Friday, June 29, 2018

And I Am Back...

Oh. My. Goodness!  I have seriously missed blogging!  I think social media has taken over so much of my focus that I let my The Cat's Meow sit on the back burner for far too long.  Life has certainly been a whirlwind since the last post on this page and I think I will be spending the majority of the afternoon (while sick in bed) updating information and prepping picture uploads for some sneak peek projects I have in the works for any readers I may actually have left.

Speaking of sneak peeks, for the next several days, you will want to come back and stalk my FaceBook page for glimpses of new products from Close To My Heart!  Our annual convention is going on RIGHT NOW in Vegas, and while I am not there, my awesome friends are going to keep me posted on all of the must-have items that will be available starting in August.

I have a ton of updating to do...

Craftily yours,


Kim

Wednesday, July 2, 2014

Annual CTMH Convention Means NEW, FABULOUS Products!

Summertime means so many fun things for my family.  One definite highlight is always the annual Close To My Heart Annual Convention because we typically make it a family vacation.  Knowing that it was scheduled for Disneyland in California, we planned ahead.  Hotel was booked, convention ticket paid in full, route mapped out...the whole nine yards!

Let's just call it good practice for next year.  I found out that I was scheduled for surgery the week before we were set to DRIVE to California.  I knew I would not be ready for a marathon ride in the truck with two teens and hubby so we made some adjustments.  It all worked out, but it meant I missed the convention.  Luckily, some amazing CTMH sisters posted all of the new products, announcements and exciting changes that go into effect August 1, 2014.  

We are moving from 2 Idea Books to one Annual Inspirations.  I have my copy and it is AWESOME!!!  I know I say it with every release, but THIS IS MY FAVORITE ONE YET! 

I know you will love it as much as I do.  There are plenty of must-have items!  You can get one free with any $25 purchase from my website.  If you are in my Hostess Club, I already have one with your name on it.  

I could not close out this post without a few teasers:
  • 5 beautiful new colors
  • 9 new paper packs
  • 1 Cricut bundle just for cardmakers
  • Alcohol markers (they are great!)
  • Additional Picture My Life kits
Of course with a new product release, I must design some workshops/classes to go along with it to show how to use all of these goodies.  I need YOUR input.

Give your feedback and let me know if you would be interested in any of the following...
*Card Workshops by theme

*Cricut Workshops using the 4 CTMH Cartridges

*Traditional Scrapbooking classes

*Studio J - Digital Scrapbooking classes

*Picture My Life Classes (These are awesome for anyone who wants to document life events but not into traditional scrapbooking)

*3D projects

*Base and Bling workshops (Necklaces, bracelets, etc.)

*Home Decor Workshops

*Workshops On The Go Kit classes

*All Day Crops


I anxiously await your thoughts.  






Wednesday, January 1, 2014

Finding a Balance

Recently, I had a friend talk about how time seems to move faster as you get older and it seemed like a foreign concept to me until I stopped long enough to really think about those words.

I recall growing up and always searching for the next milestone.  I could not wait until I turned 16 so I could start driving.  When I am 18, I will graduate from high school and apply to college.  When I am 21, I can vote and will be finishing college.  I was always trying to rush time.  Now, at 41, I am digging my heels in and trying to slow things down and find a favorable balance.

My last post was in August when the Autumn/Winter Idea Book launched and I am sad to say that that is my last clear memory of my paper crafting love since school started!  I have not been in the craft room for more than just a couple of minutes since seeing the girls off for the first day of school.  With both of them in the marching band this year, we put in hours too numerous to count hauling podiums, filling water coolers, helping with competitions, straightening hats, sorting plumes and the like.  Don't get me wrong, I LOVED every minute of it, but in light of it being the New Year, I have decided to set some new goals.  (I hate resolutions!)

1.  Find Balance
     Work and play should be balanced.  I love my Close To My Heart business and am sad that it takes a     back seat most of the time to work.  WORK comes in a variety of forms.  Paper crafting is essentially my "therapy" and brings so much happiness so I am going to make sure to clear my calendar more often to make it a point to craft and share my love of crafting with others.

