Thank You!

After a really hectic July - especially the last couple of weeks, I was very suprised and blessed to receive this wonderful nomination for the Circle of Friends award from Haley. You truly made my day today, for which I thank you!





Here are the rules: Nominate 5 other bloggers you feel have become part of your circle of friends. Link to your nominees within your blog post. Include these instructions on how to pick up the award in your blog post. Link back to the person who gave you the award in your blog post, to show your appreciation. Comment on their blogs to let them know they've received the award.

How fun is this? I have been so blessed to "meet" so many people online! Here we go, in no particular order:

Laura

Sue

Sara

Elaine

Linda

Until next time...

How To Create a Tab without the Punch

When I created my box in a bag, I didn't have a tab punch. So, I made my tabs using the Coluzzle system. Some of you may already do this, but since it was a new idea to me, I thought I'd share the how to part.

It's probably a good thing that I'm adding instructions just below each photo, as I can't click on them to make them bigger (but then I am technologically challenged, so I'm probably messing something up somewhere).

Cut a 2 inch circle (I used my coluzzle).

Score the circle down the middle.

Using your coluzzle circle template, line up the smallest circle using the score line as a guide. The score line should run about half way through the smallest circle. You're only cutting out half the circle.

Turn your circle around and do the other side the same way.



This is what your tab will look like once you're done. Just fold in half, adhere to box in a bag, and put an eyelet through the tab.

Until next time...

Box in a Bag

This is my other project for today...the one I found while I was supposed to be looking up the Stamp of the Month Swap colors for August. Anyway, since I still had the Animal Cookies papers and inks out, I thought I'd go ahead an use those (no point in adding more stuff to my pile).

Again, the directions are from Splitcoast Stampers. I told you I love that place!

Here's where I used that scalloped circle creation from my tutorial earlier today. You'll see that I also used the corner rounder with the guide removed to do the scalloped border at the bottom of the box.

I'm thinking I probably shouldn't have used the gingham ribbon with the polkadot paper, but you know, I was using stuff from my stash. And anyone who knows me well, knows that I really have no fashion sense, nor do I pay much attention to the "rules" of said fashion.

Supplies:
Paper: Animal Cookies Level 2 Paper Packet
Stamps: You've Got Flair My Acrylix Stamp Set
Inks: Clover Meadow, Sunflower, Tulip, Dutch Blue, Desert Sand
Accessories: White Daisy Ric Rac, Summer Carnival Brads, White Daisy Eyelets, Dutch Blue Gingham Ribbon (retired), Sunflower Organdy Ribbon (retired)
Tools: Waterbrush, Corner Rounder, Coluzzle Circle, Knife, and Cutting Mat

Until next time...

Pizza Anyone?

Okay, so I don't mean a REAL pizza (sorry). But how about a mini pizza box? This was my first project of the day (remember those instructions that I'd found while trying to decide what I wanted to do?)

I found the instructions over at Splitcoast Stampers. I LOVE that place - always tons of neat projects and techniques to browse through.

Supplies:

Paper: Animal Cookies Level 2 Paper Packet

Stamps: You've Got Flair My Acrylix Stamp Set

Inks: Clover Meadow, Sunflower, Tulip, Dutch Blue, Desert Sand

Accessories: White Daisy Ric Rac

Tools: Waterbrush, Corner Rounder, Coluzzle Circle, Knife, and Cutting Mat

Until next time...

Scallops with the Corner Rounder

I actually got my day off today (a last minute thing). So after sleeping in until 8am, I wondered what I was going to do. I took the suggestion of my good friend Nancy and headed upstairs to play in my disaster area (one of these days I'll show you why I call it that). I had no clue what I was actually going to work on.

Now granted, I could have worked on my samples for this month's Workshop on the Go, or perhaps started on next month's cards for Card Night, even finished the cards that we did this month since I had an extra set cut. Instead I looked around at the stuff, I mean supplies I had scattered everywhere from where I'd been working on this month's cards. My eyes landed on the instructions from a project at Splitcoast Stampers. I thought I'd start there. No, this is not that project (I'll post it later).

So after that project was complete, I came back downstairs to get the colors for next month's Stamp of the Month Swap. Of course, I got sidetracked and ended up back on Splitcoast going through projects. I found another relatively simple one that I thought would look good with the papers and stamps I had laid out. Then I thought, well it would look really cool if I pop-dotted this image on scalloped circles. Now, I don't have any scallop punches anymore. Yes, I could have used my Cricut, but that would have meant cleaning off my cutting counter. So I remembered this post I found on someone's blog a while back about using the corner rounder. I honestly cannot remember where I found it so I cannot give credit where it's due (my apologies). I'm sure some of you already do this, but just in case you didn't know. I thought, well, while I'm at it, I haven't posted a tutorial in a while....let's do one today.

