Sunday Paper: Autumn Splendor

This weather is GORGEOUS!!!  I am loving fall right now.  Seriously, November 6th is usually not shorts and t-shirt weather in Minnesota and we've been sporting them all weekend long.  Love it!

I thought I would share a layout with you that we created at a workshop back in August using Florence papers.  I love this paper for late summer, autumn projects.  It is rich in color - just beautiful. It was a paper pack featured in Seasonal Expressions 2 that retired August 31st, but... it's back!  While supplies last you can have your pick at the Florence paper, Florence complements and Florence Sequins.  Perfect timing to bring such beautiful paper back, in my opinion!

Layout created with Florence Papers and  Flower Market (Cricut).

To create this layout I used one piece of pattern paper and cut it diagonally to create the background. I used my Cricut Flower Market cartridge to create the title.  "Autumn" is a special cut on this cartridge that cuts proportionately to the banner.  "Splendor" is cut using the 2 fonts on the cartridge, a plain-slim font and a curly-slim font.  I also was able to cut the wheat from Flower Market.  The saffron pattern paper is also from the Florence paper and then I used peacock as an additional color. Add some sequin and... done!

If you'd like help recreating this layout or would like to create similar ones let me know! I'd love to have you join me for my next scrapbooking layout workshop!  Hop on over to my online shop and grab your Florence paper, complements or sequins while they are around.

Florence Paper

Florence Sequins

Florence Complements

Happy Crafting!

National Scrapbooking Month!

Happy National Scrapbooking Month!!! 

May is flying by!! I hope you have been enjoying the beautiful weather and then when it's not so beautiful.... some scrapbooking time!!

Who's seen the new Idea Book?! the new Seasonal Expressions Idea Book went live May 1st! You can get a new Seasonal Expressions Idea Book either from me or add it to your next online order for free! You can also peruse through it on my online site, here.

Be sure to check it out if you haven't!! Three new paper packs -- bright summer colors, papers perfect for theme parks (think Disney!), Fourth of July ready, bold summer colors, flamingos and pineapples!  New watercolor brushes, new Picture My Life collections, fun stamp sets and Stamp of the Month sets through August! 

Let me know if you'd like an Idea Book and I'll get one to you!

National Scrapbooking Offers and Events through Ellie:

National Scrapbooking Month Event on Facebook 

Join me next week for a week of challenges, games and giveaways! I will set up a private group this wknd and you can join! If we are already "friends" on Facebook I'll invite you. I'll post a reminder on my Facebook Business page when things get started so leave me a comment (or email) if you'd like to be added!

Mystery Hostess!! 

Each person who places an order through me in May will qualify to be put in a drawing to be the Mystery Hostess of all May orders and receive the benefit of the free product and possible 1/2 off items!! Orders can be placed online (ellielundstrom.ctmh.com), be sure to join the "National Scrapbooking Month!" Party or you can place an order directly me! 

Wait! There's more...

Close To My Heart is Celebrating National Scrapbooking Month with a FREE Paper Pack this month!! 

Happy Times is a fun paper pack full of beautiful colors patterns and gold foil designs; I personally love the white wash wood and bright ombre sheets!  You can get the Happy Times paper pack for FREE with a qualifying purchase of $60.   You can also purchase this exclusive paper packet at full retail for $14.95 with no purchase requirement.  Additionally, there is a coordinating D-size stamp set, My Acrylix Happy Times,available for $17.95. Together this duo will create a beautiful space in your scrapbooks for you precious memories!

Also, when you make a qualifying purchase and get this paper pack for FREE or when you purchase this paper pack this month you will also receive from me instructions to create 3 beautiful two-pages layouts and instructions to create 12 awesome cards! 

#AlltheAlbums (All the Albums Promotion!)

Through the month of May, you can save 25% off the purchase of Close to My Heart's My Legacy albums!  That is a saving of over $8.50 per album!  Choose from our a gorgeous variety of colors and patterns available in both post-bound and D-righ styles.  This offer is while supplies last, so place your order soon to get the styles and colors you love.  They are built to last and are going fast -- order yours today!

