Close To My Heart Thin Cuts by HOLLY VESELENAK

Love this video by Holly!  So much good information, ideas, and clear instructions!  Thank you Holly!!!

Planners Gonna Plan: The Everyday Life™ Planner System from Close To My ...

Seven Things You Can Do With Watercolor

Seven Things You Can Do With Watercolor

Autumn Projects to Fall For (S02E10)

October Stamp of the Month

To view the stamp set images visit my website at susan.ctmh.com and check out the Holiday Inspirations under Products then Idea Books.

Card Created by Sandie Alford

This cute card was created by a fellow team member, Sandie Alford.  I just think this little girl is adorable!  I love the way Sandie colored the image, added cute embellishments, and used black glitter cardstock to give her card some additional sparkle.  Don't you love it?  The background paper is from the new Nevermore pack in the Holiday Expressions.

In this close up you can really see the coloring techniques and the bling.

LAST WEEK TO GET THESE FABULOUS STAMP SETS!

With any purchase you can add each set for $13.95 or save when you order all three!  As you place your order at susan.ctmh.com you will be promoted to add these stamp sets!

Zoe Paper Pack

This new colorful paper pack, ZOE, is wonderful!  You are going to love the colors and designs on these papers!  You can order this paper and the matching complements and accessories now!  Just visit my website:  SUSAN.CTMH.COM

National Scrapbooking Month Stamp Sets

I just love these new stamp sets!  They are only available this month during National Stamping Month.  To learn how you can order these sets either email me or visit my website for complete details!!!  SUSAN.CTMH.COM

Our New Annual Inspirations

View every page of our new Annual Inspirations and Holiday Expressions by visiting my website:  SUSAN.CTMH.COM.  The new papers, stamps, and accessories are incredible!  Check it out!

Cricut Collections - Check THEM OUT!

We have another fabulous new Cricut Collection called Artistry.  Lots of incredible new images!  AND if you want to check out this new collection or any of our other collection, you can see the images online!  Here's how...

Visit my website:  SUSAN.CTMH.COM

Under "Product" Click Cricut Collections and you are there!  The top section shows you the general information about each collection.  As you scroll down you will see each collection listed and there is a link for the images called "shape index".

Go have some fun and check them all of them!

New Cricut sample card

The beautiful and talented Laura Williams played with the new cricut cartridge and made this fun card! She used the stamp set from the Zoe Workshop on the Go. That gal is so talented, she takes after her mother, Susan! And this post was written by Susan's sister Nancy!!!

Upcoming August Stamp of the Month Artwork

The August Stamp of the Month is a MUST HAVE stamp set!  You can order this set for ONLY $5 with any purchase of $50 or more.  Contact me for more information.

NEW ZOE PAPER COLLECTION

I love this new paper pack and the coordinating collection.  It's available September 1!

August is Fast Approaching!

August marks the preview period for consultants of the new Annual Inspirations and Holiday Expressions!  I will be able to order new product and play with it before sharing it with all of you.  I am in love with these two new publications and they will be LIVE to all of you September 1.

Coming up in August:

Card Round Robin Thursday August 20.  9AM - Noon.  Come and create cards for only $1.25 per card.  Make only the cards you want!  Lots of new product used for these cards so get a taste of what's to come!  Please sign up by Monday August 17 so I have enough supplies.

All Day Create & Crop Saturday August 22.  9 AM - 5 PM.  This is a day to work on your projects, use my stamps, blocks, inks, tools, etc. and buy any supplies you may need.  Lunch is included (chicken chili, salad, dessert)!  Get a sneak peek at new product!  This event is almost full to the rafters.  (Linda A.,Joan,  Rhonda, Lynda, Karen E. Ann R., Jan G., Vickie, Sandy, Lori, Gina, June H., Andrea, Sarah, Charmaine, and Suzanne.)  Room for only 2 more!  Cost is $15 or Free with any purchase of $25 or more.

Close To My Heart

CTMH CONVENTION THIS WEEK!

Hi All,
Although I was not able to attend convention this year, I will be getting updates throughout the week - starting Wednesday.  I will be posting updates here as often as I can.

During the week a new Annual Inspirations Book will be released to the consultants in attendance.  The book will be live to customers September 1.  Consultants can begin ordering them later this month (July).  I hope to have my stash at my next event!

We are getting a new Cricut Collection.  I have no idea what the focus will be, but as soon as the news is out, I'll share!

Keep checking back for the updates beginning late on Wednesday - new book, new product, and new ideas!

Susan

June Create & Crop

We had a great time yesterday at the Create & Crop.  Lots of laughter, creating, fun, and treats!!!