2.  Reduce Toxins
     This one makes me giggle a little.  I am in better shape than I ever was in my 20s but there is much room for improvement.  I am going back to my high protein diet and eliminating the stuff that I know is bad for my body:  sodas, sugar, carbs.  I am also eliminating people who are toxic because it destroys my mental health.  Gone!  Outta here!

3.  Say NO!
     Stop laughing.  Really.  I am going to say no more often.  I am a compulsive volunteer and always put others before myself, my needs and my family.  In an effort to strike that balance that I so greatly desire, "NO" will be heard more often.  There is your warning.

I have a few more goals/challenges that I am working on but this seems like a great place to start.  I hope you find peace, strength, prosperity, good health and BALANCE in the New Year!

Wishing you well,

Saturday, August 10, 2013

Autumn/Winter 2013 is Live!

If you have not received your copy of the 2013 Autumn/Winter Idea Book, contact me TODAY!  It is so much more than just a catalog; it is a true IDEA BOOK and of course I have a lengthy list of cards, layouts, and projects that I want to make.


Cannot wait to browse?  Check out the virtual Idea Book on my website! Click on the picture of the Idea Book and escape into a world of beautiful artwork, innovative new gadgets and fun, must-have toys.

Craftily yours,



Tuesday, July 23, 2013

Buzz From the Craftroom...

I have been a super busy gal!  I have been crafting for upcoming workshops, weddings, back to school and have been preparing to create the layouts and cards for the brand new, beautiful paper packs inn the Autumn/Winter 2013 Idea Book.  I am so excited about each one of them and know you will be, too!

I hear that little clock ticking down to the start of another school year.  While I absolutely love my job and adore the staff I work with, I am just not ready to go back yet.  There is still so much to check off my craft list, my house list and my personal list!  I am sure they will understand, right?

I am going to start posting pictures of some of the items I have knocked out.  I have been stalling because a couple of them are gifts and I did not want to spoil the surprise, so make sure you check back here by the end of the week!

I am feeling a contest coming on.  Anyone else?  Yep, that would require some comments...

Heading for some coffee or hot tea to jumpstart the day.

Craftily yours,
Kim

Thursday, July 11, 2013

Artbooking Buzz

Oh My Goodness...
I was thrilled to get the new CTMH exclusive Cricut Cartridge Artbooking but have to tell you that since I have played a couple of days with it that I am AMAZED!  It is absolutely incredible and I have to eat my words.  I remember telling another consultant before convention began that I just could not think of another design that could possible go on another cartridge that could make our product line any better than Art Philosophy or Artiste.  WAS I EVER WRONG!  The one button layout approach has pushed me back into scrapbooking.  I had migrated more to card making the last year or so but I am daydreaming about making layouts with this new toy!  I whipped up a couple of layouts to show my Hostess ladies and then gave them away as prizes to our scavenger hunt of the new Idea Book.  Neither of them took more than 30 minutes to cut (and that was time fighting with the stupid mat).  
The Artbooking cartridge hits the market August 1st but you can pre-order yours with me today and I will throw in 3 sets of D-size stamp sets from my special goody box as a bonus!  
All of this (plus 3 more sets of stamps) can be yours for just $99.00 plus shipping and tax!  

Contact me today to reserve your cartridge and additional stamps from me.
sprmom98@comcast.net

I had better go get that machine to chirping!
Craftily yours, 



Tuesday, July 2, 2013

Convention 2013





The Close To My Heart Convention in Orlando Florida was AWESOME! 




 Not only did I spend days and nights crafting with friends, I made new friends, snapped photos of some Facebook pals and saw incredible new and innovative products that will hit the market August 1st.

Close To My Heart never ceases to amaze me!  
  • The new paper packs have incredible color combinations and cool patterns. 


  •  The newest stamps definitely pack a creative punch. 

  •  We welcome the newest craze of smashbooking called the My Crush line to our family.  They are sure to please teens and adults alike!  

  • Are you a jewelry lover?  The new line of wearable art is fabulous and I cannot wait to plan my first workshops to add to my own jewelry collection.



  • Artbooking!  OMG...this Cricut Cartridge is the coolest on the market.  700 MORE images to keep your Cricut maching chirping for hours.  This bundle is a tremendous value at just $99.00! You can pre-order yours now with me and qualify for a three additional D-size stamp sets from my goody box ($65.00 value).  This bonus is available only through me!