​Celebrate with Cake (Stamp of the Month)

This month you can purchase this D-size stamp, Celebrate with Cake, for just $5 with a qualifying purchase of $50.  What a great stamp set to use with watercolors, pencils and markers! 

​

Have a great weekend!! Squeak in some crafting time! 😉

~~ Ellie

When You're Playing with Paper

As the saying goes: Time flies when you're ... Playing with Paper!! :)

CTMH Paper Packs Featured: Charlotte, Penelope and Regatta

As April comes to an end many beautiful papers and stamp sets will be retiring.  I wanted to be sure you knew (or remembered) Seasonal Expressions retires in just a few days,  April 30th as the clocks strikes midnight *poof*! 

You can find this Seasonal Expressions Idea Book online here.

Paper Packs and Coordinating Embellishments

Charlotte

Layout created using Charolette Paper and Woodland Romance Stamp Set.

Charlotte Paper Pack

Charolette Complements

Regatta

Layouts created using Regatta papers, Regatta Complements and Beach Days Stamp Set.

Regatta Paper Pack

Regatta Complements

Penelope

Layout created using Penelope Paper and Zoe WOTG Stamp Set.

Penelope Paper Pack

Penelope Complements

Stamp Sets 

Reminder: The new CTMH stamp policy is that the sets retire with the Idea Book.  There are many cute sets in this Idea Book you can view the Idea Book, here, to see all the sets included.  Here are a few of my favorites from this book:

Beach Days (D1684)

Woodland Romance (D1683)

Kiss It Better (B1508)

Patch of Sky (M1136)

Pirate Birthday (A1186)

Picture My Life Products

All Picture My Life products in this Idea Book will also be retiring.  Do you have Love Your Selfie?  Cause..... you should!  :)

PML: Love Your Selfie  (Z3194)

  

Instalife Products

The new Black and White Instalife Album in this Idea Book as well as the Instalife City Limits Cards are almost gone...

Black and White Instalife Album

Instalife Cards: City Limits

Let me know if you have any questions!! 

You can get your favorite CTMH products while they are available anytime at my website: ellielundstrom.ctmh.com .  

Happy Crafting!

Exciting April Promotions!

Welcome!!!  I'm so glad you stopped by today and because I'm soooooooo excited to share the New Consultant Special for April with you today!!! Do you remember Close to My Heart's mission?  (Refresh yourself here.)  Ah-mazing, right?!  I love it!  I love the heart in this company and I truly believe in the mission of Close to My Heart - this is exactly why I'm so excited to share this opportunity with you.  I believe you're gonna love it! :)

Ready?  Drum roll please.... Introducing the brand new New Consultant Kit and the "Baby, You're Worth It" April special.  The kit is just $75!  There's SO MUCH MORE so keep reading!

• Your kit will be filled with basic business supplies that includes a Medium Organizer!  
• Your kit comes with $50 Select Product Credit to spend on additional supplies. You get to make your kit whatever you'd like it to be!  
• The opportunity to earn Straight to the Top rewards.

In April, if you sell $350 in your first 30 days, you will receive: 

• FREE Cricut Collection of your choice OR an additional $100 in Select Product Credit!
• THREE exclusive stamp sets that can only be earned by reaching these sales in your first 30 days as part of the Straight to the Top rewards. ($54 value)
• A party total of $350 also earns you another $60 in Select Product Credit plus one item 50% off!!  (Not to mention 22% commission = $77)  I will walk you through the process step-by-step.

Let me tell you a little bit more... 

• During April, Consultants are in the Consultant Preview Period for Seasonal Expressions 2 and the May National Scrapbooking Month special.  This means you will get to order BRAND NEW product, only available to consultants, in any order your place effective immediately! 
• You are in charge and can make signing up whatever you want.  
• Sign up for this hot deal and see where it takes you.
• Sign up as a hobbyist for yourself or a group of friends.  Quarterly minimums are just $300.
• Interested in making income doing something you love?  You can do that too!  Let me show you how!
• Your instant commission is 22% and you earn Select Product Credit monthly according to your sales

* Select Product Credit is essentially money that you get to spend (kind of like a gift card) on papers, complements, workshop kits, stamps, stamp blocks, inks, re-inkers, ShinHan markers, Picture My Life cards and more!

