Computer issues :(

Coming to you live from Mike's PC, which he really hates (sorry Mike.)  I've been experiencing some laptop issues - that's why I haven't posted in a few days.  I am trying to get it all up & running before this last week of vacation winds down.  Sorry for the lack of posts, please check back in very soon to see the latest layouts & cutting guides!

A background idea...

Did you get the August Stamp of the Month with your order because it was free (if you spent "that much") but didn't know what you'd do with it?

Here's a book using markers to color in the "strawberry" (because in my mind, anything pink with chocolate much be strawberry!)  You know what I immediately thought of when I saw this?  background paper!  A little time consuming, but so easy to do:

 

 

Depending on what I was using it for, I might switch up the colors on top of the truffles, and maybe use a red for "black cherry" instead of just "strawberry."

 

One thing I know for sure?  This photo has made me seriously consider cheating on my diet with a box on Whitman's Sampler.  Let's hope I can exercise some will power.  :)

And the winner is.....

Kristen!!

I made a video of Mike pulling the winning slip out of a container but can't get it uploaded.   

I have been busy with my back-to-school routine - throwing tons of stuff out, calling donation people for a large pick up, washing clothes appropriate for work (because it seems they frown upon sports bras & shorts for teachers), and doing all the house & school chores I said I would do all summer long but didn't. 

Today I painted another large area of 3 basement walls and I have to say, 4 colors later, I love this one.  Sold.  I also painted one of the living room walls, which means my sectional is in pieces and my tables are in the kitchen.  It will stay that way for the week I'm sure...so no time to scrap. :(

I will post another layout tomorrow that I finished in advance knowing this routine would happen again.  We start a new blog candy contest with that post!

Have a productive day!!  As always, thanks for stopping by!

Last Day for Blog Candy!

I've been a little crazy the last few days with my annual back-to-school-frenzy.  Purging, prepping, clothes shopping...the works.  I hope to post one more layout before the chaos kicks in today.  Remember to check back & comment - blog candy drawing is tomorrow morning!

Fellow CTMH Consultants - remember to comment be eligible for this month's cutting guide to help give your customers a fun way to get 5 layouts from 1 paper pack after adding their own base papers!  Quantity & quality at a relatively low price - can't beat that!

Check back later today to see if I managed to post one last chance to comment, and be sure to check in tomorrow to see if you are the blog candy winner!

Have a great Saturday!  Thanks for stopping by!

Another chance at blog candy!

Mike gets to travel a lot with his job.  He says he doesn't like it, but he does.  This was a business retreat a company he deals with invited him to - all expenses paid - at Sundance.  Yes, that Sundance.  The pictures are amazing in person.  Yet another trip I was really jealous about...

This layout is from the same Magnifique cutting guide I used for the other 2 layouts with the same paper.  While all use the same paper pack, I really don't think any of the layouts look "alike."

 

 

 

People have asked about photo sizes on my layouts...I don't stick to a "standard size."  If the sketch I'm using calls for a 7x9, that's what I'm using.  I'm not good at straying from a sketch or substituting photo sizes.  I'd rather have it look just like the sketch.  You may have no problem with that, or may only use 4x6 so adjust as you go, etc.  I like different sized photos.  Just a matter of personal taste!

 

Don't forget to leave some blog love below to be entered into the August 18th blog candy drawing!

 

As always, thanks for stopping by!

For those who asked me about being a "Junior Consultant," here you go!

Over the last few days several people have discussed the "Consultant options" Close to my Heart offers.  Since I don't "actively recruit" people I was unsure of the details.  Remember, I signed up because I can make my quota myself & get the discount...so why pay full price & make someone else's minimums?  Because four people have asked, here are a few details that address their specific questions:

"Consultant:" Places orders totaling $300 per quarter (it's an added total of all orders from that quarter); you get a 22% discount on all products ordered. 

"Junior Consultant:" Does not meet the $300 quota during any given quarter.  You are only required to have orders totaling $100 per quarter (it's an added total of all orders from that quarter); you get a 10% discount on all products ordered.  If you have $300 in orders during a future quarter, you are bumped back up to a "regular Consultant" until the time comes when you don't meet those minimums, and then you are dropped back down to Junior.

