Monday, August 5, 2013

I'VE MOVED!!!!


As I continue to try and grow my CTMH business and team...I decided that I needed to be more proactive, so I asked (and was granted) a team name from the corporate office.
I am officially the proud leader of the "Midwest Scramping Squad".  Which then prompted me to take care of a few other housekeeping items that I've let lag behind...

  • I built a Facebook business page - www.facebook.com/midwestscramper
  • Changed my blog name - www.midwestscramper.blogspot.com
  • Added a new email - midwestscramper@hotmail.com
  • YouTube - www.youtube.com/user/midwestscramper

Do you see a pattern here?  Amazing what can be done w/ a little effort...not sure why it took me so long!  I have that euphoria that you get when you finish a project...I'll call it an organizing cleanse!  Check!, Check! and Check!!

So, hop on over to my new blog...HERE!  
Same great CTMH info....and hopefully a little more artwork!



Thursday, August 1, 2013

Win an "E" size stamp set!

Enter CTMH's latest contest "Be An Alpha" and you could win 1 of 20 new E-size alphabet stamp sets from the Autumn/Winter Idea Book!

The E-size alphabet stamps on a 8 1/2 x 11" carrier sheet.  
That's a retail value of $29.95 and you get to choose the stamp!  AWESOME!

Just watch the video on Jeannette's blog....and leave a comment, before Aug 31st!  That's it...SO EASY!!!!
http://www.jeanettelynton.com/2013/08/be-alpha-contest.html



GOOD LUCK!!

Try the ombre' technique...


Dress up titles and sentiments in vibrant colors to make your lettering fresh. With the ombré technique, you can watch colors of your choice melt together for a fun new style.


Get Artbooking for 1/2 PRICE!

Can't wait to get your hands on the CTMH's new Cricut ARTBOOKING bundle???

Join my team and I'll give you the new Artbooking bundle for 1/2 price!


New Consultant Essentials Kit for only $49 (approx retail value $155)


...or the Master Kit for just $99 (approx retail value $335)

For those of you looking to build a business:
$300 quarterly minimums.
22% commissions
Free - Online Business Address (OBA) website
Free - Training Academy
Incentive trips
Hostess Rewards
Select Product Credit and much, much more!

For those of you who want to be a 'hobbyist':
Same as above, BUT if you do not make the quarterly minimum, you move to Junior Consultant ($100 quarterly min, 10% commission).  If you don't make the Junior Consultant min, you drop off the consultant list...NO PENALTIES!!!  But you walk away w/ a great bundle of product for just $49...you can't beat that!

HOW DO YOU MAKE THIS HAPPEN???
Sign up HERE!  As soon as I get confirmation that you've joined my team...I'll send you a PayPal invoice for your 1/2 PRICE Artbooking bundle.  When that has been paid, I'll mail your bundle (USPS-Priority Mail) that very day!  Just think, in two days you could be playing with the best CTMH Cricut cartridge yet!  
.


Sweetening the Deal

FREE August Stamp of the Month Set!

Retail Value $17.95
Available Aug 1 - 31st - ONLY!



August is an especially sweet time to shop — when you place an order of $50 or more during August, you’ll receive the August Stamp of the Month set, A Chocolate Affair, FREE! This D-size stamp set with a retail value of $17.95 includes 16 images and sentiments that will have your friends salivating over your chocolatey layouts and cards. Make every project a treat with this must-have set.
Shop online or contact me (kysprau@hotmail.com) today to see this yummy stamp set!

August Weekend Crop & Workshops!

I've got GREAT NEWS....
we have a new location for the August Weekend Crop and Canvas Workshop!

The Hampton Inn & Suites
1451 Alliant Avenue
Louisville, KY 40299
*Bluegrass Conference Room*
(location is off Blakenbaker Ave on the East end in front of Sam's Club)

Crop - Friday, Aug 23 (9am) til Sunday, Aug 25 (5pm) - $60 weekend or $25 day/$15 after 3pm
Canvas Workshop - Friday, Aug 23rd (6:30pm) - $20
Card Workshop - Saturday, Aug 24th (10am-noon) - $15

Card Workshop - 5 cards using CTMH's new 'Minis' stamps - $15
*BONUS - You get to keep 1 of the two stamps, being used in the workshop.  Bring it home and call it your very own! 
Heartfelt Birthday Wish (M1033)


A Little Gift (M1030)




Join me for a special workshop, Friday, August 23rd (6:30)pm.  We'll be making this SUPER cute canvas frame...for just $20!

Make it a Girls Night Out...bring a friend or two, grab dinner and/or drinks at The Bistro, before, after or during this quick workshop (Just 1-1.5 hrs to complete).