Seriously, if I could, I would sign up again!! I'm so excited about this deal!! :)  I have been part of the Close to My Heart family for 2 years this month and have LOVED every minute!  I am head-over-heels with the product, the people I have met are some of the nicest around and oh my goodness, so creative and talented!  I love this crafty gig and would love to have you join me!!

You can get started today at my online site! 

• Go to ellielundstrom.ctmh.com
• Click on "What We Do" and "Be a Consultant"
• Click on "Let's Get Started."

Wahoo!!! Once you submit your application you and I will both get an email.  You can be sure I'm ready with a big, warm welcome!! :)

These 3 exclusive stamp sets can be yours when you place your initial order of $350 in your first 30 days.

Stamp of the Month: Life in Pictures

​This great stamp set, Life in Pictures, can be yours this month for just $5, with a qualifying purchase of $50.  All the fun camera images and sentiments in this stamp set make it one you'll use over and over again to help capture the moments in life you treasure most.

Upcoming Workshops! Tuesday, April 12th, 6pm-8pm: Creative Card Buffet at my house.  Come make as many cards as you can in 2 hours!  This workshop is $12.  Please RSVP by Wednesday, April 6th. 

May: National Scrapbooking Month Online Event Join me for an online event that I will host for National Scrapbooking Month, all month long!  Watch my blog and Facebook page for more information!

Saturday, May 7th, 9am - 11pm: National Scapbooking Day Crop!! Come join me at my house to get scrappy and craft the day away!! More information will be sent out and will appear on my Facebook page, be on the lookout! :)

Tuesday, May 17th, 6pm - 9pm:  Scrapbooking Layout Workshop.  

I hope April Fools Day brings you a few giggles!! 
Happy Crafting!

Happy New Year! Layout

Happy New Year's Eve!!

I am here to share a layout with you today that you could create and put your favorite pictures from your New Year's Eve celebrations as you count down to 2016.  It could also be used to highlight your favorites from this last year.  It could be a place for your family's new year resolutions or goals.  It would look great displayed in your home in a Designed Decor frame or placed at the beginning of your 2016 Family Album.  The possibilities are endless!! :)

As I played with the paper pack of the month this month, La Vie En Rose, I quickly loved all the the black and white patterns!! Each of these pattern pieces are from the La Vie En Rose paper pack.  The 6th pattern that belongs to the paper pack is a colorful rose pattern.

"Pop, Fizz, Clink" is a cricut cut from the new Artistry CTMH Cricut Collection.  The other embellishments on this layout include: Bodacious Banners stamping, In Review stamping, Watercolor, Gold glitter paper, Gold Fundamental Assortments, Pomegranate Fundamental Assortments, Gold foil tape and Itty Bitty Sparkles.

Do you have any crafting goals for the new year?  One of mine is to keep my Designed Decor frame full all year.  Ideally, I'd love to add a new layout or piece of art each month!  Not only will this layout be out for my family and I to enjoy but it will be a layout that I can quickly and easily add to our family scrapbook. Who wants to join me??  I know YOU do so keep on reading to see how I'm going to help make getting started easy for you!! :)

I'll keep you posted with upcoming workshops and classes!

Stop back this week for new product reveals and January steals and deals!

Cheers!

Sunday Paper: Wavy Blooms

At CTMH Convention many consultants brings cards and swap with others. I debated and debated on what to create, tried a few different things and came up with this card for my card swap card this year at Convention.

To create this card I used Wavy Blooms and Finding the Words stamp sets, Cricut Artbooking and kept it clean and simple with white, black and thistle.

I made 30 cards for my first year attending and I think it was just right for me.  I had a chance to meet some pretty great ladies this way.  Swapping gives us all a chance to see each other's work up close and personal as well as give each other some new ideas and fun cards to add to our stash! Fun idea!

