Mini Albums for $1.00 and 8 Ideas to Use Them

Made these little Bee Mine albums with my Jr. Creative class last year.
These little kraft albums are on sale for $1 while supplies last.
They are my favorite and so fun to work with.
They start out like this. Thy even have page protectors so they are perfect for little messy hands.

Other Ideas:
Why I love you
Phone book for preschoolers
My Family-
(These little books are perfect for my daughter who has Autism. It’s a nice reminder of family members she may not see as frequently.)
or ABC or 1,2,3 books
My Friends
Favorite Quotes
Pocket book for a deployed service member.
( my hubby loved things like this when he was in Iraq.)

I am sure you can think of a ton more!
So, leave a comment with an idea and I’ll pick a winner to get their own little book.

There are lots of other items on sale too, but it’s WHILE SUPPLIES LAST!
Ribbons, Rub Ons, Stickers, Papers  and more!

Tell a friend and order together to share shipping costs.

GO SHOP NOW!

Blizzard of 2011- I Called in the National Guard

So, we made it! Day two of being home with the kids. Yesterday was quite the adventure!  This was right outside my living room window- so pretty to look at anyway. 
 This was the view out my front window. Trailside Elementary was buried under some SUPER SIZED snow drifts.

So, what is a girl to do? Call in the National Guard of course!  After all it was a State Emergency!

Thanks hubby for working so hard yesterday to get us out.  (It pays to be married to a soldier). I hope all you who got hit are safe now. Driving and peering around these HUGE snow piles is a little bit crazy.
You know what else I did? I could barely get out the back to my Creative Cottage so I decided to do some Studio J scrappin’.  SO FUN!! I will post it when I am done.  I like suspense don’t you???

February Stamp of the Month Blog Hop Friendship Frame

Welcome to the February Stamp of the Month Blog Hop.  This month’s stamp set is Friendship, a set of
8 stamps that are so versatile. You are going to see a lot of different variations I am sure since we are also FINALLY releasing the new Spring/Summer Idea Book.  So, be sure to check out the products used and take notes.

We have almost 70 consultants showcasing this gorgeous set. If you have come here from  Michelle’s Blog, you are on the right path. This is simple to do – just click on the link at the end of the post on each blog to move to the next one! Here we go!

 

I got this adorable frame at Michael’s. It came together very easily.  I used the gorgeous
new Sophia Lv. 2 paper pack and pear ribbon from the Pear Mini-Medley Accents Collection.  I stamped the background image in cotton candy and topiary. It was so easy as I just used a sponge dauber to dab the inks on.  I stamped the sentiment in black. I had to add a little bling to the frame with our sparkles and it was done.

 

Now “Hop” on over to Pamela’s Blog to see her work! Be sure to visit all the Consultants at their Blogs to get some great crafting ideas and other fun ideas! Remember, the February SOTM is only available until Feb. 28! Contact your CTMH Consultant (or click here) to see how you can get this stamp set at a discount or even free!  While your there don’t forget to check out our beautiful NEW Spring/Summer Idea Book!

February Stamp of the Month Blog Hop Friendship Frame

Welcome to the February Stamp of the Month Blog Hop.  This month’s stamp set is Friendship, a set of
8 stamps that are so versatile. You are going to see a lot of different variations I am sure since we are also FINALLY releasing the new Spring/Summer Idea Book.  So, be sure to check out the products used and take notes.

We have almost 70 consultants showcasing this gorgeous set. If you have come here from  Michelle’s Blog, you are on the right path. This is simple to do – just click on the link at the end of the post on each blog to move to the next one! Here we go!

I got this adorable frame at Michael’s. It came together very easily.  I used the gorgeous
new Sophia Lv. 2 paper pack and pear ribbon from the Pear Mini-Medley Accents Collection.  I stamped the background image in cotton candy and topiary. It was so easy as I just used a sponge dauber to dab the inks on.  I stamped the sentiment in black. I had to add a little bling to the frame with our sparkles and it was done.

Now “Hop” on over to Pamela’s Blog to see her work! Be sure to visit all the Consultants at their Blogs to get some great crafting ideas and other fun ideas! Remember, the February SOTM is only available until Feb. 28! Contact your CTMH Consultant (or click here) to see how you can get this stamp set at a discount or even free!  While your there don’t forget to check out our beautiful NEW Spring/Summer Idea Book!

I Love Surprises

 I had such a rough day yesterday with Sofie’s recertification for ABA. It is so stressful and emotional focusing on all of the things she can’t do. Then it’s hard to go with your next line of thinking – will she ever do those things…… we are entering her last year and will know in a few weeks if she qualifies.  Well, she through a HUGE fit while the case worker was here so that worked out great.  I don’t see how they would deny her. More on that later.