You have a "grace quarter" when you first sign up to make your 1st minimums.  The quarter are 3 months long & begin in January, April, July, & October.  If you sign up in January, for example, you have Jan., Feb., March to make your minimum.  But, since it's your first time with the company, you get a "grace period" of April, May, & June as well to get that $300 met.  During this time, you get the 22% discount.  For this reason, I would sign up at the beginning of a new Quarter.  More time to meet the quota, and more time to get the 22% discount.

You cannot sign up as a "Junior," once you fail to meet the $300 minimum you automatically drop down once your grace period is up.  Don't forget to have $100 in products ordered before that time or you are dropped altogether.

The New Consultant kit is $49, or you can get an expanded kit for $99.  Both are in the new Idea Book - take a look and see which one is best for you.

If you have any other questions, please feel free to contact me!  You are more than welcome to sign up under me.  If you do, Consultant or Junior, you are eligible for a free layout cutting guide each month (or to attend the class without ordering something) since you would be considered "my downline" & the guides would be "mentoring."  :)

Same Cutting Guide, Different Layout...

A rare layout of us!  OK, it's not completely about us but we're in a few photos.  I take the photos in our family so I'm rarely in them.  That works for me because I hate having my picture taken.  It was one of the worst parts of our wedding day for me.  This was not our wedding...clearly!  I used Close to my Heart's Flip Flaps (4x6 size) on this layout so I could include all the pictures I wanted to while still using the layout sketch I liked best.  I wanted the left page to have that large photo, and without the Flip Flaps I would have been forced to decide between the layout sketch I liked, the large photo I loved swapped out for a smaller version, or leaving off 2 other photos.  I knew I would make just 1 layout for the event, which was "added pressure!"

 

This is actually "under the flip flap."  here is what you see when you get to this layout in the album:

 

 

Notice the right photo.  Under it is a picture of Mike & the husband of the girl I'm pictured with in the first photo.  Next time I'll try to remember to take photos with the flip flaps open.

This layout is part of a cutting guide.  In fact, it's part of the same guide as the last layout I posted.  If you place an order & would like it, ask me for the Magnifique Cutting Guide.  If you are a CTMH Consultant commenting and send a SASE, please be sure to write the same on the back of the envelope!

Just a reminder about the blog candy contest - for every layout during the next 2 weeks you comment on your name will go into a proverbial hat.  On Sunday, August 18th, I'll pick a name out of that hat and post the winner here. Please tune in to see if it's you since I'll need your full name & mailing address!  A few of you have several tickets already in the "hat!"

A reminder for CTMH Consultants from outside of my area - your name is not going in the hat.  However, if you become "a regular" around here with comments on posted projects I will share my cutting guides with you, 1 per month since that's about all I can manage when school starts.  If I can get up to 1 every 2 weeks I'll let you know.  Please identify yourself as CTMH with your comment.  There is no drawing for the guide - everyone who does the above is eligible.  You'll just need to send me a SASE so I can mail the guides to you (or I might go broke in postage, which the hubby will not appreciate.)  I'll list your names under the blog candy winner on the same date, in the same posting.  Please be sure to "like" my Facebook page so I can private message you my address.  I hope you will find these guides useful in running more or different classes for your customers!

Opinions wanted...

My friend Cynthia is toying between a Cricut & a Silhouette (or Cameo or other electronic, hook up to the computer cutter.)  On the one hand, the Cricut has shapes.  On the other, you have to buy cartridges...as opposed to just using free fonts you can download & cut on a different machine.

I have a Cricut Expression, and all I can really do it hit some buttons and, most times, cut the image I was hoping for.  I have had a Wishblade since they released them, and I love it...but I can't do the shapes and stuff on it.  I'm just not tech savvy enough to figure it out.  Most of you out there own one or the other, and some of you may have both or be looking to change.  you're Cynthia's best resource!

So...which do you own?  Which do you prefer?  Please post your opinions and WHY (or why NOT) below to help Cynthia figure out which is the better choice for her.

Thanks in advance!

P.S. - Don't forget to leave comments on the layout posts for tickets in the blog candy contest!  Drawing is August 18th!