So here's how you use the Corner Rounder to make scalloped circles.

For this project you'll need:

Corner Rounder (it has to have a removable guide)

Circles (I used the Coluzzle to make mine)

Scissors

I've typed directions onto the pictures and you should be able to click on the pictures to make them bigger (of course, I've never tested that theory either, so just in case I'll post directions just below each pic.)

I used 2 different sized circles cut with the Coluzzle.

Don't forget your corner rounder (with removable guide)

Carefully remove the guide from the Corner Rounder. It should slip right off.

Flip your corner rounder over so you can see where you're punching.

Slip your circle in your punch making sure the cardstock touches both of the little angles inside the punch.

This is what your first punch should look like.

Slip your cardstock back in the punch.

Line the punch up so that you can just barely see the previous punch through the slot.

There's an arrow in the pic so you can see what I mean.

Make sure you're circle touches that angle piece inside the punch.

Continue realigning your circle to punch around the entire piece.

You may end up with something that looks like this with a little stem.

Take your scissors and carefully follow the scallop around and trim off the stem. If it's really noticeable, plan on layering a stamped image on top that will overlap the edges - something cutout so you can still see the scallop underneath.

I got lucky with the second circle in that I didn't have that little stem piece.

Now you can layer your scallops.

Add your stamped and/or embellished image using a popdot.

You'll still be able to see the scallops, but that little imperfection is gone.

You can add your creation to a card, scrapbook layout, or project.

I'll share what I'm adding this to later on today.

Until next time...

Testing the Scheduling Option

As I'm going to be participating in the CTMH Stamp of the Month Blog Hop hosted by Jena, I thought I'd test this scheduling option so I had it down. Granted, I'll probably still be up at midnight on the 31st, but I never know since it depends on what kind of day I've had.

I finally got a chance a hop through the July Blog Hop - WOW! Lots of talented artists and I LOVED seeing everyone's designs with the You've Got Flair set. If you missed it, grab your favorite drink, head on over to Jena's blog and get started.


Until next time...

July Newsletter

Click here to view this newsletter as a webpage.

Memories of the Heart

Debra A Van Patten

Independent Consultant
July 2009

In This Issue
Favorite Five in July!
Monthly Contest
Stamp of the Month
Classes, Workshops & Events

Dear Blog Reader,

I hope you had a good 4th! We didn't do anything special this year. Carl and the boys did set off some fireworks here at home. I think they like that better than going to see them. I think I'm adjusting to my new work schedule. It does not help that we are going through a major contract change for transportation. It's been a little hectic and stressful this past week. I'm hoping for a better week this week.

Close To My Heart is sponsoring a recruiting bonus for all new consultants that sign during July. In addition to the already awesome Consultant Kit for only $99 (valued at approx. $300), new consultants get to choose their favorite five products from a select list - up to an additional $98.75 - absolutely FREE! CTMH is even picking up the shipping/tax on the additional products! If you've ever thought about joining CTMH, even just as a hobbyist, now is a great time to do that! You can view an FAQ on becoming a Consultant on My Art page.

There's also a new Stamp of the Month - You've Got Flair. As always - there are lots of options and uses for this stamp set.

Don't forget my new Monthly Contest. I only had 4 winners last month. Be sure to check out this month's contest for a chance to win a free prize!

I have updated my July calendar and hope to get my August calendar done this week. Check out my workshops and events or schedule your own workshop or gathering.

A new feature to my newsletter program is a clickable link to view this email in the html or "pretty" version. If you aren't seeing all the images and formatting, check the top of this email for the link. The webpage version of this email will be good until I send the next newsletter - approximately 30 days.

Favorite Five in July!

BECOME A CLOSE TO MY HEART CONSULTANT between July 1-31 and we'll send you your choice of five additional select products* for FREE, with no additional shipping/handling or tax! It's a limited opportunity you'll want to jump on right away!

Favorite Five Product List
My Acrylix® Thank You Stamp Set (D1361; retail value $22.95 US / $28.50 CAN)
Magic Moments Scrapbook Kit (Z9071; retail value $34.95/$43.50)
Basic Textured Cardstock Combo Pack (Z5747; retail value $14.95/$18.50)
Life Delights Memory Showcase (Z1199; retail value $12.95/$15.95)
My Originals® Hello Birdie Card Kit (X8621; retail value $12.95/$15.95)
Creative Basics™ Silhouette Collection (X5803; retail value $8.95/$10.95)
HeartFelt™ Whimsy Die-Cuts (Z1145; retail value $9.95/$12.50)
All-Out Adventure Rub-Ons (Z1153; retail value $9.95/$12.50)
Window Charms™ Squares (Z820; retail value $9.95/$12.50)

* Limit of one item each, up to five items total, while supplies last. Select your Favorite Five during the online enrollment process. Shipping/handling and tax applies to the New Consultant Kit but is waived on the Favorite Five items. Offer good July 1-31, 2009.

