News News News!

Last week was Close to My Heart's annual convention, and many exciting new products and program updates were revealed! I wasn't able to attend, but had many friends there who made sure the rest of us got the scoop! I'm not revealing any new products right now, but there are a few exciting tidbits I can share!

Retiring Colors!

Colors retiring (all from the Summer palette):
Clover Meadow
Hydrangea
Orange
Star Spangled Blue
Bubblegum
Citrus Leaf
Ocean
Watermelon

New Colors:
Smoothie- a salmon-ish pink
Pear- a less-neon version of Citrus Leaf
Sky- a light blue
Sunset- orange with a hint of pink
Lagoon- a light teal
Pacifica- a teal-ish version of Star Spangled Blue
Cotton Candy- darker pink, but not super bright
Gypsy- a lighter version of Hydrangea
(disclaimer- I'm working from a picture, so my descriptions may be off:)

The retiring colors' products, available until supplies run out, are: cardstock, stamp pads, markers, and reinkers. In the combo packs and sets they'll be replaced with the new colors. :)

Online Parties!
Virtual gatherings thru EZInvite! Online anytime - meaning you can have online gathering in your home WITHOUT having an actual party! The hostess rewards will kick in after orders or more totaling $150 or more. Starting October 1st, 2010.

And speaking of hostessing . . .
Improved Hostess Rewards
NOW you can get 50% discount on ONE item when your gathering total hits $250 (used to be $350). Begins September 1, 2010.

Improved Shipping!
We're switching from UPS to Fed-Ex, who has longer shipping hours and Saturday delivery. Shipping prices are expected to drop. :)

New Payment Method
I can now apply your credit/debit card directly to your order, instead of having to use mine. That hopefully means I can collect all $ faster on parties and less wait for everyone.

Customized Consultant Kits!
All who sign up will receive a Business Essentials kit (order forms, catalogs, invitations, etc.). PLUS you get to pick 3 "Choose Me" bundles to include (6 to choose from), and can even purchase the remaining three bundles for just $40 each if you'd like. Price of the kit is $129 with retail value over $400. Shipping cost varies. Begins August 1, 2010.

Idea Book/Catalog Change
Catalogs will now be released twice (semi-annual) a year instead of 3 times(tri-annual). Release months will be February and August, starting in February 2011. Catalogs will also be 24 pages longer- no products will be left out. :)

Studio J Update
Coming Soon: Studio J will have Memberships to sell with GREAT Benefits:
1) Hostesses get credit for membership sales
2) Customers earn campaign rewards
Under the Membership Studio J Members will save 50% on layouts...That is $6.50 per 2-page layout. AWESOME!!!!! Members also get high resolution for printing and archiving and low resolution for E-mailing and online sharing. And Jpegs!!!

But wait there are more options!!! There is a discounted 5-Pack that is great for gifting and good as an ideal "Try Me". There is a page in our upcoming idea book that covers all of these features, clearly explaining the benefits to customers.

. . . and that's all for now! Can't give too much away! Later gator! :)

June/July Stamps of the Month

I know June's almost over, but this stamp of the month is perfect for Father's Day and any kind of masculine birthday- my father-in-law's birthday is coming up, and I can see this going out to him! It's made with paper from the Passages level 2 paper kit:


And here's a peek at July's Stamp of the Month- very cute hedgehogs with multiple sentiments (I used paper from the Splendor Level 2 paper kit):


This is CTMH corporate's take using Twitterpated colors:


Information from July's Constant Campaign soon to follow! :)

It's May!

Welcome to National Scrapbooking Month! Besides the May Constant Campaign, Miracle, a new Idea Book and Catalog goes live, and a great new Stamp of the Month premieres.


Isn't it gorgeous? It's my favorite cover in the 5 1/2 years I've being a consultant. The goodies inside are even better! Here's a small sampling:



And the May Stamp of the Month, Cherish the Moment:

Here's a card I created with the May Stamp of the Month (made with paper from the Zippidee My Reflections kit):


You can customize what kind of "Thank You," "Happy Birthday," etc. that you'd like. It's what makes this stamp set so versatile. It's truly a set for all occasions! :)

My Miracle

I finally got the chance to sit down and finish my Miracle layouts, and I must say they are the prettiest I've ever done without stamping!




They were so simple to put together! And you get to choose the color to ink the embellishments, so whatever pictures you use the embellies will coordinate! Just choose a color that's dominant in your photos.

For more information, see my previous post or visit HERE.

National Scrapbooking Month!

April–May Constant Campaign
National Scrapbooking Month – Miracle Kit

Join the National Scrapbooking Month celebration in May with this special Miracle kit offer. It's a beautiful spring-themed scrapbooking kit that includes new, coordinating B&T Duos® die-cut papers, B&T Duos, Irresistibles™ chipboard die-cuts, My Stickease® adhesive images, Flip Flaps™, plus more favorite accessories and papers. We're also including an instruction brochure for easily creating two beautiful two-page layouts—with no stamping required! Give your customers this opportunity to get a Miracle scrapbooking kit FREE or at a discount during the campaign. Here are the details:

From April 15 (at 9 am MT) –May 31:

* Purchase the kit outright for $19.95/$23.50 (CC1009).
* Place a minimum order of $40/$47 (excluding Studio J™ orders) and purchase the kit for only $10/$10 (CC1009A).
* Place a minimum order of $60/$70 (excluding Studio J orders) and purchase the kit for only $5/$5 (CC1009B).
* Host a Home Gathering with minimum sales of $300/$350 and receive a kit FREE! (CC1009C)


From May 1–31, sign up as a new Consultant between and receive a kit FREE!

April

My apologies for delaying my posting of the Spring Idea Book & Catalog! Good thing it's good through the end of the year! :)


Shop the catalog HERE.

And while we're in April, enjoy this Stamp of the Month artwork:

This lovely stamp set is called Flower Pot and is only available through April 30th. Remember, the price decreases the more you spend! Click the link above to go to online shopping. :)

And now for a Sneak Peek at the Summer Idea Book & Catalog, which goes live on May 1st.

Autumn/Winter Idea Book is Here!

Inside this beauty you'll find better organization! The How-To programs are right up front, with My Reflections kits, card kits, then stamps. Next come Albums and an easier-to-read Accessories section. Lastly are Close to My Heart's exclusive color section, Hostess information, the Consultant opportunity, and Stamps of the Month. For a peek inside the Idea Book & Catalog, click HERE.

Speaking of Stamps of the Month, check out September's:


This beautiful set has several dandelions and swirly sentiments that will blow you away! For a closeup of the artwork and the stamps themselves, click HERE.

For a FREE copy of the Idea Book & Catalog, contact me through my retail website. Thanks for looking!