Blog Candy Chance #2!

If you visit often, you'll quickly notice that my layouts are from all years & events.  Not only do I not do them in any kind of order, I'll probably post them the same way.  In this one my niece is turning 3, but in real life she is 7, and every layout about her will show her at a different age.  That's one of my scrap goals - get a full year done so I can put them in an album the way the should be, side-by-side instead on in 1 protector like they are now.

This layout is part of a cutting guide.  If you place an order & would like it, ask me for the Magnifique Cutting Guide.  If you are a CTMH Consultant commenting and send a SASE, please be sure to write the same on the back of the envelope!

This is just 1 of 5 layouts I made using Close to my Heart's (retired) Magnifique paper.

While I added some of my own touches to the layout here & there, I did it based on a sketch from Close to my Heart's layout book, "Make it from Your Heart, Vol. 1." 

Just a reminder about the blog candy contest - for every layout during the next 2 weeks you comment on your name will go into a proverbial hat.  On Sunday, August 18th, I'll pick a name out of that hat and post the winner here. Please tune in to see if it's you since I'll need your full name & mailing address!  A few of you have several tickets already in the "hat!"

A reminder for CTMH Consultants from outside of my area - your name is not going in the hat.  However, if you become "a regular" around here with comments on posted projects I will share my cutting guides with you, 1 a month since that's about all I can manage when school starts.  If I can get up to 1 every 2 weeks I'll let you know.  Please identify yourself as CTMH with your comment.  There is no drawing for the guide - everyone who does the above is eligible.  You'll just need to send me a SASE so I can mail the guides to you (or I might go broke in postage, which the hubby will not appreciate.)  I'll list your names under the blog candy winner on the same date, in the same posting.  Please be sure to "like" my Facebook page so I can private message you my address.  I hope you will find these guides useful in running more or different classes for your customers!

Let the Blog Candy Contest Begin!

Here we go...let the project posts - and blog candy drawings - begin!

If you visit often, you'll quickly notice that my layouts are from all years & events.  Not only do I not do them in any kind of order, I'll probably post them the same way.  In this one my nephew is just over a year old, in real life he just turned 14, and every layout about him will show him at a different age.  That's one of my scrap goals - get a full year done so I can put them in an album the way the should be, side-by-side instead on in 1 protector like they are now.

This layout is not part of a cutting guide.  I think it's easy enough to eyeball the dimensions if you wanted to CASE it.

Just a reminder about the blog candy contest - for every layout during the next 2 weeks you comment on your name will go into a proverbial hat.  On Sunday, August 18th, I'll pick a name out of that hat and post the winner here. Please tune in to see if it's you since I'll need your full name & mailing address!

To kick things off right, let's add a ticket for every person listed as a "follower" on this blog by Thursday, August 8th, and 1 more ticket for everyone who has "liked" my Facebook page by the same date.  If you have already done this, I already wrote your name on the tickets & it's in "the hat!"

CTMH Consultants from outside of my area - your name is not going in the hat.  However, if you become "a regular" around here with comments on posted projects I will share my cutting guides with you, 1 a month since that's about all I can manage when school starts.  If I can get up to 1 every 2 weeks I'll let you know.  Please identify yourself as CTMH with your comment.  There is no drawing for the guide - everyone who does the above is eligible.  You'll just need to send me a SASE so I can mail the guides to you (or I might go broke in postage, which the hubby will not appreciate.)  I'll list your names under the blog candy winner on the same date, in the same posting.  Please be sure to "like" my Facebook page so I can private message you my address.  I hope you will find these guides useful in running more or different classes for your customers!

Kits & Cutting Guides Video, Part 3

This last "segment" shows how many layouts I have finished since the beginning of June using cutting guides & kits.  I admit, this is a little deceiving.  A few of these layouts were Workshops on the Go (a Close to my Heart program you might be familiar with), but I made a few more layouts with the leftovers.  They're not all in this binder because (1) I forgot I had a few in a 2nd binder and (2) they aren't "done" so are in one of 3 piles I have going on.  Some were done a while ago but never "finished."