Choose from either the red banner or the green banner canvas....check out my examples, below




Location: Hampton Inn & Suites - 1451 Alliant Ave, Louisville KY 40299
*Photo printing and sizing available - FREE!  Project requires a 5x7" & a 2.5x2.5" photo.
RSVP's (by Thurs 8/15/13) are a must....email me at kysprau@hotmail.com. 



Wednesday, July 31, 2013

Artbooking on Big Picture Classes!

Did you just watch the Pajama Party on the Big Picture Classes site?  

Are you dying to get your hands on the new CTMH Artbooking Cricut Bundle?   I have plenty in stock and will ship them "Priority Mail - USPS" for FREE...starting tomorrow (8/1).  Just $99 (I'll pay your tax & shipping).
Accepting payment via PayPal....shemcgivney@hotmail.com

Questions???  Please feel free to email me at that email or  kysprau@hotmail.com.

You are welcome to order the cartridge directly from my website (www.closetomyheart.com/sherrisprau), but unfortunately I can't honor the no tax/shipping discount.




AND...in honor of the Artbooking release...I am offering a 20% special on both the Art Philosophy and Artiste bundles.  

Just $80 each....
Includes - 1 'ArtPhilosophy' cricut cartridge
3 - 9x12" sheets of chipboard shapes
3 - My Acrylix D-size stamp sets



Monday, July 29, 2013

Pajama Party featuring the new ARTBOOKING Cricut cartridge!

Join CTMH for the new ARTBOOKING Pajama Party!



Close To My Heart is teaming up with Big Picture Classes again to bring you a live webcast with step-by-step instructions for making this layout using the Cricut® Artbooking collection. Purchase the collection beginning August 1, 2013 and revolutionize the way you scrapbook!
The FREE webcast will air Wednesday, July 31 at 7:00 pm (MDT). During the presentation, you’ll learn to make several projects from a variety of sponsors, including Close To My Heart’s Artbooking layout, as our very own Kristine Widtfeldt walks you through the steps—and sneaks the Artbooking collection!
The Pajama Party class will be available for FREE at BigPictureClasses.com on July 31, and will be archived after the event for future viewing. If you would like to interact on the message board, participate in live chat, post to the gallery, download handouts, or enter any contests, you will need to log in to the Pajama Party “classroom” by creating a free account on the Big Picture Classes website. If you have already created an account or if you registered for the first Pajama Party in May, you are all set! You will not need to create another account or register again.

We hope that you will enjoy this sneak peek of the new Artbooking collection as Kristine Widtfeldt, Stacy Julian, and the rest of the Big Picture Classes crew make the featured project and share their tips and tricks for using the collection.
  • Z1906 Cricut® Artbooking Collection*
  • 1301 Bamboo Cardstock
  • 1388 Colonial White Cardstock
  • X5668 Honey Cardstock
  • X5762 Lagoon Cardstock
  • X5930 Slate Cardstock
  • X5639 Sweet Leaf Cardstock
  • X5666 Twilight Cardstock
  • Z2160 Twilight Exclusive Inks® Pad
  • Z2173 Slate Exclusive Inks® Pad
  • Z1853 Aqua Dots*
  • Z1799 Silver Shimmer Trim
  • Z1151 3-D Foam Tape
  • Z1294 Sanding Kit
*These products will be available for customers to purchase beginning August 1, 2013.


Wednesday, July 17, 2013

A CTMH 'Solution' for Creative Memories Albums


Just wanted to share a quick video some of my Australian CTMH (formerly Creative Memories) sisters shared on how to alter Close To My Heart (CTMH) page protectors to fit Creative Memories albums and pages.



You can buy them HERE, on my website 24/7....packs of 10 for just $5.95!


You Are Welcome!


Jeanette Lynton, founder and CEO of Close To My Heart and a leader in the stamping and scrapbooking industry for nearly 30 years, invites you to join in a creative and rewarding business opportunity. Close To My Heart's steady business tactics and love for creativity make this opportunity one of a lifetime! Watch the video to learn why now—more than ever—is a great time to celebrate creativity, preserve memories, and join the Close To My Heart family! You are welcome here.

Tuesday, July 16, 2013

Background Stamps

Discover tips and tricks for using background stamp sets to create continuous images, personalized patterned papers, and nested designs.





Get Organized...

The large organizer makes it so easy to organize your crafting supplies! Store up to 40 stamp sets, all the supplies you need for a crop, and more in this sturdy and stackable container.


Life gets in the way...

