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

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.  

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,

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,

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

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, 

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,

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
Part	Description	Category	Family
1771	WaterbrushMedium	Tool	coloring
BULK151	AntiquedCopperBrads	Bulk	brads
BULK153	PewterBrads	Bulk	brads
Bulk212	Chocolate Buttons	Bulk	Buttons
BULK233	Just Blooms® Flutter Paper Shapes (1" with script)	Bulk	flowers
BULK255	Avonlea B&T Duos® Combo Pack	Bulk	BT
BULK256	Clementine B&T Duos® Combo Pack	Bulk	BT
BULK257	Dakota B&T Duos® Combo Pack	Bulk	BT
BULK259	Scholastic B&T Duos® Combo Pack	Bulk	BT
Bulk273	Grey Sparkle Badge Buttons	Bulk	Buttons
BULK275	Avonlea Cardmaking Workshop Guide	Bulk	Brochure
BULK279	Buzz and Bumble B&T Duos® Combo Pack	Bulk	BT
BULK282	Later Sk8r B&T Duos® Combo Pack	Bulk	BT
BULK283	Tommy B&T Duos® Combo Pack	Bulk	BT
BULK284	Surf's Up B&T Duos® Combo Pack	Bulk	BT
BULK286	Chantilly Workshop Guide (10 pack)	Bulk	Brochure
BULK287	Buzz and Bumble Workshop Guide (10 pack)	Bulk	Brochure
BULK288	For Always Workshop Guide (10 pack)	Bulk	Brochure
BULK289	Claire Workshop Guide (10 pack)	Bulk	Brochure
BULK290	Later Sk8r Workshop Guide (10 pack)	Bulk	Brochure
BULK291	Surf's Up Workshop Guide (10 pack)	Bulk	Brochure
BULK292	Tommy Workshop Guide (10 pack)	Bulk	Brochure
BULK293	For Always Cardmaking Workshop Guide (10 pack)	Bulk	Brochure
BULK294	Chantilly Cardmaking Workshop Guide (10 pack)	Bulk	Brochure
BULK297	Black Button	Bulk	Buttons
G1053	Workshops on the Go® Chantilly Scrapbooking Kit	WOTG	Layout
G1054	Workshops on the Go® Buzz and Bumble Scrapbooking Kit	WOTG	Layout
G1055	Workshops on the Go® For Always Scrapbooking Kit	WOTG	Layout
G1056	Workshops on the Go® Claire Scrapbooking Kit	WOTG	Layout
G1057	Workshops on the Go® Later Sk8r Scrapbooking Kit	WOTG	Layout
G1058	Workshops on the Go® Tommy Scrapbooking Kit	WOTG	Layout
G1059	Workshops on the Go® Surf's Up Scrapbooking Kit	WOTG	Layout
G1060	Workshops on the Go® For Always Cardmaking Kit	WOTG	Card
G1061	Workshops on the Go® Chantilly Cardmaking Kit	WOTG	Card
G1062	Workshops on the Go® Canvas Art Kit	WOTG	home décor
W1123	Spring Summer 2013 B&T Duo Sampler	Supply	Supply
X7155B	Avonlea Paper Packet	Paper Product	Level 2
X7155C	Avonlea Complements Canvas Shapes	Accessory	Complements
X7156B	Clementine Paper Packet	Paper Product	Level 2
X7156C	Clementine Complements Canvas Shapes	Accessory	Complements
X7157B	Dakota Paper Packet	Paper Product	Level 2
X7157C	Dakota Complements Silver Foil Images	Accessory	Complements
X7159B	Scholastic Paper Packet	Paper Product	Level 2
X7159C	Scholastic My Stickease® Assortment	Accessory	Complements
X7164B	Buzz and Bumble Paper Packet	Paper Product	Level 2
X7164C	Buzz and Bumble My Stickease® Assortment	Accessory	Complements
X7166B	Claire Paper Packet	Paper Product	Level 2
X7166C	Claire Complements Canvas Shapes	Accessory	Complements
X7167B	Later Sk8r Paper Packet	Paper Product	Level 2
X7167C	Later Sk8r My Stickease® Assortment	Accessory	Complements
Z1081	ColonialWhiteWaxyFlax	Accessory	Ribbon
Z1088	ChocolateWaxyFlax	Accessory	Ribbon
Z1089	BlackWaxyFlax	Accessory	Ribbon
Z1096	EmbroideryFlossNeutralAssortment	Accessory	Ribbon
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	Album	album
Z1350	embossing powder topiary	Tool	coloring
Z1351	embossing powder dutch blue	Tool	coloring