"Finishing" is always the longest part of the layout process for me.  However, with 90% of the layouts you see in the binder all I had to do was figure out the embellishment & titles.  Granted, that takes me forever.  Still, I was able to concentrate on finishing instead of entire layouts.  I prefer to finish at home - it's just too much stuff to carry to a crop (markers, inks, chipboards, Cricut cartridges, colors of every carstock...no thanks, unless it's a full weekend crop.  If I have the girls over I can concentrate & brainstorm with them for ideas (since "finishing touches" is my weakness with layouts as far as I'm concerned), and then I'm done.  If I'm going to a day crop - all I need is base sheets, some kits, adhesive, my trimmer & an extra blade, and brown ink for edging (because I like to distress depending on the layout & paper.)  Maybe I'll bring a stitch template with me and a brown marker...but that's it.

So, a lot of the binder is from a "paper kit" as we discussed them a few days ago.  I am going to a crop on Saturday and plan to bring my graph paper, layout sketches, pens, pencils, ruler, and maybe a few kits with basic supplies just in case I get a lot of cutting guides finished.  If I do, these layouts will get posted once finished and the cutting guides will be available as a "gift with purchase" at that time.  With any luck I'll finish a few more paper packs of layouts before school starts (and in between lesson prepping.)  Wish me luck!

Here is the link for Video #3:
https://www.facebook.com/denisescreativecave


P.S. If you live on Long Island, check out SuLu Crops.  They are monthly day crops in Suffolk County, and for a great price you get lunch & dinner (did I mention Sue is an awesome cook?!) &  meet new friends to scrap with.  It's always a good time & friendly bunch.  Here's their Facebook Page so you can join it for all the info on their upcoming events!  Maybe I'll see you there!
https://www.facebook.com/groups/226485097386793/

Kits & Cutting Guides Video, Part 2

This goes into a little more details about my 3-5 double layout cutting guides.  If you're better with visuals, this gives you a good idea of what the guides are all about (I hope!)  You'll see an example of a 5-layout cutting guide and the actual layouts I made using it - complete with photos.  I also have a small piece about how I used them for different years, so the paper isn't "together" in my albums.  You'll hear me talk about 2 layouts that had the potential to be back-t-back in my album, but since there was a birthday, Halloween, and Hurricane Sandy in between them, they are many pages apart in the album. (The pictures were only taken 2 weeks apart, but those 2 weeks in between were busy ones!  I knew at the time I added the photos to the layouts that I had pages to make between these 2 layouts, so the fact that they were on "the same paper"didn't concern me.

Here's the link to the video, again on the Facebook Page (look for Video #2 underneath it in the comment section ):

Kits & Cutting Guides Video, Part 1

Today's the day!  Today I "release" those really bad videos I made using the phone I can barely turn on.  You've heard of "B Movies?"  This is much further down the "bad" list, somewhere around "K."  You can't say you weren't warned.

Please keep these things in mind with Part 1:

• Cutting guides always come with a printout of what my samples look like.  My sample wasn't done at the time of this video, and it still isn't done.
• You don't have to use the same paper I used.  When you get your cutting guide, simply pull one of those kits you made off your shelf, cross out the paper I have listed on the cutting guides, and write in your own paper description so you know which paper to make what cuts on.  For example, instead of "Multi/Navy" like I used, say you are using a flower print (and one sided works just as well, just fewer options for variety is all.)  Cross out my "multi" and write in your "flowers."  Do it the same way for the solid colors as well.  I highly recommend this so you cut the right sheets to the right sizes and not have to adjust on the fly or start again.  I only mention this because I'm super anal like that.

Here's Part 1 (the sound is very low despite using my best teacher voice & speaking loudly.  Sorry.)

https://www.facebook.com/denisescreativecave
(look for the post that says "Video #1)

PS - If you're not sure what these "kits" are I referred to, see the post from a few days about making your own kits from the paper you already have.)

 

Progress, but not by much.

I am slowly getting the videos on the Facebook page but no luck still here...sorry again. :(  There are 3 videos.  The first is posted on FB.  Working on getting #2 up there now. Once posted there I will put the accompanying information here with a link.

This is why I miss rotary phones and 8-tracks...

Technical Difficulties...shocker.