For complete details, please visit my Calendar under July 1.

Monthly Constest

Congratulations to last month's winners!

Lea L.
Marcia M.
Nancy S.
Margaret L.

I must apologize as I know you have not yet received your prize. I believe I will see most of you this week and will give you your prize when I do.

This month's question...

Close To My Heart offers how many Exclusive Colors of cardstock, inks, and markers?

Remember most answers can be found in the Idea Book. The first 5 people to email me with the correct answer will receive a small prize. Be sure to include your current mailing address.

Stamp of the Month

You've Got Flair
D1351: (Set of 8) $22.95

Lacy Victorian swirls and flourishes highlight these graceful images, each one sending a message of flair and whimsy. Available July 1-31, 2009 only

Recommended Blocks:1" × 1" (Y1000), 2" × 2" (Y1003), 4" × 4" (Y1008)

You can view artwork from our Consultant Swap on My Art page.

Classes, Workshops, & Events
All classes and workshops are held at my home in Washington unless otherwise noted. If you cannot make my scheduled class/workshop, contact me to schedule one of your own with your friends. Minimum class size is 5 prepaid guests. Complete details and artwork can be viewed on my Calendar.

Card Night
Tuesday, July 7th, 8pm
Animal Cookies Level 2 Papers
Fee: $10.00
RSVP by July 6th
Hostess: Marcia M., Vincennes, IN

Wednesday, July 8th, 715pm (please note new time)
Animal Cookies Level 2 Papers
Fee: $10.00
RSVP by July 7th


Workshop on the Go (pictured)
Sunday, July 26, 2pm
Animal Cookies Level 2 Papers
Fee: Basic Workshop $27 when you RSVP & pay by July 10th
Basic Workshop after July 10th - $34

Open Dates
Due to our annual vacation and other committments this month, I only have 2 available dates for July. I'll be adding August dates to my calendar in the next few days once I get my boys' schedules for school and events.

Tuesday, July 21st, 8pm ET
Thursday, July 23rd, 8pm ET
Saturday, August 1st, 7pm ET
Saturday, August 8th, 7pm ET
Saturday, August 22nd, 7pm ET
Saturday, August 29th, 7pm ET

Choose one of the dates above and get a FREE gift when you hold your Gathering. Contact me today to schedule your Gathering or Workshop (all workshops require 2 weeks notice and pre-payment for supplies).

Upcoming Events
Wednesday, August 12th, Card Night 715pm ET
Sunday, August 30th, Back Country WOTG, 2pm ET

As always, I am here to help you preserve your memories and celebrate your relationships. If you have any questions, need some inspiration, want to schedule a workshop, class or gathering, or would like more information on becoming a consultant, please feel free to contact me.

Until next time...

Debra Van Patten
Independent Consultant
Memories of the Heart

Animal Cookies Card Night

This month's Card Night uses the Animal Cookies Level 2 Paper Packet. We'll be creating 10 all occasion cards. I'll have a selection of stamps available to customize your cards to suit your needs.

Yes, I realize there are only 9 cards here. The 10th one is a surprise, which I'll post after my workshops this week.

All cards from Wishes

Papers: Animal Cookies Level 2

Stamps: Believe in Your Dreams, Sweet Baby, June Word Puzzle, Thank You, Buttoned Together, For Every Occasion, Say It In Style, Priceless Love

Inks: Dutch Blue, Sunflower, Clover Meadow, Tulip

Techniques: Sponging, Generation Stamping

Until next time...

The Last Goodie Box is Still Available!

Want to still get in on the best deal of the summer? Good news—the June 30 Goodie Box will be available on my MyCTMH sites until 4 p.m. MT (6pm ET) today. Because of a technical problem, the Goodie Box was removed from the website at midnight last night, before its intended deadline. To give you more time to cash in on the best deal of the summer, the $125/$156.50 Goodie Box (boasting more than $300 U.S. retail value in fabulous, hot Close To My Heart products!) will be available today, July 1. Shop on!

Until next time...

July is a Favorite Time to Join CTMH!

Close To My Heart has a fabulous consultant opportunity at any time. There are so many reasons to join this wonderful company.