Z1358	Buttons Basic Assortment	Accessory	Buttons
Z1366	Brads Metal Assortment	Accessory	brads
Z1369	Buttons Red Assortment	Accessory	Buttons
Z1370	Buttons Pink Assortment	Accessory	Buttons
Z1371	Buttons Blue Assortment	Accessory	Buttons
Z1372	Buttons Green Assortment	Accessory	Buttons
Z1392	2" Scallop Circle Punch	Tool	cutting
Z1410	Antiqued Copper Designer Brads	Accessory	brads
Z1412	10-Things Pocket	Paper Product	cards
Z1450	Cork Color-Ready Alphabet	Accessory	Color Ready
Z1474	6" x 6" Kraft Die-Cut Cards & Envelopes	Paper Product	cards
Z1487	Mini Medley Accents Pewter Collection	Accessory	mini medley
Z1489	Mini Medley Accents Olive Collection	Accessory	mini medley
Z1612	Paper Clip Pins	Accessory	foundry
Z1697	Mini-Medley Accents Smoothie Collection	Accessory	mini medley
Z1703	Wooden Badge Buttons	Accessory	Buttons
Z1704	Pewter Badge Buttons	Accessory	Buttons
Z1710	Just Blooms® Paradise Paper Flowers	Accessory	Flowers
Z1718	Color-Ready Garden Wooden Shapes	Accessory	Color Ready
Z1719	Color-Ready Evergreen Cork Shapes	Accessory	Color Ready
Z1721	3” x 3” Kraft Envelopes	Paper Product	Cards
Z1722	4 1/4" x 5 1/2" Kraft Envelopes	Paper Product	Cards
Z1723	5” x 7” Kraft Envelopes	Paper Product	Cards
Z1724	6” x 6” Kraft Envelopes	Paper Product	Cards
Z1734	Irresistibles™ Persnickety Journaling Spots	Accessory	Journaling
Z1736	My Creations® Mini Banner	Crafts	My Creations
Z1739	My Creations® Milk Carton	Crafts	My Creations
Z1740	My Creations® Bookmark Album	Crafts	My Creations
Z1748	Brocade Assortment	Accessory	Level 2
Z1755	Posh Journaling Spots	Accessory	Journaling
Z1766	Memo Assortment	Accessory	Level 2
Z1773	Color-Ready Noted Canvas Shapes	Accessory	Color Ready
Z1774	My Creations® Canvas Journal	Crafts	My Creations
Z1780	Wrangler Assortment	Accessory	Level 2
Z1794	Cottage Assortment	Accessory	Level 2
Z1798	Black Tulle Ribbon	Accessory	Ribbon
Z1810	Later Sk8r Assortment	Accessory	Level 2
Z1813	Claire Assortment	Accessory	Level 2
Z1821	Buttons Black Assortment	Accessory	Buttons
Z1827	My Creations™ Paper Pouch - Small	Crafts	gift
Z1828	My Creations™ Paper Pouch - Large	Crafts	gift
Z1831	Buzz and Bumble Assortment	Accessory	Level 2
Z4134	Handle and Swivel Base	organization
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	Accessory	Ribbon
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
B1405	Rugged Dude	Stamp	B
B1406	Blessings of Peace	Stamp	B
B1410	A Friend Like You	Stamp	B
B1414	Bonjour	Stamp	B
C1438	Tea Time	Stamp	C
C1461	Salutation Seals	Stamp	C
C1466	Instant Memories	Stamp	C
C1505	Pun Fun	Stamp	C
C1507	Angelic Blessings	Stamp	C
C1508	Paisley Flair	Stamp	C
C1511	Love Blooms	Stamp	C
C1512	Moonlight Workshop	Stamp	C
C1513	Clementine Workshop	Stamp	C
C1514	Pear & Partridge Workshop	Stamp	C
C1515	Flirty Workshop	Stamp	C
C1516	Avonlea Workshop	Stamp	C
C1517	Scholastic Workshop	Stamp	C
C1518	Dakota Workshop	Stamp	C
C1519	La Belle Vie Workshop	Stamp	C
C1520	Christmas Joy	Stamp	C
C1544	Surf's Up Scrapbooking Workshop	Stamp	C
C1545	Later, Sk8r Scrapbook Workshop	Stamp	C
C1546	Tommy Scrapbooking Workshop	Stamp	C
C1547	For Always Cardmaking Workshop	Stamp	C
C1548	Canvas Art Workshop	Stamp	C
C1549	Buzz and Bumble Scrapbooking Workshop	Stamp	C
C1551	For Always Scrapbooking Workshop	Stamp	C
C1552	Clarie Scrapbooking Workshop	Stamp	C
C1553	Chantilly Scrapbooking Workshop	Stamp	C
C1554	Claire Cardmaking Workshop	Stamp	C
D1187	For 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
D1517	Game On	Stamp	D
D1519	Abundance	Stamp	D
D1521	Powder Heaven	Stamp	D
D1523	Sweet Music	Stamp	D
D1528	Jardin	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,