For those of you that were supposed to attend the July 'Mix-N-Match' crop & workshop this past Saturday...you already know that I had to cancel at the last minute.
My husband and I have had a rough 4 month...between the two of us, we've lost our three remaining Grandparents.  My Grandmother (Blanche) passed away March 20th at 98 years old, Ryan's Grandfather (Mike) on April 4th ...and then his Grandmother (Mick) this past Wed (July 10th).  It's been a whole new level of 'crazy' at our house this past week....a whirl wind road trip to Iowa for the funeral service and now back for a few days before we leave for our Maine vacation.

I guess I work well under pressure...because in the midst of it all, i whipped together this display tray for Ryan's Mom (in memory of Mick).  I didn't have time to come up with my own creation, so I 'scraplifted' the decorated tray on pg 28 of the CTMH Spring/Summer 2013 Idea Book.



So, I am so sorry about canceling the crop on such short notice....
We are on track to have a FABULOUS weekend crop in August (23-25th)...join us then, and I promise to make it up to you!

Saturday, July 6, 2013

July Crop and 'Mix-N-Match' Workshop


Just one week away....

Join me for my July All-Day Crop  (9am- midnight) - just $25! 
(Saturday, July 13, 2013)

AND/OR

"Mix-N-Match" Workshop - 5 cards + 1-Double Page (12x12") layout...just $15!

Location: Courtyard Marriott - Louisville East (Blairwood Rd)
For more information about the crop...check out the 'Croppin' Info' tab at the top of the page.....


Card - Buzz & Brumble Paper


RSVP's are a must....email me at kysprau@hotmail.com


Canvas Workshop!


Join me for a special workshop, Friday, August 23rd (6:30)pm.  We'll be making this SUPER cute canvas frame...for just $20!

Make it a Girls Night Out...bring a friend or two, grab dinner and/or drinks at The Bistro, before, after or during this quick workshop (Just 1-1.5 hrs to complete).

Choose from either the red banner or the green banner canvas....check out my examples, below




Location: Courtyard Marriott - Louisville East (Blairwood Rd)
*Photo printing and sizing available - FREE!  Project requires a 5x7" & a 2.5x2.5" photo.
RSVP's (by 8/16/13) are a must....email me at kysprau@hotmail.com. 



Monday, July 1, 2013

MINI BOOK...made with the NEW CTMH Cricut Artbooking!

I made this mini-book, at the CTMH Convention last week, using the
NEW Cricut 'Artbooking' cartridge!
 
The mini book pages, the frames and all of the embellishments (minus the chipboard & bling) were cut using the Artbooking cartridge.
 
 








 
The B&T (patterned) paper and chipboard elements are from the new 'Laughing Lola' line that will be available Aug 1, 2013.
 
 
Available August 1, 2013
CTMH's newest Cricut cartridge - ARTBOOKING!


700 MORE images....accents, borders, titles, overlays and photo mats accompany each of 15 layout themes and 10 mini book themes so that you have all the pieces you need to create beautiful artwork. With just one key you can create a complete themed layout or mini book.  Or, select images from both coordinating keys for even more options.  Celebrate birthdays, new baby, vacations, friends, sports, Halloween, Christmas and more!

Sold in the same bundle format as Art Philosophy & Artiste...3 D-size stamp sets and 3 dimensional elements (chipboard) sheets....all for just $99 ($125 retail value).

Be the first to get your hands on this FABULOUS cartridge .... I am accepting pre-orders - for just $99, not only will you get the ARTBOOKING bundle, but I'll also throw in the JUST RELEASED Fall/Winter 2013 Idea Book, a July SOTM....AND if you live outside Louisville (KY)....I'll ship your package USPS Priority Mail...for FREE!

Please note: This is an offer to pre-order the cartridge so that you have it in your hot little hands on the release date ..... which is Aug 1, 2013.  It will not be handed and/or mailed to you before that date!



Email me @ kysprau@hotmail.com.
If you're local to Louisville, payment upon receipt.  Those outside of Louisville, full payment must be received via PayPal (shemcgivney@hotmail.com) before your bundle will be shipped.

Does August 1st seem like a LONG time to wait?

Sign up as a CTMH consultant for just $49 and get your 'Artbooking' cartridge in July!!!  Click here to join my team...

 


July Special...


Work the Workshop in July....with 1/2 off the Canvas Art Kit - JUST $19.95!
Use the materials and instructions in this kit to create a 12" × 12" canvas display. This kit comes with Dimensional Elements in two different color schemes to create a look that is uniquely yours. This workshop project is ideal for creating as a group or on your own and takes approximately 1 hour to complete.
Included in the kit:
1 – My Acrylix® Canvas Art Workshop Stamp Set (C-size)
1 – 12" × 12" Printed Canvas Display
1 – Cashmere Baker's Twine (1 yard)
10 – Clear Sparkles (10mm)
1 – Sparkles Flourish
2 – 12" × 6" Dimensional Elements In Color—Art Shapes
1 – Instructional Brochure

If you'd like to take advantage of this GREAT offer... email me kysprau@hotmail.com or order from my website 24/7 HERE!