I was happy with what I came up with and it was well received.  I'm already looking forward to next year now that I got a taste of what card swapping is all about!

Happy Crafting! 

Jumpin' Into July!

July is already here!! Wowsers!

If you haven't already been enjoying the warm, summer weather I hope you are able to have sometime this upcoming long weekend to celebrate the Fourth and enjoy time with friends and family!

July is also the month I get to go to Close to My Heart Annual Convention in Disneyland this year!!! Whooeeeeeeeeeeee!  I'm excited to participate in this company's biggest party of the year!  I'm looking forward to meeting all the wonderful ladies on the huge team that I am part of.  I'm a sponge and ready to learn tips, tricks and techniques from some of the best paper crafters out there and I'm giddy-excited to be one of the first to see all the new CTMH products!  I'm certain I'm in for quite a treat and you bet I'll be ready to share when I return.

Jump on it July Promotion:
July CTMH promotions are sure to excite!  How many of you have had your eye on those cute Hostess Rewards stamp sets but have not yet hosted a party and been able to get them?  This promotion is for you - here's your chance!!

During the month of July, when you purchase $25 in current, retail priced stamps, you qualify to receive either the July Stamp of the Month, Life is Wonderful, FREE or any one of the Hostess Rewards stamp sets featured in Annual Inspirations 2014-2015 or Season Expressions 2 for only $5!

The Hostess Rewards stamp sets have previously only been available as part of the Hostess Rewards program, which means now is the perfect opportunity to get those special stamp sets you've had your eye on and not yet gotten!

When ordering on my Online Site you will be prompted to add your FREE and/or $5 sets to your card.  Once you've placed a qualifying stamp order of $25 or more this message will appear:

When you click on the "Jump on it July" link you will see this screen and be given all your options for the stamps you'd like to get for FREE and/or $5!  (You can click on the images when you get to this screen for a close up view of each set.)

July Stamp of the Month: Life is Wonderful
This stamp set, Life is Wonderful, is only available during the month of July!   This lovely, versatile stamp set is a great match for your cards and layouts that celebrate all the wonderful things - big and small - that life has to offer.

Artwork Featuring July STOM: Life is Wonderful

Along with this months "Jump on it July" promotion you have two ways of getting this stamp at a great discount.  Get this stamp set FREE when you purchase $25 in current, retail priced stamps.  OR If you're looking to purchase other CTMH products and don't meet the stamp purchase qualification you can get this stamp set for just $5 with your order of $50 or more in CTMH products.

To get your FREE stamp set or your $5 Hostess Rewards stamp set, simply place an order for $25 on any current, retail priced stamps.  This offer is only available during the month of July so spring into action and jump on over to my Online Site to get in on this deal before it's gone!

While Supplies Last and Retiring Items Reminders:

If you missed my Facebook post last week new items have been added to the While Supplies Last section on my Online Site.  The items there are discounted and only available ... you got it, while supplies last! Be sure to hop of over to my site to see these great deals and add them to your cart before they're gone for good.  There are a lot of new embellishments!

As a reminder our brand new Annual Inspirations Idea Book launches September 1st.  This means there is a need to make room for all the new goodies CTMH will be offering.  With that, there are products that are only available until August 31st or while supplies last ... whichever comes first.  You can see all the Retiring Items on my Online Site also.

Happy Crafting!

Sunday Paper: Blossom Layout

What a beautiful summer we've been having so far! I love the sunshine and warm days! 

It's the last Sunday of June and I have one more Blossom layout to share with you today.  This layout features a different look to the paper pack.  I found inspiration to begin this layout from a layout on Pinterest.  I scraplifted the circle clusters and then used similar colors to create the rest of my layout.  

I like that just by using a few different colors a layout from the same paper pack can have a look of its own.  This layout was created using kraft paper as the background, just one of the pattern pieces from the paper pack along with its zip strip and finished off with coordinating sunset and lagoon papers.  I was also able to use pieces that I still had remaining from my Blossom Compliments.  