As you may know, I have zero technical skills.  The fact that was able to record a video on my phone was cause for celebration around here.  Guess what I can't do?  Upload the videos.

I did it the blogger way, tried another way, watched a video on how to post a video...and nada.  I get upload it, it just won't play.

While I'm not a fan of bouncing between pages, I am attempting to upload it to my Facebook page.  Hope for some better luck.  If it works, I'll post the written information here with a link to the video there.

I'll be back to update you....

Double sided vs. single sided paper

Here's the second reason I like Close to my Heart's paper packs, though I must admit I did not like it much at first.

 

 

 

See how there are 3 pairs?  That's because one is the front side, the other is the back.  Front or back, each pattern coordinates.  This is not always the case with other companies.  This gives me more options to use & can make layouts using the same paper pack look totally different, but it's OK to just use one side too!  As long as you have one side that matches any side of your other 2 patterns in your kit you're good!

 

 

My Layout & Cutting Guide Methods

So, we've covered my crafting goals, posting goals, blog candy details, fellow CTMH Consultant perks, & kitting paper.  Before I post those poorly done videos, let me explain the cutting guides so you have some background when watching about them.

My Layout Method:

1. Pick my event, see how many photos I have for it.
2. Find a layout sketch that meets the needs of the amount of photos I have or the size of the photos I'd like to use.
3. Send the photos to Costco to print.
4. Pull a paper pack/kit off the shelf to use with these photos.
5. Find 2-4 more sketches that I like in general...not for these photos.
6. Get the 1-5 sketches together, put them in the order I like them best (the one I'm using for the printing photos is always on top.)
7. Get my graph paper notebook, draw squares that equal a 12x12 sheet of paper, and start plotting the pieces of paper I need for layout #1 in the boxes.  Continue this with each layout until I can't get anymore layouts out of the pack or I have all 5 layouts in my grid.
8. Cut my paper based on my cutting guide (graph paper grids), put in piles of which layout in piece goes with
9. Assemble the layouts
10. Add the photos to the layout that started this chain of events.  Keep the remaining layout in page protectors since they are photo ready.

Sound complicated?  It's not.  Honest.  Here are some "FAQs" I've heard:

I don't want 5 layouts with the same paper in my album.
Then don't use them at the same time. :)  If you scrap chronologically, use the 1st layout for the current year, and save the remaining for photos from the next year, or the year after.  Be honest, who among us isn't 5 or more year behind in photos?  Right.  So if the paper isn't in the same album, does it matter that you have a different layout using the same paper in another album?  (It might, only you can answer that.  For me, the answer is "no!")

I have to have my photos ready before I can do a layout, I don't like pre-made layouts.
I totally agree with you.  Here's what changed my mind enough to do it this way - I'm getting stuff done, and when new photos present themselves I may have a layout ready to go, and that's going to make me finish more pages ore quickly.  Know what else I've done?  Swap layout with someone else.  They probably don't have the paper I used in their album, and I probably don't have their paper either.  I swap with enough paper for embellishments so everything matches (because I'm anal like that), but it's an option.  Most importantly, nothing impresses Mike (my husband) more than seeing me actually complete a layout.  This method has worked for me in getting them done.

How will I remember this layout a year from now?
I put a copy of the layout sketch or photo of what I planned to CASE in the page protector.  If it's from 1 company, I also write down the name of the paper pack &/or the colors that matched it so it makes it that much easier/faster when I pull it down.  I also write down the size of the photos, though I never put mats on layouts until the actual photos go on them, that way I'm not locked into any 1 size.  That's too much "forcing it" for me.

I can't make a cutting guide.
You don't have to.  That's where I come in.  If I used a layout as part of a cutting guide pack, I'll post that.  Some I didn't, I did them before this method.  I won't have cutting guides for those, but you can probably eyeball the sizes & amount of paper and CASE what you really like.  If you DO like a layout and there IS a cutting guide for it, you can get the cutting guide from me as a bonus with any purchase off my website (because it seems selling the guides outright violates CTMH policy.  Who knew?)  If you're local and come to a class, that counts as a purchase.