So, my mom knew a little surprise would brighten my mood.  Today when I was out grocery shopping my mom and dad stopped by.  Even though Sawyer was about to eat my Dad, he was able to come in the house and left me a surprise.  My Mom made me a hat. I love it so much.  She is such a talented lady and always up with the trends.  How cute is this? I wore it to the post office and this one lady told me I looked “foxy” in it. LOL! that cracked me up! When was the last time someone said foxy. Yes, she was older, but that was very nice of her to say anything at all.



not my best side…. so just focus on the flower.

The flower is on a pin so you may see it elsewhere from time to time.  Maybe I can convince her to make some of these for our “Cozy Cottage Christmas” event we are having later this year.

I also am working on surprises for our Creative Escape Retreat. I wish I could tell you everything!  All I know is I have about 4 spots left and you will want to be there!! So, don’t foget to register.  I promise a great weekend of education and inspiration.  Come for the surprises, stay for the fun.
Blessings-
Sarita

I Love Surprises

 I had such a rough day yesterday with Sofie’s recertification for ABA. It is so stressful and emotional focusing on all of the things she can’t do. Then it’s hard to go with your next line of thinking – will she ever do those things…… we are entering her last year and will know in a few weeks if she qualifies.  Well, she through a HUGE fit while the case worker was here so that worked out great.  I don’t see how they would deny her. More on that later.

So, my mom knew a little surprise would brighten my mood.  Today when I was out grocery shopping my mom and dad stopped by.  Even though Sawyer was about to eat my Dad, he was able to come in the house and left me a surprise.  My Mom made me a hat. I love it so much.  She is such a talented lady and always up with the trends.  How cute is this? I wore it to the post office and this one lady told me I looked “foxy” in it. LOL! that cracked me up! When was the last time someone said foxy. Yes, she was older, but that was very nice of her to say anything at all.



not my best side…. so just focus on the flower.

The flower is on a pin so you may see it elsewhere from time to time.  Maybe I can convince her to make some of these for our “Cozy Cottage Christmas” event we are having later this year.

I also am working on surprises for our Creative Escape Retreat. I wish I could tell you everything!  All I know is I have about 4 spots left and you will want to be there!! So, don’t foget to register.  I promise a great weekend of education and inspiration.  Come for the surprises, stay for the fun.
Blessings-
Sarita

Earn Your CTMH Consutlant Kit for FREE in February!

4 years ago this month I began my journey as a Close to my Heart Consultant. However, when people ask me how long I have been “doing this” to answer 4 years would not be the whole truth.  For 3 years prior to CTMH I had been with a scrapbooking company that collapsed after only a few short years.   But, that’s not usually the first thing that comes out of my mouth when I am asked that question, how long….?  Why? we are so afraid to be real and talk about failure, yet without, we would not know success.

Let’s face it, I was scared to death when I signed on with CTMH. I was starting from scratch after being a respected leader of a large team, as well as a member of the design team.  I felt like I had lost everything.

So, really, what more did I have to lose? I was either going to end up with a box of more scrapbook supplies – don’t forget I was way in the hole already or I was going to find a place to put all of that knowledge and experience I had gained to good use.

“Experience is what you get when you didn’t get what you wanted”

It was a really tough decision.  I felt so embarrassed and humiliated yet I knew that little spark was still there. To be a part of something that I was passionate about!

I knew if I put it off I wouldn’t do it at all. Waiting for the right time was a joke.  There never seemed to be a right time. At least this way I could blame it on temporary insanity! 

As it turns out, my only regret with joining CTMH is that I didn’t do it sooner. 


So, what are you waiting for?  Are you waiting for the “right time”?  If you have been waiting for a way to do this for FREE! You got it!
February is the perfect time to jump into the fabulous waters of CTMH!  We are releasing our new Spring/Summer Idea Book on Feb. 1 and
“February is ‘Free, Free, and Fabulous’ month. When you reach your Straight to the Top goals in the first 3 months you will be rewarded!

This means for $129 you can receive up to $391 in New Consultant Kit products plus $100 in select product, for a total retail value of up to $491 for FREE!
That’s free kit, free products, making it fabulous!

You’re Not an Expert? So What?
The best part! You can LEARN while you EARN. There has never been any better on the job training. We have a FREE comprehensive Training Academy that focuses on creative, business and personal development. Classes are available 24/7 online and take anywhere from 8-20 minutes to complete.  You can even earn your PHD!

We offer all of the benefits of a franchise- the products, the training, the marketing, the expertise and the support-with none of the costs or restrictions. This is an incredible low-risk, high reward business opportunity.  It costs almost nothing to start and very little to run. Apart from the $129 which is a small outlay for a self designed starter kit there is no upfront capital investment required. Your capital is your contact list!  Who do you already know who would love CTMH products?


