Party Time

Friday night I had my first Home Gathering as an Independent Close to My Heart consultant.  I have to admit I was a little bit on the nervous side.  There are just so many wonderful things to demonstrate and talk about.  I wasn't sure how to choose what I should focus on, and then I just decided to let all of the guests play with the items that come in the Distressing Kit.  They used 4 different types of sponges and brushes to apply ink to cardstock.  I love using this technique to soften the edges of pages and photo mats.  It can also be used to create sublte background images on pages.  They also tried their hand at using sandpaper to remove the top layer of cardstock to expose the white core of the paper.  The number of designs using sandpaper is only limited by ones imagination.  Then it was time for all of them to show off their stamping skills as they made the Celebrate Today greeting card shown on the right. Everyone did a great job and had lots of fun.  My Hostess for the night received a few free gifts from me for having the Gathering in her home, and will also be receiving $60 worth of free products and any one product in the idea book for 50% off.  Close to My Heart had a very generous Hostess Rewards program.  Please contact me if you are interested in having a wonderful time with a group of your friends all while earning free products.

Perfect Paper Pinwheels

This video is a great example of the Workshop on the Go kits.  These kits come packed full of papers and the emblishments you need to make amazing pages.  The kit also includes a stamp set that can only be purchased through the kit.  There are currently 6 Workshop on the Go Kits available.  Go to my website to order yours today.

I did it!!!

Ok, the learning curve on any new activity is an amazing thing.  I have to admit, it took much longer to make my very first card than expected.  But I did it!  It was so great to finally take that plunge and do something different.  I have been scrapbooking for so many years, but had never thought about making handmade cards until now.  I am so glad I branched out.  I think cards that are handmade mean so much more.  Not only did someone care enough to send a card, but they also took the time to make it with their own hands.  Close to My Heart has so many card designs to choose from.  I will be setting up card making workshops in coming month.  It will meet one day a month for about 2 hours (length of workshop is pretty flexible).  During the workshop I will be teaching techniques to make your cards even more special.  You will make 6 cards and have a great time.  The cost of the workshop will be approximately $18.00.  Go ahead and do the math.  That is only $3.00 per card!!!!  Not to mention just having some get-a-way time doing something that is lots of fun.  I will post more as I finalize the details. 

Jump first, then look

"Go big or go home".  This seems to be my new motto.  After dabbling in the products made by Close to My Heart for a couple of years now, I have finally decided to become an independent consultant.  I am so excited to introduce all of my scrapbooking friends to the wonderful products available with this company.  The papers are out of this world beautiful and the layouts in the How to Books are so easy to follow.  The end result is a layout that you will admire for years to come. 

I will be posting layouts and cards that I have made out of these products very soon.  In the mean time, visit my Close to My Heart web page (kimmcconnell.myctmh.com) and look around the idea book of products.  If you see anything you like, you can order online or contact me directly. 

Welcome aboard my new adventure.  This is going to be great!!!