Sunday, June 30, 2013

Spinner Cards

Back from the CTMH Convention and I wanted to show you all the great 'spinner' cards that we created.  All the cards are made w/ the NEW paper packets (coming Aug 1, 2013), embellishments and the oh! so cute...$2.95 monogram stamps!



 
 Pro Player & Laughing Lola paper packets
 Shimmer Trim in Bronze (adhesive backed)
'Heartfelt Birthday Wish' stamp 
 

 
 
 

 
'Frosted' paper line
'Single Snowflake' stamp

 
Huntington & Babycakes paper lines
'A Little Gift' stamp


NEW 'Spinner' cards come in a pack of 10 cards + envelopes (7x5") for $8.95.

Friday, June 28, 2013

Updates from CTMH Convention


Day two of the CTMH Annual Convention...and I am exhausted and exhilarated all at the same time.  Hard to believe I could be both...but CTMH has out done themselves, once again, and I barely know where to start.  We've got a FABULOUS Fall/Winter 2013 Idea Book coming your way....

  • Starting w/ the new Idea Book (Aug 1st):
  1. New Cricut cartridge 'ARTBOOKING'....sold in a bundle for $99
  2. Workshops-on-the-Go ... Now sold with D-size stamp sets (used to be C-sized)...no price increase.
  3. Special 'Hostess only' stamp sets
  4. 6 new paper lines w/ a special Holiday line that will be debuting in October.
  5. Crush books + embellishments
  6. New small stamp sets for just $2.95!
  7. Fabulous new Home Decor items.
  8. Brand new jewelry making products + kits.
  9. Lots of embellishments including bling, Washi tape, shimmer trim, ect.
  10. New 'hardware'....including a stitching guide, scallop border punch, foam inserts for the small organizer (dauber organizer & pigment ink organizer), all how-to books now in soft color spiral bound books
  11. Make It From Your Heart - Volume 2
So many new and wonderful products.... The new Fall/Winter 2013 Idea Book should be on my doorstep on Jul 2nd...if you'd like one, please email me - kysprau@hotmail.com

NEW Cricut Cartridge...


So excited...you are going to love it!
Available August 1, 2013 - CTMH's newest Cricut cartridge ARTBOOKING!


700 MORE images....accents, borders, titles, overlays and photo mats accompany each of 15 layout themes and 10 mini book themes so that you have all the pieces you need to create beautiful artwork. With just one key you can create a complete themed layout or mini book.  Or, select images from both coordinating keys for even more options.  Celebrate birthdays, new baby, vacations, friends, sports, Halloween, Christmas and more!

Sold in the same bundle format as Art Philosophy & Artiste...3 D-size stamp sets and 3 dimensional elements (chipboard) sheets....all for just $99 ($125 retail value).

Be the first to get your hands on this FABULOUS cartridge .... I am accepting pre-orders - for just $99, not only will you get the ARTBOOKING bundle, but I'll also throw in the JUST RELEASED Fall/Winter 2013 Idea Book, a July SOTM....AND if you live outside Louisville (KY)....I'll ship your package USPS Priority Mail...for FREE!

Please note: This is an offer to pre-order the cartridge so that you have it in your hot little hands on the release date ..... which is Aug 1, 2013.  It will not be handed and/or mailed to you before that date!



Email me @ kysprau@hotmail.com.
If your local to Louisville, payment upon receipt.  Those outside of Louisville, full payment must be received via PayPal (shemcgivney@hotmail.com) before your bundle will be shipped.

Does August 1st seem like a LONG time to wait?

Sign up as a CTMH consultant for just $49 and get your 'Artbooking' cartridge in July!!!  Click here to join my team...

Friday, June 21, 2013

Summer Party Contest...9 days left!


Summer Party Contest
Summer is the time for barbeques, pool parties, family reunions, and other get togethers with loved ones. If you are looking to throw the perfect party, we've got great news for you! You can be one of 20 winners to receive BOTH My Acrylix® Patterned Pennants and My Acrylix® Tropical Paradise stamp sets. All you have to do is tell us your favorite way to party with your friends and family this summer. Watch the video to learn more about the contest and to see some of the fun summer party favors you can create with these stamp sets.

