Try something new this year

I challenge you to try something new this year. In February, I will be showcasing some interesting ways to create scrapbooking layouts quickly, more sample greeting cards, and of course paper crafts. 

I hope that you will also challenge yourself by believing in yourself and your crafting abilities. Remember, every time we try something new we are novices but that's okay. Maybe try a new technique, new type of paper craft, challenge yourself to incorporate more scraps, use that elusive pattern paper, and maybe create your own embellishments. As for me, I too will join in challenging myself in these areas and will share with you my results. 

If you are an experience paper crafter perhaps you can challenge yourself by doing what you love by starting your own business. Others can enjoy and appreciate from your knowledge and experience. I welcome you to join my team and Become a Consultant.

Save and earn money while creating greeting cards and scrapbooking layouts. In becoming an Independent consultant you can receive discounts, earn product credits (free product), and income from sales.

You are not alone in the process, I will be here to coach you, and the company offers an extensive online and in-person training. Training can include how to build a business, learning all types of crafting techniques to balancing your personal life and business. 

What makes Close To My Heart a good business opportunity? View the video below.

Why did I join Close to My Heart? At first, I fell in love with the product. I loved that the cardstock had a white paper core, and when working with the product I quickly realized the high quality. In my opinion, this wasn't just another stamping company, they are focused on showing you how to scrapbook, create greeting cards, and paper crafts. You don't need a ton of tools like multiple punches, templates, or anything else. They have a line of products for all types of paper crafters and experience level; regardless if they are a novice or very experienced. They even have digital scrapbooking! I love creating embellishments with my Cricut machine and their cartridges are amazing. 

Being a part of this company did not break my bank. You can become an Independent Consultant with $49 +shipping and tax with the Essentials level. For that small amount of registration fee you get approximately $155 in retail value. So for me, I entered the business because of my love of crafting and to enjoy receiving the discount benefits. At the time I registered at $99, Master's level, and that level is still available for people that want to earn money. They get the Essential's Level plus the additional business building tools.

Essential Level 

Master's Level

Early on the challenge for me was that I didn't necessarily want to teach or become a sales person and I really didn't have to. The company is all about you setting up your own personal why and goals. I used to create greeting cards and layouts to be sold online so the discount was really appealing for me. It was important for me not become the pushy sales person. I still don't have to be. Talking in front of others can be a challenge but I can honestly say that now I enjoy showing people new techniques and how to recreate something I've made. I love seeing people light up with pride on what they've created. I just focus on "let me show you how" and my quarterly order requirement of $300 has always been met. People just fall in love with the product because of its quality. Seeing the paper and embellishments in person is always better than the pictures. And as an avid crop hopper people just loved the layouts and products I used at the crops. 

Today, I continue to get out my comfort zone by creating, learning how create a video and blog, posting on my blog, talking to women about paper crafts, and setting up a new personal creative challenges. I love how I've never felt pressured to meet any sales quota or to recruit. I felt that the training they provided me helped me grow in so many areas. The training I received on different crafting techniques was well worth the investment. It is with such gratitude that I share this information with you. This maybe the opportunity that you are looking for.

Feel free to contact me with any further questions about Close to My Heart and it's opportunities.

Clementine Layout

So here's another project using the Clementine Workshop to Go kit (G1046) that is available only until the end of this month. Next month only the Paper Packet (X7156B) and embellishment Cottage Assortment (Z1794) will be available. I also used Paradise Baker's Twine (Z1702) and followed the pattern 6 found on page 16 in the new Make It from Your Heart how-to-publication (9035). I adjusted the layout to allow for two pictures on the right verses the three pictures pictured in the book.

So how do you create this layout? 

Right Page Layout

• Layout page base was created using Colonial White card stock.
• The top strip measure at 1 1/4" x 5 1/2" and will be used to create a title.
• The Sorbet card stock was cut using Art Philosophy at 2", then cut in half.
• The side strip measures 6 1/2" x 1 1/2". 
• Photo measures at 4" x 6"
• The two squares measure at 3" x 3".
• Baker's Twine measures at 17 inches in length.

Left Page Layout

• Top strip measures at 1 1/2"W x 6"
• The two squares below the top strip measure at 3" x 3"
• Photo measures at 4" x 6"
• The left strip was create out of Saddle card stock and measures 2" x 12"
• The two left squares measures at 3 1/2" x 3 1/2"

Using a ruler and black archival safe ink pen create a stitched pattern by making dashes. Next adhere flowers found in the Cottage Assortment package. Last but not least adhere two pictures measuring at 4" x 6" and two measuring at 3" x 3".

To purchase the Clementine Workshop on the Go and the Make It from the Heart how-to-publication visit my website at http://FrancisAmes.ctmh.com .

Stamp of the Month

Don't forget our monthly stamp special, spend $50 and get a stamp valued at $17.95 for only $5. This month's Stamp of the Month is called Happy Valentine (S1301) and you will also be eligible to purchase the Whoo's Your Valentine craft kit for $10, valued at $35. Wow! This is a Great Deal.

Don't want to spend $50 in order to purchase the stamp? Stamp can be purchase at it's regular price this month only at $17.95 (S1301)                               This special is only good until January 31, 2013.