Now is a fabulous time to join our Close To My Heart family and begin preserving your memories, sharing your skills with others WHILE earning money and product!  Join my team for just $49.00 with the Essentials Kit.  ($150 value)




The Master Kit is just $99.00 and includes the Essentials Kit and enough supplies to host your first Gatherings and begin sharing your love of scrapbooking, stamping, creating wearable art and paper crafting! ($335 value)

I am home now and awaiting my convention bundles of products so that I can begin creating some workshops and classes.  Please come back and sign up for those that catch your eye.  See you real soon!

Let's get CRAFTY,



    Friday, June 21, 2013

    June. Seriously?

    I have said recently that I closed my eyes and it was November and when I opened them, it was June!  Geesh!  Where has the time gone?  I wish I could say that I was far too busy crafting to stop and post, but that is definitely NOT the case!  Life has knocked me off track and has sure created some incredible obstacles the last 6 months.  I have heard so many times that "God does not give you more than you can handle" and "What does not kill you only makes you stronger."  Well, I should be able to bench press an large vehicle and clearly God and I will have to talk about how much more I can actually handle before going completely looney!

    Honestly, without the strength, encouragment and support of amazing friends and family, I am still standing.  THANK YOU!

    June means so many wonderful things.
    1.  We honored some amazing men and celebrated some others for Father's Day.
    2.  School is out for SUMMER!
    3.  We witnessed some spectacular students cross the stage to receive high school diplomas.
    4.  The Close To My Heart annual Convention is just about ready to kick into high gear!!
    5.  #4 means that we have to say farewell to some incredible products to make room for some new, innovative treats and toys.