Tiny tip: I used itty-bitty paper strips on many of my layouts this week.  SO easy and they add so much to the layout. By itty-bitty I mean they were all 1/8 inch.  Itty-bitty but depending on where they are place make a huge statement. 

Layout Featuring CTMH Blossom Papers and Compliments

Hurry and scoop up your own Blossom paper pack and coordinating embellishments while they are still available!  You can place your order on my Online Site or with me directly. 

Happy Crafting!

Sunday Paper: Blossom Layouts

I hope you came back looking for more ideas to inspire you to use your beautiful Blossom paper pack because that's just what I have for you this morning!

This layout were created using Blossom papers, Blossom Compliments, and Glacier Extra Thick Twine.

Layout Featuring Blossom papers and Blossom Compliments

I used itty-bitty paper strips again this week as part of the background paper layers. I also had fun layering embellishments from the Blossom Compliments on this layout! Take a closer look:

Layered Blossom Compliments with Glacier Extra Thick Twine

If you'd like to get your hands on this collection hurry on over to my Online Site and get yours today! 

Happy Crafting!

Sunday Paper: Blossom Layout

The vibrant color palette of Blossom papers are so bright and cheerful.  They just make me happy!  All that happy and colorful makes it the perfect paper for all your spring and summertime photos!  

Just when you're looking for that perfect layout to hold your more precious moments... how about this one?  This layout was created with Blossom Paper Pack, Snapshot Memories stamp set, Blossom Compliments, Coral Reef Sequins and Glacier Extra Thick Twine.  Depending on the pictures and sizes this could be a layout for 7 or more photos!

Layout featuring Blossom  paper pack and Snapshot Memories stamp set

Here's a close up picture of the a few stamped images from Snapshot Memories.  This stamp set has 10 sweet sentiments and images.  See that washi tape?  It's a stamp! :)  I used my micro-tip scissors to rough-cut the edge to make it look more like it was torn tape.

Snapshot Memories Stamp Set, Inks: Lagoon and Smoothie

This layout was created at my June Layout Workshop.  However, if you missed the workshop or the chance to order your own kit contact me today to ask me how you can get the cutting guide for this layout!

Happy Crafting!

Sunday Paper: Blossom Card

Bright, cheerful fun summer colors! That's how awesome Blossom is! {You know I had to! :)}

This card was created using Blossom paper pack and Artfully Sent Just To Say... Stamp Set.  I embossed the white cardstock on the bottom of this card with my Quatrefoil Embossing Folder.  The tab and flowers were cut using the Art Philosophy Cricut Cartridge.

These flowers are seriously easier to make than they look.  You know this if you made them at my last card workshop!  You need a quilling tool (or a sharpened pencil will do), some Liquid Glass (aka Liquid GOLD as we like to call it around here because it's that's amazing!) and a bone folder.  You simply roll the flowers using a quilling tool and glue them together with your Liquid Gold.  When they are dry which takes seconds I use my bone folder to feather bend the petals how I like.  Use a dab more of that Liquid Gold to adhere them to your project... guarantee they won't fly away in the wind!  I jazzed up the center of the flowers with my Stickles.

My absolute favorite part of this paper pack one of the zip strips!  The colorful diagonal strip in the card is a zip strip that is part of one of the pattern pieces in this paper pack.

Have you had a chance to get your hands on the Blossom paper pack yet?  I love the color palette this paper pack offers.

Blossom is the paper pack of the month on the larger CTMH team I'm part and so you'll find some awesome Blossom inspiration here this month as well in my workshops!

If you're ready to play with this gorgeous paper pack hop on over to my Online Site today. Don't forget to check out the compliments, assortment and  WOTG while you're there.

Happy Crafting!

Sunday Paper: Jackson Layouts

It's the end of May already!  At the beginning of May I challenged myself - and YOU - to create a layout a week in celebration of National Scrapbooking month.  How'd you do?  I made 7 layouts and a few cards!