Place your order today at http://FrancisAmes.ctmh.com. On this website there are video tutorials and instructions on how to create this and many fine paper crafts.

Clementine Card 5

Okay so this is the last card I'm going to create using the Clementine Paper. I figured out the dimension and recreate it. I hope you can appreciate it since the directions are not listed in any publications.

• Card base was created using Champagne card stock measuring at 4 1/4" x 5 1/2" folded.  
• Blue patterned paper measures at 3 1/2" W x 4" L 
• Saddle Card stock 3 1/2" L
• Sorbet patterned paper measuring at 2 1/4" x 2 1/4"
• Champagne card stock square measuring 2" x 2"
• Burlap Ribbon 2 1/4" L

You will need spray bottle, ruler, paper trimmer, Tombo adhesive, black archival safe ink pen, Clementine workshop on the go stamp, Cottage Assortment, Saddle Ink pad, sanding tool, and mini clear sparkle.

1. Create a stitched pattern using a black archival safe pen and ruler by creating dashes along the left side.
2. Stamp border on the Champagne card stock square using Saddle ink pad along the top. Then stamp the sentiment, Your Super, using the same ink.
3. Distress Sorbet patterned paper by using the edge of a ruler.
4. Spray water onto the Saddle card stock then ball up and crumble. Tear the bottom to reveal the white paper core.
5. Once paper is dry use the sanding tool to distress and reveal white paper core.
6. Cut the burlap ribbon in half length wise.
7. Now it is time to adhere all the pieces as pictured using Tombo tape runner by adhering the blue patterned paper first, then the saddle card stock, followed by the Sorbet and champagne card stock.
8. Next, place the two pieces of burlap ribbon behind the flower embellishment to and adhere onto the card.
9. Finish embellishing with mini sparkles.

Clementine Cards 3 and 4

The card base was created out of Saddle card stock and measures at 4 1/4" x 5 1/2". I used two Clementine patterned paper (X7156B), Colonial White card stock that measures at 3" x 3", Burlap Ribbon (Z1760), and Sparkles. To recreate cut the floral patterned paper at 5 1/4"L x 1 1/8"W and the second patterned paper at 4 3/4" L x 1 1/8" W. Using a black archival safe ink pen to create a stitch effect by making dash lines using a ruler on one side of the patterned paper. Using a sponge or dauber ink the edges of the Colonial White to distress using Sorbet Ink.  Next, stamp background image onto Colonial White using Honey ink pad. Then stamp a floral image on top of the first image using Sorbet. Now cut the floral image. To recreate the sentiment cut the top portion of the patterned paper, cut a "V" notch on the left side of the word Forever, then  ink the edges using Sorbet. Now cut a "V" shape notched on the bottom of the Burlap Ribbon that measures at 2" in length. Adhere all pieces as pictures and embellish with clear sparkles. Burlap can be adhered using Tombo tape runner adhesive.

The card pictured above is one of my personal favorites. The card base also measures at 4 1/4" x 5 1/2" folded using Colonial White or Champagne card stock. The Clementine Floral patterned paper measures at 4" x 5" and the Sorbet card stock measures at 3" W x 4" L. The Colonial White card stock with the flowers measures at 2 1/2" x 2 1/2". The blue patterned paper torn measures at  1/2" W x 2 1/2" L. The edges of a burlap ribbon were removed by cutting it at 3" in length then tied knots. Using Clementine Cottage Assortment to embellish the card. The smaller flower was stamped using Dessert Sand and a clear sparkle finishes off the flower. Stamp the sentiment "Good Times" using Dessert Sand or Lagoon ink pad on the bottom left side of the Sorbet card stock. Adhere all pieces as pictured using Tombo tape runner adhesive. Using a Black Archival ink pen and a ruler create a stitch pattern along the border of the floral patterned paper.

Clementine Cards

As you know I've spent time over the holiday break by creating these adorable greeting cards using Clementine Paper Packet (X7156B), Cottage Assortment (Z1794), Burlap (Z1760), blue sparkles, and Clementine Workshop on the Go (WOG) stamp (G1046).

To recreate this card you will need to cut the patterned papers at the below measurements.

• Card base folded measures at  4 1/4" x 5" and is made out of Campagne cardstock.
• Sorbet card stock on the cover measures at 4" x 5".
• Circle measures at  2 1/2" out of the lighter patterned paper
• Colonial White piece that flowers are stamped on measures at 2"x 3".
• The blue patterned paper measures at 1 1/2" x 2". Tear the bottom off to reduce its size to 2"x 1".
• The bottom floral patterned paper measures at 3 1/2" x 4 1/4"
• Burlap ribbon measures at 2 1/2" in length.