    Spring 2013 Retiring List: 6/20/13
    PartDescriptionCategoryFamily
    1771 WaterbrushMedium Tool coloring
    BULK151 AntiquedCopperBradsBulk brads
    BULK153 PewterBradsBulk brads
    Bulk212 Chocolate ButtonsBulkButtons
    BULK233 Just Blooms® Flutter Paper Shapes (1" with script)Bulk flowers
    BULK255Avonlea B&T Duos® Combo PackBulkBT
    BULK256Clementine B&T Duos® Combo PackBulkBT
    BULK257Dakota B&T Duos® Combo PackBulkBT
    BULK259Scholastic B&T Duos® Combo PackBulkBT
    Bulk273Grey Sparkle Badge ButtonsBulkButtons
    BULK275Avonlea Cardmaking Workshop GuideBulkBrochure
    BULK279Buzz and Bumble B&T Duos® Combo PackBulkBT
    BULK282Later Sk8r B&T Duos® Combo PackBulkBT
    BULK283Tommy B&T Duos® Combo PackBulkBT
    BULK284Surf's Up B&T Duos® Combo PackBulkBT
    BULK286Chantilly Workshop Guide (10 pack)BulkBrochure
    BULK287Buzz and Bumble Workshop Guide (10 pack)BulkBrochure
    BULK288For Always Workshop Guide (10 pack)BulkBrochure
    BULK289Claire Workshop Guide (10 pack)BulkBrochure
    BULK290Later Sk8r Workshop Guide (10 pack)BulkBrochure
    BULK291Surf's Up Workshop Guide (10 pack)BulkBrochure
    BULK292Tommy Workshop Guide (10 pack)BulkBrochure
    BULK293For Always Cardmaking Workshop Guide (10 pack)BulkBrochure
    BULK294Chantilly Cardmaking Workshop Guide (10 pack)BulkBrochure
    BULK297Black ButtonBulkButtons
    G1053Workshops on the Go® Chantilly Scrapbooking KitWOTGLayout
    G1054Workshops on the Go® Buzz and Bumble Scrapbooking KitWOTGLayout
    G1055Workshops on the Go® For Always Scrapbooking KitWOTGLayout
    G1056Workshops on the Go® Claire Scrapbooking KitWOTGLayout
    G1057Workshops on the Go® Later Sk8r Scrapbooking KitWOTGLayout
    G1058Workshops on the Go® Tommy Scrapbooking KitWOTGLayout
    G1059Workshops on the Go® Surf's Up Scrapbooking KitWOTGLayout
    G1060Workshops on the Go® For Always Cardmaking KitWOTGCard
    G1061Workshops on the Go® Chantilly Cardmaking KitWOTGCard
    G1062Workshops on the Go® Canvas Art KitWOTGhome décor
    W1123Spring Summer 2013 B&T Duo SamplerSupplySupply
    X7155BAvonlea Paper PacketPaper ProductLevel 2
    X7155CAvonlea Complements Canvas Shapes AccessoryComplements
    X7156BClementine Paper PacketPaper ProductLevel 2
    X7156CClementine Complements Canvas Shapes AccessoryComplements
    X7157BDakota Paper PacketPaper ProductLevel 2
    X7157CDakota Complements Silver Foil Images AccessoryComplements
    X7159BScholastic Paper PacketPaper ProductLevel 2
    X7159CScholastic My Stickease® Assortment AccessoryComplements
    X7164BBuzz and Bumble Paper PacketPaper ProductLevel 2
    X7164CBuzz and Bumble My Stickease® Assortment AccessoryComplements
    X7166BClaire Paper PacketPaper ProductLevel 2
    X7166CClaire Complements Canvas Shapes AccessoryComplements
    X7167BLater Sk8r Paper PacketPaper ProductLevel 2
    X7167CLater Sk8r My Stickease® Assortment AccessoryComplements
    Z1081 ColonialWhiteWaxyFlax AccessoryRibbon
    Z1088 ChocolateWaxyFlax AccessoryRibbon
    Z1089 BlackWaxyFlax AccessoryRibbon
    Z1096 EmbroideryFlossNeutralAssortment AccessoryRibbon
    Z1246 EmbPowderCocoa Tool coloring
    Z1267 Paper/StampOrganizer8.5x11(3) organization
    Z1326 Sparkles Red, Pink & Purple Assortment Accessory embellishment
    Z1327 Sparkles Blue & Green Assortment Accessory embellishment
    Z1347 12 x 12 Post Bound Album- New England Ivy Albumalbum
    Z1350 embossing powder topiary Tool coloring
    Z1351 embossing powder dutch blue Tool coloring
    Z1358 Buttons Basic Assortment AccessoryButtons
    Z1366 Brads Metal Assortment Accessory brads
    Z1369 Buttons Red Assortment AccessoryButtons
    Z1370 Buttons Pink Assortment AccessoryButtons
    Z1371 Buttons Blue Assortment AccessoryButtons
    Z1372 Buttons Green Assortment AccessoryButtons
    Z1392 2" Scallop Circle Punch Tool cutting
    Z1410Antiqued Copper Designer Brads Accessory brads
    Z141210-Things PocketPaper Product cards
    Z1450Cork Color-Ready Alphabet AccessoryColor Ready
    Z14746" x 6" Kraft Die-Cut Cards & EnvelopesPaper Product cards
    Z1487Mini Medley Accents Pewter Collection Accessory mini medley
    Z1489Mini Medley Accents Olive Collection Accessory mini medley
    Z1612Paper Clip Pins Accessory foundry