So many of those enjoying the day asked for the Chicken Chili recipe I often serve for lunch.  Here it is for anyone who wants a quick, easy, and yummy meal!!!!  Get creative and add your own favorite spices, beans, veggies and goodies to the pot!

Chicken Chili

1 can (16 oz) black beans, rinsed and drained

1 can (16 oz) white beans, rinsed and drained

Optional 1 can (16 oz) kidney beans and Canned corn

1 can (28 ounce) diced tomatoes (entire contents) you can use flavored like Italian

1 cup barbecue sauce (I use lite original, but any flavor is good)

Cooked cut up chicken OR cooked hamburger

Heat together.  You can crock pot it for several hours on low or simmer on the stove.

Serve with sour cream, cornbread, and or shredded cheddar cheese.  I have scoops (chips) and love to dump mine on top of my tossed salad!

Event UPDATE with Changes!

The Card Round Robin scheduled for Thursday May 28 has been changed to June 4 because my AC died and the new unit will be installed that day.  There is plenty of space for anyone who would like to come on June 4 so pop me an email to sign up.  (I have Marilyn, Cathi, Ann, and June on the new date).  Time:  9 AM to Noon.  Cost is $1.25 per card you create and envelopes are included.  Make only the cards you want!  Bring your favorite adhesive.  That's all you need!

Come to the Create & Crop Saturday May 30 when my home should be very cool with my new air conditioning system!  There are only a couple spaces left, so if you want to join in the fun, be sure to email me ASAP!  Time 9 AM - to 5 PM.  Bring your projects and spend the day creating!  Use my stamps, inks, blocks, and tools.  Cost is $15 or a purchase of $20 or more.

Coming up late June:

Card Round Robin Thursday June 25.  9 AM to Noon.  Cost is $1.25 for each card you create.  Envelopes included.  Bring your favorite adhesive.  That's all you need!  Be sure to sign up so I will have enough space and supplies.

Create & Crop Saturday June 27.  9 AM to 5 PM.   Bring your projects and spend the day creating!  Use my stamps, inks, blocks, and tools.  Cost is $15 or a purchase of $20 or more.  Sign up to save your space!

JoeSusan@aol.com

My Creations™ Mini Mix Album and Mini Folio

SAVE THE DATE

Upcoming Events in my Fort Myers home...

Thursday May 28, Card Round Robin
Saturday May 30, All Day Create and Crop

Details soon, but save the date!

Cards created with new product from Expressions II PART FOUR

The last group of cards, these using the Blossom paper pack.

Created by Sandie Alford

Created by Susan Tomaino

(Basic card design by Gina Guri)

Created by Susan Tomaino

(Basic card design by Vickie Richardson)

Created by Debi Squires

Cards created with new product from Expressions II PART THREE

More from the Jackson paper  pack!

Created by Susan Tomaino

Created by Nancy Durant

Created by Debi Squires

Created by Susan Tomaino

(basic card design by Vickie Richardson)

Cards created with new product from Expressions II PART TWO

Here is the next set of cards using new product!
These fun cards were made using the Blossom paper pack.

Created by Gayle Krisher

Created by Jacque Rippe

Created by Venia Joray

Created by Karen Galvin

Cards created with new product from Expressions II PART ONE

Here are 4 out of 16 cards made by my team members using the new product from the Expressions II. Check soon to see more! 

Check book cover created by Gayle Krisher

Created by Venia Joray

Created by Karen Galvin

Created by Jacque Rippe

 These were all created using the Jackson paper pack and new stamps from our new Expressions II.  Check it out at my website:  susan.ctmh.com

Distressing Tools

March and April Events in Fort Myers, FL

CLOSE TO MY HEART with Susan Tomaino
March 2015

It’s spring!  Of course if you live in SW Florida it’s already summer.  90’s this week!!!!  Makes me want to stay inside in the air conditioning and paper craft!

Next month we launch Seasonal Expressions II.  If you have Expressions I you know how exciting this will be!  You can view the pages online at my website beginning April 1 and that is the day orders can be placed for the new product.    I have my new product coming soon so I can get a head start making some samples with new papers, stamps, embellishments, and scrapbooking kits.  OH BOY!!! The new card kit is FANTASTIC!!!! 

March 24 I will be heading north for a week in NC.  My sister will be in town taking care of my mom, so my next event won’t be until April 9.  Check out my schedule below. 

COMING UP:

April 9 – Card Round Robin.  Doors open at 9 am and close at noon.  My sister will be joining us before she flies home that afternoon.  We will have a BLAST!!!!  You will have first dibs on some new product at this event, and you’ll be creating two cards using new stamps and papers.  WHAT TO BRING – your favorite adhesive.  That’s it!  $1.25 per card.  Only pay for what you want to create.  Please sign up for this event so I have enough supplies.