I don't have "that" paper pack.
So?  You have paper, right?  Did you make a kit?  Use that!!  My cutting guides are specific for the amounts of paper you need, not the company who made it.  Of course, I think the CTMH paper packs are the easiest to use and that's why I signed up with them a few years back...I was buying enough that I could make my own quotas and get a discount at the same time.  Just grab you kit - it=f you made it "my way" it will have the same amount of paper, pattern & solid, brad your nuetrals for a base & photo mats, and get cutting!

I can't follow this guide.
Can you use your trimmer?  Then yes you can.  Each box (you'll see a little of it in the video) represents one sheet of paper.  Take that first sheet and cut it into the dimensions I've drawn into the box.  Period.  I'll post more on this in the future as well.  If you can read a map & use a trimmer, you can do this.

How do I get the cutting guides?
Well, there was a little snafu a few weeks back.  Apparently I was violated CTMH policy about selling these guides, even though they weren't base don CTMH layouts.  Thanks to the anonymous local Consultant who felt threatened enough to call Corp.  To be honest, I had no idea it was against policy since it had nothing to do with CTMH.  While I cannot sell them, I can give them away as a "bonus with purchase."  If you come to a class in my home, order a class by mail, or place an order for any amount on my website (or through me directly), you get a cutting guide free.  You pick the guide you want, I'll mail you the color photos of my layouts & all pages of the cutting guide for that paper pack.

Facebook Page "Likes" & Blog "Followers"

If you have a minute, maybe you can check out my Facebook page and, if you want, "like" it?

https://www.facebook.com/denisescreativecave

Layout photos will be posted here & there, but only comments HERE will count toward the blog candy contests.  I'm not a proficient technical person, but if you "follow" me on this blog I think you get automatic updates when something is posted - that way you don't miss out on a chance to win once those projects start posting!

So maybe you'll want to follow me here & like me there?  Up to you, of course! 

(Is it me, or does it all sound a little needy??)

Making Your Own Paper Packs & Kits

Whenever people ask me about "all of your paper" I tell them my uncoordinated, pretty paper is all gone.  I could never match up or coordinate patterns or colors from all of those companies, same for solid cardstock, so I wasn't getting anything done.  That's about the time I discovered Close to my Heart's paper packs, though they were different back then in some ways. 

The only problem I DON'T have these days while scrapping is picking paper.  I still have way too much of it, but they come in nice kits, all color coordinated, with patterns that are different but work well together, and I didn't have to do anything.  Seriously, it's genius.  How many times have you stood in front of your paper hoard (or in the paper aisle at a store), picking paper that goes with this sheet & that one...and then do it over again with solids?  I don't do it anymore.  For $9.95 someone else does it for me, and they do a way better job at it!  For me, the key is to stick with one company for paper so it all matches.  You know it's working when even the hubby notices how much more you get done, and comments on "how much better" the layouts look.  We'll skip over that comment for now, shall we?!

My goal is to help you use up what you already have, no matter the company.  However, my cutting guides are based on Close to my Heart paper packs. 

Here is how you can make your own paper kit from what you already have on hand:

Find 3 different patterns of paper that coordinate with each other (by color scheme, etc.)  Make sure you have 2 sheets of each, put them to the side.  Now go to your solid cardstock and pick the following to match the 3 different patterns you just chose: 2 sheets of 1 coordinating solid cardstock, then 2 sheets of a different, coordinating solid cardstock, 1 sheet of a third coordinating solid cardstock, and then 1 sheet of a fourth coordinating solid cardstock.

In the end you will have:

• 6 sheets of pattern paper (3 patterns, 2 sheets of each)
• 6 sheets of solid color cardstock (2 sheets of 1 color, 2 sheets of a 2nd color, 1 sheet of a 3rd color, and 1 sheet of a 4th color.)
• You will need to add cardstock for base pages and photo mats, those are not figured in to my cutting guides.

Put all of this in a large Ziploc baggie and put it to the side.  You can either make layouts and then add photos, or you can have the kit ready when you have photos to scrap with.   Makes no difference.

I find this to be very effective when I'm at crops.  If I stop chatting, shopping, or snacking long enough to cut some paper I actually get layouts done!  This may be new for some of you or might not sound great to others, but I promise that it revolutionized the way I scrap, the amount of paper I started to use, and the tremendous decrease in spending on paper that just sits in my craft room. 

