnighter, but EVERYONE is invited. It's on August 29th from 9am-5pm at Midhurst United Church. Cost is $25. Registration closes August 16th. I've attached the registration form which has a little bit more information - you can fill it out and get it and your money to ME or you can mail it right to the address specified on the form. And please do let me know if you have questions!!

Save the Date
The beginning of August means....we're quickly approaching time for our next Idea Book Launch party! HOORAY! I always have SO much fun when we do these and hope you do too!! THIS time the launch is at MY HOUSE on SEPTEMBER 4TH - additional details to follow, but please DO mark your calendars! The fall/winter idea book is always chalk FULL of fantastic new innovative products and ideas (like Snapease albums and digital scrapbooking - what??? Can't WAIT!) and we LOVE to give away prizes and FREE HOSTESS REWARDS for your attendance.

Tips and Techniques
Stamping with markers

Step 1 - Using the brush end of your Exclusive Inks markers, colour directly onto the desired areas of the stamp.
Step 2 - Hold the stamp and spray with a very fine mist gently onto the coloured areas to remoisten the ink and revive the colour. Stamp immediately onto cardstock.
Step 3 - Colour your image with the blending pen by lifting a small amount of ink from the brush end of your markers.