 



Make a comment on Facebook, Jeanette Lynton's blog, or YouTube before June 30, 2013 for your chance to win! Bring your parties to life—Close To My Heart style!

Irresistible!

Create irresistible projects with the Irresistibles™ Frames! The embossed pattern resists ink so that you can use the frames with the My Creations® Cubby to create a countdown, or use it as an embellishment on a card or layout.


12" × 6" chipboard sheet with 18 frames in 3 resist patterns: stripe, polka-dot, and houndstooth.Z1843 - $3.95

Heavy chipboard display with 25 cubby holes (2½" × 2½" cubbies). 14" × 14" × 2¾".
Z1804 - $16.95


JUNE SPECIAL: When you purchase the My Creations Cubby + the Irresistibles Frames ($20.90 - before tax/ship) ...I'll give you the June Stamp of the Month (A Flowering Bunch) for FREE

Set of 10 images - valued at $17.95!
You must place this order by emailing me kysprau@hotmail.com - offer expires June 30th, 2013!

Tuesday, June 18, 2013

NEW Video Tutorials...

Ribbons & Trims

Learn how to create elegant embellishments for your papercrafting projects using ribbons and trims. From sophisticated shimmer trim to trendy chevron ribbon, there is a trim for every card, layout, or 3-D item!



Better Blending

Learn how to make your stamped images stand out by using the alcohol blending marker and Exclusive Inks® marker sets for better blending! Watch the video to discover all of the tips and tricks.


Monday, June 17, 2013

June 'Later Sk8r' Crop & Workshop Reminder!


I still have plenty of space available for my All-Day Crop this Saturday (June 22nd).

Crop - 9am til midnight ($25)
Workshop - 10am - 1pm ($15) all the supplies to complete 5 card and 1-double page (12x12") layout.  Please bring your own adhesive.







 
If you'd like me to save you a seat....email me kysprau@hotmail.com!
 
Workshop and Crop location....Courtyard Marriott - Louisville East (Blairwood Rd).



Monday, June 3, 2013

Welcome, June!

Can you believe it's June?!?! Crazy, I know....my kiddos have been out of school for close to two weeks now and I am still wondering where the school year went.  Close To My Heart is getting a little CRAZY this month, too...just check out all of these specials (keep reading)....



1. It's a Banner Month!: In June, Receive a free My Creations® mini banner! Make it a “banner” day by placing a $25 order that includes a stamp set* to receive your free mini banner. The mini banner includes 10 chipboard pennants in 4 different shapes with 9 jump rings for hanging. Use the mini banner as a decoration for your parties and get-togethers this summer for many “banner” days!

*qualifying stamp sets are sets that have a SKU number that begins with A, B, C, D or E. M and K stamps are not included.

If you are shopping on my website and place an order of $25 or more (in which an A, B, C, D or E stamp set is included) this banner will automatically be added to your order.

 
 



*Offer valid June 1–30, 2013. Only orders that include a stamp set and reach $25 qualify for the free mini banner. Maximum of one free mini banner per qualifying order.

2. Military Stamp Sets: Let’s Get Patriotic—Stamp Style!



With Flag Day, Independence Day, Canada Day, and more right around the corner, now is the perfect time to celebrate military service and promote patriotism with our three new patriotic stamp sets—only available for a limited time from June 1 – July 31, 2013!

One B-size stamp set and two D-size stamp sets were created specifically to celebrate independence and freedom. The best part is that $5 from every patriotic D-size stamp set and $3 from every patriotic B-size stamp set sold will benefit a military-support charitable organization.

Donations in the US will be made to the USO, the leading, most recognized military-support and services organization in the country. Donations in Canada will be made to the Canadian Hero Fund, which supports spouses and children of fallen Canadian military troops by helping provide post-secondary education funds.

Show your military support and patriotism by purchasing your very own patriotic stamp set today. We love our troops!

Order them easily on my website with the following numbers (left to right): Home of the Brave (D1576), Strong and Free (Canada set, D1575) and Courage (B1437). 

3. June Stamp Of The Month - A Flowering Bunch!

 


With a minimum qualifying purchase, get your D-size Stamp of the Month set for just $5.00 US / $5.50 CAN! Add the stamp set to your cart on this page at full retail price or, with your qualifying order, add it at checkout for the promotional price.

Spend: $50.00 No purchase required
You pay only: $5.00 $17.95 (full retail)

Set of 10
Recommended My Acrylix® Blocks:
1" × 1" (Y1000), 1" × 3½" (Y1002), 2" × 2" (Y1003), 3" × 3" (Y1006), 2" × 6½" (Y1010)

Click here to order your own Stamp of the Month.

Available June 1-30, 2013 only.