    Z1697Mini-Medley Accents Smoothie Collection Accessory mini medley
    Z1703Wooden Badge Buttons AccessoryButtons
    Z1704Pewter Badge Buttons AccessoryButtons
    Z1710Just Blooms® Paradise Paper Flowers AccessoryFlowers
    Z1718Color-Ready Garden Wooden Shapes AccessoryColor Ready
    Z1719Color-Ready Evergreen Cork Shapes AccessoryColor Ready
    Z17213” x 3” Kraft EnvelopesPaper ProductCards
    Z17224 1/4" x 5 1/2" Kraft EnvelopesPaper ProductCards
    Z17235” x 7” Kraft EnvelopesPaper ProductCards
    Z17246” x 6” Kraft EnvelopesPaper ProductCards
    Z1734Irresistibles™ Persnickety Journaling Spots AccessoryJournaling
    Z1736My Creations® Mini BannerCraftsMy Creations
    Z1739My Creations® Milk CartonCraftsMy Creations
    Z1740My Creations® Bookmark AlbumCraftsMy Creations
    Z1748Brocade Assortment AccessoryLevel 2
    Z1755Posh Journaling Spots AccessoryJournaling
    Z1766Memo Assortment AccessoryLevel 2
    Z1773Color-Ready Noted Canvas Shapes AccessoryColor Ready
    Z1774My Creations® Canvas JournalCraftsMy Creations
    Z1780Wrangler Assortment AccessoryLevel 2
    Z1794Cottage Assortment AccessoryLevel 2
    Z1798Black Tulle Ribbon AccessoryRibbon
    Z1810Later Sk8r Assortment AccessoryLevel 2
    Z1813Claire Assortment AccessoryLevel 2
    Z1821Buttons Black Assortment AccessoryButtons
    Z1827My Creations™ Paper Pouch - SmallCraftsgift
    Z1828My Creations™ Paper Pouch - LargeCraftsgift
    Z1831Buzz and Bumble Assortment AccessoryLevel 2
    Z4134Handle and Swivel Baseorganization
    Z4136 ExclusiveInksOrganizerCarryingCase Organization
    Z4200 AccessoriesOrganizer Organization
    Z578 Corner Rounder Tool cutting
    Z608 EmbossingStylusMedium Tool
    Z655 EmbPowderOlive Tool coloring
    Z656 EmbPowderOutdoorDenim Tool coloring
    Z659 EmbPowderCranberry Tool coloring
    Z670 EmbPowderBlack Tool coloring
    Z672 EmbPowderRed Tool coloring
    Z673 EmbPowderWhite Tool coloring
    Z724 EmbossingPen Tool coloring
    Z906 BambooWaxyFlax AccessoryRibbon
    A1132 Family Stamp A
    A1133 Festival of Lights Stamp A
    B1372 Circle Together Stamp B
    B1395 So Grateful Stamp B
    B1396 School Rocks Stamp B
    B1405Rugged Dude Stamp B
    B1406Blessings of Peace Stamp B
    B1410A Friend Like You Stamp B
    B1414Bonjour Stamp B
    C1438Tea Time Stamp C
    C1461 Salutation Seals Stamp C
    C1466 Instant Memories Stamp C
    C1505Pun Fun Stamp C
    C1507Angelic Blessings Stamp C
    C1508Paisley Flair Stamp C
    C1511Love Blooms Stamp C
    C1512Moonlight Workshop Stamp C
    C1513Clementine Workshop Stamp C
    C1514Pear & Partridge Workshop Stamp C
    C1515Flirty Workshop Stamp C
    C1516Avonlea Workshop Stamp C
    C1517Scholastic Workshop Stamp C
    C1518Dakota Workshop Stamp C
    C1519La Belle Vie Workshop Stamp C
    C1520Christmas Joy Stamp C
    C1544Surf's Up Scrapbooking Workshop Stamp C
    C1545Later, Sk8r Scrapbook Workshop Stamp C
    C1546Tommy Scrapbooking Workshop Stamp C
    C1547For Always Cardmaking Workshop Stamp C
    C1548Canvas Art Workshop Stamp C
    C1549Buzz and Bumble Scrapbooking Workshop Stamp C
    C1551For Always Scrapbooking Workshop Stamp C
    C1552Clarie Scrapbooking Workshop Stamp C
    C1553Chantilly Scrapbooking Workshop Stamp C
    C1554Claire Cardmaking Workshop Stamp C
    D1187For Every Occasion Stamp D
    D1388 Card Chatter - Christmas Stamp D
    D1399 Dream Big Stamp D
    D1440 Everlasting Life Stamp D
    D1444 A Little Thanks Stamp D
    D1492 Christmas Love Stamp D
    D1517Game On Stamp D
    D1519Abundance Stamp D
    D1521Powder Heaven Stamp D
    D1523Sweet Music Stamp D
    D1528Jardin Stamp D
    E1010 Chocolate Alphabet Large Stamp E
    E1014 Posterboard Alphabet Stamp E
    E1015 Cocktail Alphabet Stamp E
    E1017 Old World Alphabet Stamp E
    E1018 Pennant Alphabet Stamp E
    E1019 Bohemian Alphabet Stamp E
    E1020 Token Alphabet

    I will be updating my Facebook page with announcements and photos while I am at the Happiest Place on Earth so LIKE my page so you get up to the minute information!  https://www.facebook.com/Kimsstamppad
    I will also be sharing artwork from some tremendously talented consultants so head over to Facebook now!  

    Craftily yours,