To construct this card, 

• first ink all sides of the colonial white paper, circle, Sorbet cardstock, floral patterned paper and cardbase using an Ink Dauber to apply a distressed with using the Sorbet Ink Pad.
• Next stamp the border using the WOG stamp in Sobert Inkpad onto the Sorbet cardstock. 
• Adhere the floral patterned paper on the bottom half of the card base.
• Leaving an 1/8" border on the bottom, adhere the Sorbet cardstock flushed to the left hand side of the card base.
• Next stamp a small flower found on the WOG stamp using the Sorbet Inkpad on to the Colonial White carstock that measures 2"x 3". 
• On a separate Colonial White cardstock stamp a larger flower using the Sorbet Inkpad and hand cutting this stamped image out
• Adhere the blue patterned paper to the bottom of the Colonial White cardstock that measures 2"x 3".
• Stamp now on the left side of the Colonial White cardstock (2"x 3") a flower in Honey Ink Pad.
• Create a "V" notch on the Burlap ribbon and adhere about 1/8" from the bottom left side of the Colonial White Cardstock (2"x3")
• Trim the top border of the patterned paper with the sentiment that reads "Friends Forever" and use the saying "Thanks for Everything". Create a "V" notch on the right hand side of the sentiment that reads "Thanks for Everything".
• The alternative to using the printed sentiment you may create your own like I did above by cutting a banner that measures 1/2" x 2 3/4" out of Colonial White. Then stamping the background pattern using Honey Inkpad then stamping the sentiment in Dessert Sand or Champagne ink.
• Ink the edge of the sentiment with Dessert Sand or Champagne Ink.
• Adhere the circle on the top left of the Colonial White cardstock (2"x3"), then Burlap ribbon, and Sorbet stamped flower, and sentiment.
• Now embellish with sparkles in the center of the flowers.

This card base was created out of Saddle card stock and measures at 4 1/4" x 5" folded. 

• Circles measures at 2 1/2", 1 1/2" and 1". 
• Burlap ribbon measures at 5" with a "V" notch in the center. 
• The Colonial White on the top left hand side measure at 3"x 3" and was distressed using Sorbet ink. 
• The stamped flower was created using WOG stamp and Honey ink pad.  
• The sentiment can be recreated by stamping the sentiment in either Dessert Sand or Saddle Ink and measures at 2 1/2" L x 1/2" W. 
• You may use the sentiment found on the top of the patterned paper found in the WOG. I recommend using the sentiment " You make Me  Smile". 
• Stamp the large flower on the large circle using Sorbet Ink pad. 
• Before adhering all the pieces together sand the Saddle card base giving it a distressed look. 
• Now adhere the Colonial White card stock to the top left side leaving  1/8" from the top. 
• Then adhere the Burlap ribbon overlapping on top of Colonial White leaving an 1/8" border from the left side. 
• Adhere the large circle with the stamp image, followed by the Sorbet circle slightly overlapping. 
• On the blue circle I used created a stitched pattern using an Acid Free Black ink pen, then adhered overlapping the Sorbet pattern paper and Colonial White card stock. 
• Next, I adhered the sentiment aligning it to the left edge of the Colonial White card stock. 
• The last step, I adhered clear and blue sparkles in the center of the flowers and on the Sorbet patterned circle.

Tutorial on creating your own Treat Tubes

I've showed you a few of my creations I thought you might enjoy viewing a tutorial on how to decorate and construct these fun Treat Tubes. Best part is you can also recreate the boxes by using Cricut Artiste. I hope you enjoy this video tutorial. 

This Month's Special... Whooo's Your Valentine?

WHOOO’S YOUR VALENTINE?

Spend $35 and get the exclusive treat tube kit for only $10!

In celebration of National Papercrafting Month, we’re offering a new product, available through January — our Whooo’s Your Valentine kit! This darling kit, which retails for $40, can be yours for only $10 when you spend $35 or more in Close To My Heart product. The kit includes 12 die-cut boxes, 3 cardstock sheets, 1 sheet of silver glitter paper, 12 treat tubes, and an exclusive D-size stamp set created specifically for the kit! Perfect for gifts and classroom projects, the Whooo’s Your Valentine kit will make Valentine’s Day a cinch!

Qualify and buy the Whooo’s Your Valentine kit today for only $10!

*Shipping and handling may apply. Offer valid November 15, 2012 – January 31, 2013. Maximum of one $10 Whooo’s Your Valentine kit per customer.

Below is just a few of the treat boxes I created but I had enough to create a dozen of these charming crafts.

What will you create? To order yours today visit my site at http://www.FrancisAmes.ctmh.com

HAPPY NEW YEAR!

Happy New Year to all Paper Crafters!

No matter how much you plan I feel like the winter holidays seems to be the busiest season of all. Many cards to make, decorations, and lots of baking. As for me, I did manage to do some paper crafting after all I must keep sane.

So I was able to create a 12-month scrapbook calendar (still need to adhere some pictures), a mini album, a 12x12 two page layout, five greeting cards, and six Valentine candy favors. It's not a whole lot but given that I was away from home for a week I think I did well. I did notice that my Hanukkah cards were not automatically posted like I'd hoped. Sorry. Technical goof:(

So here's a couple of neat items I created hopefully to get you inspired to get a jump started on your paper crafting:)

This month's Special...Valentine Treat Boxes 

Clementine Cards..Alternative Project in the Workshop on the Go

Sneak Preview of the Clementine Layout not found on the Workshop on the Go.

Details on the above projects will be forthcoming. Stay Tuned...