{Sneak Peek ~ Calendar}

For all those who have read through my 5 post series on how you can create layouts that use the same pattern but look different, I have a special treat for you...Call it a bonus or maybe a sneak at an upcoming post (or series of posts...leave your input in the comments of your preference)

I have been busy creating lately and really trying to try to create a variety of items. I decided to try the CTMH 12 Month Calendar. I didn't think it would be what it has become...lol!

With the special Dotty For You Paper, I decided to create a calendar using the dotty paper and sticking to a rather non themed calendar... So I got my How To Books and started picking my layouts...I thought that would be the best route for the calendar...

Well... not really... Hindsight being 20-20 I quickly realized that a calendar of layouts was not exactly what I wanted and didn't work well for my main concept for the calendar...So I went another way with the general design...

I really went my own way with this and here is a sneak peek of the calendar...

Behold...April...

 Look familiar?!?

 
 I stitched the squares with baker's twine and just a word of advice...It was not as easy for some reason to stitch with the twine as it was with the embroidery thread, but it was a unique way to utilize baker's twine into a page.

Once I decided what I was going to do for embellishments I added them to the page and really kept it simple on this page. I used the Keepsake Alphabet for my title and that was enough to anchor your eye to it. No need for any banners or ribbon...a few pearls might have been acceptable but ultimately, I really liked how this page came out.

Well that definitely concludes this series...{1 Layout, 5 Ways}

Let's Live Inspired!

{One Layout, Five Ways!}

Well with dance ending this weekend I now feel like there is more time to create! Yay! I have been busy creating with Dotty For You paper...which means more posts...

Starting Monday I will be posting a series of one page layouts that are the same layout done using different paper or techniques to show you how you can take one layout design and use it in the same album to keep some consistency but not have it look like a total duplicate.

Now I had lots of fun designing these pages and hope that you will too! I will be using such tools as the ruler and embroidery thread from Close To My Heart, the Cricut Art Philosophy Cartridge, embossing powder and craft heater...

To give you a teaser I will post a quick picture of the first layout...

Tune in Monday...

Let's Live Inspired!

Live INSPIRED in 2012

It is officially 2012 and it is going to be the year I live inspired! I have so many great plans for 2012. I am starting a monthly club which I would like to allow all readers to participate in. I have a couple great trade shows I will be taking my CTMH business to and sharing my passion for crafting with others in 2012

I started to participate in a monthly Sketchy Challenge with Canadian Scrapbooker. I will participate each month and blog about each submission. I also have a business ad in the magazine too. I came up with a great idea for my next ad in the upcoming issue...mention the ad and get a discount....{see truly inspired!}

I plan on participating in Heart 2 Heart Challenges. If not each week then definitely once every 2 weeks I will participate in a challenge. Heart 2 Heart Challenges is a community and blog with a design team and others who participate in challenges using CTMH products! Getting ready to craft!

Now a few days ago I mentioned that I had a surprise that would be announced today...
Well, when I get to 50 followed {Spread the word} I will be giving away a great A-sized stamp set from the Spring/Summer 2012 Idea Book to one lucky follower. I will do another surprise giveaway for reaching 100 followers, 250, and for 500 followers I will have a GREAT SURPRISE giveaway!!! So please spread the word to others who could use some inspiration and can help to spread the inspiration to others too!

Welcome to 2012 and,

Let's Live Inspired!   

WILD About... {CTMH 2012 Spring/Summer Idea Book}

I have been so busy with Christmas and trying to finish all my projects that I have had on the go that when I went to the mail this morning, I was pleasantly surprised to find 2 boxes....HEAVY....boxes waiting for me. Well I hulled these boxes to my car....smile on my face....You see, I saw that sweet label "Close To My Heart" and my heart skipped a beat...for I knew what was in these boxes...It was the new 2012 Spring/Summer Idea Books....This is the time of year that all consultants are just waiting for...it's Christmas for Consultants...

I was patient, I drove home, decided that while my house was quiet, I would tape our girls recordable story book....I was super sentimental this year and thought...why not give a gift my kids will always remember me by...or at least my voice...if the years to come! So I read Frosty the Snowman. It went well, I recorded the story and thought, what a great gift....my middle daughter came home and said it was creepy and that Santa needs to fix it cause it's not the man reading it anymore...lol!

After I finished recording the story, I set up my table, got a warm cup of coffee, a pad of paper, two colored pens and a highlighter... Strange sounding I know but...I got the Idea Book out...Checked out the Stamps of the Month...BONUS!!!! They are Fabulous....went to my spot on the table and looked in awe at the cover. I have to tell you it has the most beautiful artwork and the colors are amazing. My first layout will be the one on the cover!!! (Look for it soon!)

I got my pad of paper ready, pens to write out my wish list and highlighter to highlight items I already have. It is my organizational tool for all events and gatherings I go to....I then know if I have or have tried products and am able to show my customers how much I love CTMH. I started to look through the idea book carefully making my list, I checked it twice, and....it was 3 sheets long! Way to go Close To My Heart!!!

OK so since I can't show you all the whole book I thought what better way to give you a sneak peek then to show you little pictures taken from throughout the Idea Book. Now bear in mind that I am not showing you any of the actual products but little pieces of artwork featured.

Now I hope all you crafters are excited for Feb. 1, 2012. If you are interested in placing an order please contact me or visit my website. Also in the new year I will be doing a series of giveaways. All you have to do is be a follower! Spread the word so I can get to 50 followers to give away my first surprise. Prize will be posted on Jan. 1, 2012


Let's Get Crafty!