April 17-18-19 – Weekend Crop in Estero, Florida.  Another fun filled weekend paper crafting – non-stop if you can stay awake!!!   This is an event organized by Kim Hodges, Scraptique. 

April 25 – All Day Create and Crop.  Come spend the day scrapbooking, card making, or paper crafting!  Doors open at 9 AM and close at 5:00 PM.  Please sign up for this event so there is enough space for everyone.  A simple lunch will be provided.  Cost is $15 or any purchase of $10 or more.

Cards from our last Card Round Robin

We created these cards at our last Card Round Robin.  Take note of who designed each card!

Using the Artfully Sent CTMH Cricut Cartridge, this was a fast and easy card!  The shamrocks were cut with the cricut, green glitter cardstock is attached on the inside, and the sentiment was stamped in topiary ink once and sweet leaf for the rest.  Very fast!

The card on the left was designed by Vickie Richardson and the card on the right was designed by Gina Guri.  Both cards use current paper and stamps.  Fast and easy~

Vickie Richardson designed both these cards.  I love them so much I'm using the same format for an upcoming card exchange with new paper and new stamps (coming April 1).  It's a great way to use paper scraps!

Two more cards created by Gina Guri.  I love the clean lines and sentiment focus of these cards!  

I know some really creative ladies don't I???

Many thanks to Vickie and Gina for their creativity and generosity!  Sharing artwork is a treasure!

I am one Proud Mom!

Super happy and proud of Laura for this new adventure!  When PaperCrafts "closed it's doors" I figured it was only a matter of time before Laura would be snatched up by another company!  Very happy for her.  She has so much to offer this new company, and they will be glad she's working with them!

Cricut® Artfully Sent: Sleeve Function

COMING SOON - the New CTMH Seasonal Expressions II - April 1, 2015

Cricut® Artfully Sent: Scene Function

Upcoming Events

JANUARY FUN - JANUARY CREATIVE OPPORTUNITIES - JANUARY BARGAINS!

UPCOMING EVENTS:

Thursday January 29 – Card Round Robin.  This event will run 10 am to noon with my BIG SALE running 10 am to 2 pm.  My card round robin is a fun way to make some cards and have them ready to send.  There will be at least 6 different cards, and you can make all of them or only the ones that fit your needs and style.  You pay by the card.  Only $1.25 and it includes your envelopes.  If you plan to make the cards, PLEASE SIGN UP so I have plenty of supplies and kits ready for you.  NOTE:  Because I am working around the hours of a caregiver who takes over for me, at this point, these hours are firm.  If you come early or late, you might miss me.

Saturday January 31, 2015 – All Day Create & Crop.  This event will run from 9:30 am to 4 pm.  (I will need to be out the door by 5 pm).  During those same hours you can stop by and shop MY BIG SALE.  If you would like table space to create & crop, please sign up!  Lunch will be provided.  Cost is $15 but FREE with any purchase of $20 or more (purchases made on Thursday count).  NOTE:  Because I am working around the hours of a caregiver who takes over for me, at this point, these hours are firm.  If you come early or late, you might miss me.

Come see our NEW ALBUMS, NEW ROLLING TOTE, and the NEW PRODUCT from Seasonal Expressions!

Be sure to sign up if you want to join the Card Round Robin or have Table Space at the Create & Crop.  Hope to see you the end of the month!

HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!

Stamp Sets Retiring January 31!

Retiring Stamp Designs The stamp sets listed below (last featured in the Spring/Summer 2014 idea book) are about to retire. They are only available tuntil January 31, 2015. You can see these stamp sets on my website (Susan.CTMH.com) under  “Retiring Items”.  Don't miss out on any sets you must have!!! A1124 A Tree A1139 Congrats Graduate A1141 Be Still A1154 Friendly Thoughts A1156 Flower Confetti B1418 Love Doily B1423 Hoppy Easter B1439 Dreamer B1440 Fancy Fair B1441 Buggy Love B1444 Greatest Love B1445 Happy Hive B1450 Owls C1571 You're the Best C1573 Do Your Best C1574 Believe in Yourself C1577 Mother's Day C1579 Coming Up Roses C1583 Robot Family D1547 Paper Doll D1579 Windy Day M1035 Newlyweds M1036 Perfect Polka-Dot Day M1037 Balloons M1038 Shooting Star M1039 Good Job Stencil M1040 Parasol M1041 Hi M1042 Colored Egg

Cricut® Artfully Sent: The Basics