When I started the challenge I had ideas of finishing up a scrapbook but my Jackson paper pack was laying out from a previous workshop so I decided to go to town with it.  Often I get busy making layouts, adding stamped images and other embellishments I forget about the coordinating complements.  Jackson Complements are cute!  There are many pieces and sentiments I really like.  My mission in creating layouts with my Jackson papers that I also use as much of the coordinating complements as possible!  In the end, I have a few left but I also have the Jackson Picture My Life cards and I can use up the rest of my complements with those. And... truth be told another Jackson paper pack is on my list to get because I like it that much!

Where do you get your inspiration for scrapbooking?  Pinterest, magazines, idea books...  Sometimes it's one element of the layout that gets me started, other times the sketch and in this case... the whole sha-bang!  I scraplifted this first layout from a layout I found on Pinterest.  This layout was designed by Dana Kessler, a fellow CTMH consultant.  She has a knack for creating beautiful pages.  The chevron on the outside of the pages grabbed my attention and it was the perfect layout to get me in the complement-embellishing mojo. 

This layout was created with Jackson papers, Jackson Complements and Brave Enamel Shapes. I went quick and easy with this layout.  There is are no stamped images and no cricut cuts.  Although, I'm sure the chevrons on the sides could easily be cut using the Artbooking cartridge!  I had different pieces cut from different projects and hand cut everything.

Jackon Paper, Jackson Complements, Brave Enamel Shapes

Clean, straight lines in my layouts really appeal to me.  They are definitely my go-to.  This next layout was created using Jackson papers and Jackson Complements.  I also added some embellishments from My Crush Wildwood Sticky Tabs and My Crush Wildwood Clips.

Jackson Papers, Jackson Complements, My Crush Wildwood Sticky Tabs and Clips

Each paper pack has 3-double-sided designed papers.  Depending on the papers that are pared together the layouts can take on a completely different look.  This layout was created using Jackson papers, Jackson Complements, CTMH Spray Pen (with Chocolate Ink and Create-A-Shade Paint), Boardwalk Washi Tape, Lagoon Houndstooth Washi Tape, Artisian Studs and Magic Mesh.  The sentiments on the bottom of the left pages are from the zip-strip on the Jackson papers.  I'm telling ya' every bit of this paper pack is fun!

Jackson Papers, Jackson Complements, Spray Pen, Boardwalk Washi Tape,
Lagoon Houndstooth Washi Tape, Artisian Studs

I wrapped up my Jackson layouts with this fun layout.  I was inspired by a layout that my upline Karina McQuistan created and scraplifted this idea.  This is the perfect layout to use up scrap papers!  This layout was created using Jackson papers, Jackson Complements and Brave Enamel shapes. 

That's a wrap for my Jackson layouts for now! Like I said I'm going to get another paper pack because I really enjoyed playing with the patterns in this paper.  With 3 boys and all the outdoor adventures we have I'm certain I'll be filling these layouts quickly with cute smiles and fun memories!

If you are ready to get your hands on this fun, adventurous Jackson line hop on over to my Online Site and get yours today!  The products in the layouts posted today are from Seasonal Expressions 2 that came out April 1st.  If you still need a copy in your hands let me know and I'll send one your way!  The ideas in the book are stunning and the supplies are yummy - you don't want to miss out!

Wait, just a minute! I said I completed 7 layouts didn't I?  Sure did!  All 7 layouts were CTMH papers too!!  The next 3 layouts I created this month were using Blossom papers.  I will feature the Blossom paper pack in June and share those layouts then.  

Here's a little teaser... A sneak peek at a Blossom layout that you can create at my June Layout Workshop!

If you haven't signed up for my June 9th Layout Workshop and would like to please RSVP by June 3rd to save your spot and give me time to make sure I have supplies ready for everyone!  The workshop will be at my home and will begin at 6pm.  If you can't make it but don't want to miss out let me know and I can create a kit for you with directions to assemble on your own!

Finally, the last drawing for the layout challenge this month will happen tomorrow morning!  You have the rest of the day to post a picture to my Facebook post with a layout you created this week for a chance to WIN!  Prizes so far have been: embellishment pack, sequins, Picture My Life cards, flip flaps... Week 5 will bring _____ !

See you back tomorrow announcing June's promotions!

Happy Crafting!