So, no matter what company you use or how many different companies you have paper from...start kitting!  I make 3-5 double layouts per kit, sometimes with plenty left for cards, and always enough to embellish.  My layout guides will be available to you, more on that another time.

Tomorrow I will post my 1st ever try at a video.  It's pretty bad, but it explains a little more on the kits and a lot more on my cutting guides.  Once we're done with this kind of "prep work" to lay the foundation for the projects I'll start posting about classes in house, classes by mail, and how to get any of the cutting guides I have available.

As always, thanks for stopping by!
(Now go start kitting your paper!!)

Blog Candy Contest Info!

Here's the info about the contests & blog candy!

PURPOSE:  To keep me on track with crafting.  I have a lot, I mean a lot, of layouts to finish up around here, and maybe being held accountable will "inspire" me to get them done.

CONTEST:  I will post a new layout, card, or project 3-5 times a week (if all goes well.)  I anticipate it will be on the lower end once the school year gets in full swing again, but have high hopes that it will not.  Time will tell.

"RULES:" 

• Leave a comment on the blog posts with the layouts, cards, or other posted crafts for that day.  Don't forget to include your name!
• One comment per post. 
• Only comments on this blog will get a "ticket."  There may be a better photo on the Facebook page, events will be listed there as well, but comments left on Facebook don't qualify for the Blog Contest...sorry!! 
• Drawings will take place on Sunday for the previous 2 weeks.  Check in to see if it's you!

I will put the names of each commenter in a "hat" & pick a name for some blog candy.  What type you ask?  It will vary.  Stamp sets, embellishments - anything goes!  All will be new & unused product, but some may not be in the original packaging (such as an embellishment sampler pack or a bulk pack that I have split up.)  Be sure to check in - if you win you'll need to send me your mailing address!

The only people who cannot participate in the blog candy contest are other CTMH Consultants.  However, I am happy to share a different "perk" with any CTMH Consultant not in my area who comments here regularly - email or message me through my Facebook page for details.  Since it has to do with classes and I have had a problem with an unknown person in my area, this offer is limited only to those Consultants not in my area.

"Use It Up" Campaign!

I have this thing about paper...maybe you can understand it.  I love to buy it , feel it, look at it...and then get anxiety at the thought of using it.  The result is, well, being a paper hoarder.

I am determined to use much more of what I have in the few weeks of summer I have left.  I am off to a decent start.

This is the start of my "Use it Up" Campaign.  I'm hoping to make a bigger dent in the paper I am hoarding and fill some of those empty albums I have.  That's been a little more challenging since I don't scrap in chronological order, so I went to "the files" and printed out photos from all unscrapped events from 2003 & 2004.  That's where I'm starting .

 I like the old-time workshops many people used to do of making several layouts from a single Close To My Heart paper pack.  I still try to do that even though the packs have changed over time.  That's where my cutting guides come in.  I find 5 "page maps" or layout samples online that I like, put them in the order I like them best, and start measuring or eyeballing.  I put it on graph paper so I can see what I can really get out of the pack.  When I can't get anymore that I like, or when I have fit all 5, I'm done with that pack.  Time to cut, separate into piles by layout, and assemble.  If I don't have pictures for all but 1 layout, I save the layout.  This way they aren't all together in my albums like a mini-book due to the same paper (unless it's a theme like a holiday or event), and I have layouts ready to go when I print more pictures.

 

I must admit, I hated this way of scrapping.  I match everything to the photos, they were always my starting point.  I think I'm better off this way - using up lots of paper, making lots of layouts, having lots on hand, and with flip flaps, I can make any layout fit my needs.

 

 What you'll notice if you continue to stop is much of what I'm using is retired, and some of it is quite "old."  That's the goal - use it up! 

 

As I prep myself for a new blog format I will be posting contest details, the new Facebook page info, & those not-so-great "helpful" videos I made.  I hope to be posting layout photos by the end of the week.

 

What about you?  Ready to make a dent in your own paper hoard?

 

As always, thanks for stopping by!