• Great Compensation Program and Product Discounts
  Whether you’re a hobbyist, part timer or full time consultant, you can appreciate the discount or commission on all CTMH products.
• Consultant Kit!
  Your only initial cost is for the $99 consultant kit and that gives you almost $300 in product and supplies! It has everything to need to get your business up and running. You can choose one or both of the bonus packs (or neither if you prefer).
  Scrapbook Bonus Kit - $60 and it includes $180 worth of scrapbooking products (includes an album and the Reflections how-to book
  Card Making Bonus Kit - $50 and it includes $150 worth of scrapbooking products (includes Originals how-to book and more) Click here to view a flyer listing the contents of the Basic Consultant Kit as well as the Bonus Kits.
• Low minimum sales requirement! You also don’t have to maintain an inventory so you can buy only what you want or need!
• Straight to the Top!
  You can earn from $25 to $150 in FREE select product during your first 3 months based on your sales.
• Incentive Trip!
  You can earn a FABULOUS incentive trip to various places, all expenses paid! This year's incentive trips include a trip to New Zealand or a Western Carribbean Cruise.
• Great Hostess Rewards!
  Starting at $150 hostesses receive $25 in select product and can also purchase 50% off items when a party reached $350. CTMH pays for Hostess Rewards – not the consultant. CTMH also has a new online invitation system, EZ Invite, to make party organization even easier for you and your hostesses.
• Workshops on the Go!
  CTMH provides all consultants access to monthly Workshops on the Go with all the cutting instructions and directions so you’re never at a loss for Make & Takes and workshops.
• Training Academy!
  CTMH has online courses to help you with your business and you can even earn a CTMH degree. I earned my Ph.D. last year!
• CTMH products sell themselves!
  With a new Idea Book and Catalog 3 times/year customers always have a full wish list! There's always a new monthly promotion and a new Stamp of the Month so customers have something to look forward to.
• Fabulous consultant support!
  You have all the support you need to succeed in your business with Keynotes online and the consultant bulletin boards. You’ll also have my support and access to all my projects. You’ll also be a part of my Upline’s awesome team!
• Wonderful Friends and "Co-Workers"! Even outside of our team, Close To My Heart consultants all over are very friendly and helpful. I have made some very close friends during the last 6 years.

For more information on becoming a consultant, I've posted an FAQ on my website.

I initially joined CTMH just for the discount and easy access to the products (and this was when they had wooden stamps). Over the last 6 years, I have never regretted my decision and I love being a consultant more with every catalog. I have met some truly wonderful people through gatherings, workshops, and crops, as well as CTMH events. I have learned so much about stamping, scrapping, and papercrafting in general. I love being able to share the joys and techniques of stamping and scrapping to others so that they can celebrate their relationships and preserve their memories. While I'm not a top seller, I do earn enough to support my habit so that my hobby does not come out of our family budget - truly a plus right now.

What makes July a "Favorite" time to join Close To My Heart? During July, when you join my team, you can also choose FIVE of the items listed below…that’s a possible $98.75 in extra product at absolutely no additional cost to you…CTMH is picking up the shipping & tax on these items!


My Acrylix(TM) Thank You Stamp Set (retail value $22.95)
Magic Moments Scrapbook Kit (retail value $34.95)
Basic Textured Cardstock Combo Pack (retail value $14.95)
Life Delights Memory Showcase Kit (retail value $12.95)
My Originals Hello Birdie Card Kit (retail value $12.95)
Creative Basics Silhouette Collection (retail value $8.95)
HeartFelt Whimsy Die-Cuts (retail value $9.95)
All-Out Adventure Rub-Ons (retail value $9.95)
Window Charms Squares (retail value $9.95)


What does this mean in terms of value? If you take advantage of both bonus kits and the Favorite Five free items, the new consultant kit would cost $209 (plus applicable shipping & tax) and you’d receive over $725 in products (a 71% savings). That would help you get your business off to a great start. You can’t go wrong with an incentive like this one. You can view the FAQ for this promotion on my website.


If you're ready to join this fabulous company, then fill out the online application. You'll be able to choose your Favorite Five additional products there.

If you're still considering and have questions or concerns, please feel free to contact me. I'd be happy to talk to you!

If you know someone that could benefit from being a consultant, is looking for a part-time job, or just wants a great discount on top-notch products, please pass this on to them. I offer a $10 CTMH Gift Certificate for anyone that refers someone who joins my team.

Until next time...

Truly Honored

I received a "Lovely Blog" award from my friend Laura over at Just Gathering Pieces. I am truly honored considering I am still learning this whole blogging thing and I don't get to update it as often as I'd like.

Thank you, Laura for this honor!

Now it's my turn to pass along the award.

Here are the rules:

1. Accept the award, post it on your blog together with the name of the person who has granted the award, and his or her blog link.

2. Pass the award on to other blogs that you’ve newly discovered. Remember to contact the bloggers to let them know they have been chosen for this award.

I'm thrilled that I get to share the following blogs with you that I've recently discovered.

Barbra - I LOVE her ability to random stamp. One of these days I hope to be as good.
Helen - Helen has some great tips and sketches.

Haley - Haley has some awesome artwork! Also our swap coordinator for our Stamp of the Month virtual swap.

AaronB - Aaron has some AWESOME projects!

Lisa - Lisa's artwork is amazing! I always find great inspiration here.

Until next time...