Not to Mention it’s the Ultimate Family Business!

CTMH provides a way to earn income without sacrificing time with the family. There is no need to miss a school play, a child’s soccer game, or a dance recital. You decide when you want to work and the number of hours a week you will work. You can work alongside your families activities doing what you love. My younger daughter has Autism so I need the flexibility that a “real job” will not give me. I can always put her and my family first. 

Just a Few Benefits of Becoming a Consultant:



o Instant 22% profit in your pocket PLUS commission bonuses on your sales

o Low quarterly minimums

o Turn-key workshops on the go! You have everything you need to start running your own monthly clubs right in your consultant kit.

o Sneak peeks at new products and programs.

o Online Training Academy– 24/7 classes and courses that will tell you everything

o Exclusive and innovative products.

o Friendships that will last a lifetime.

Me and Melissa Laverty at convention. 2010.  We met in the hallway at convention in 2008
and have been CTMH besties ever since!

With me in your corner cheering you on PLUS all of the support and FREE training you’ll have at your finger tips, the sky really is the limit.  

This is not my get rich quick scheme nor is it my back-up-plan, This is my heart.   I would love to help you no matter how humble or lofty your goals are.

Would you like to work together to see where the title of consutlant can take you?
Click here to request my exclusive opportunity packet. It’s your first step on your road map to success!  I can’t wait to tell you more!

When you are ready it is really easy to do electronically by going to my website and following the steps below:

Go to http://blessedscrapper.myctmh.com/

Click on “Your Opportunities”

At the bottom of the screen, locate the line: To sign up or for more information to become a Consultant. “Click Here”.

It’ll take you into the application.

It should only take about 5 minutes to complete do the application. If you run into any problems while filling out the application, just give me a call and I can walk you through it. You’ll receive a confirmation e-mail from CTMH within a day or two, at which time you’ll have access to the website (with the username and password you input on the application). You will receive your kit in about 1 week to 10 days!

Thanks for letting me share my story!
Sarita

Earn Your CTMH Consutlant Kit for FREE in February!

4 years ago this month I began my journey as a Close to my Heart Consultant. However, when people ask me how long I have been “doing this” to answer 4 years would not be the whole truth.  For 3 years prior to CTMH I had been with a scrapbooking company that collapsed after only a few short years.   But, that’s not usually the first thing that comes out of my mouth when I am asked that question, how long….?  Why? we are so afraid to be real and talk about failure, yet without, we would not know success.

Let’s face it, I was scared to death when I signed on with CTMH. I was starting from scratch after being a respected leader of a large team, as well as a member of the design team.  I felt like I had lost everything.

So, really, what more did I have to lose? I was either going to end up with a box of more scrapbook supplies – don’t forget I was way in the hole already or I was going to find a place to put all of that knowledge and experience I had gained to good use.

“Experience is what you get when you didn’t get what you wanted”

It was a really tough decision.  I felt so embarrassed and humiliated yet I knew that little spark was still there. To be a part of something that I was passionate about!

I knew if I put it off I wouldn’t do it at all. Waiting for the right time was a joke.  There never seemed to be a right time. At least this way I could blame it on temporary insanity! 

As it turns out, my only regret with joining CTMH is that I didn’t do it sooner. 


So, what are you waiting for?  Are you waiting for the “right time”?  If you have been waiting for a way to do this for FREE! You got it!
February is the perfect time to jump into the fabulous waters of CTMH!  We are releasing our new Spring/Summer Idea Book on Feb. 1 and
“February is ‘Free, Free, and Fabulous’ month. When you reach your Straight to the Top goals in the first 3 months you will be rewarded!

This means for $129 you can receive up to $391 in New Consultant Kit products plus $100 in select product, for a total retail value of up to $491 for FREE!
That’s free kit, free products, making it fabulous!

You’re Not an Expert? So What?
The best part! You can LEARN while you EARN. There has never been any better on the job training. We have a FREE comprehensive Training Academy that focuses on creative, business and personal development. Classes are available 24/7 online and take anywhere from 8-20 minutes to complete.  You can even earn your PHD!

We offer all of the benefits of a franchise- the products, the training, the marketing, the expertise and the support-with none of the costs or restrictions. This is an incredible low-risk, high reward business opportunity.  It costs almost nothing to start and very little to run. Apart from the $129 which is a small outlay for a self designed starter kit there is no upfront capital investment required. Your capital is your contact list!  Who do you already know who would love CTMH products?


Not to Mention it’s the Ultimate Family Business!

CTMH provides a way to earn income without sacrificing time with the family. There is no need to miss a school play, a child’s soccer game, or a dance recital. You decide when you want to work and the number of hours a week you will work. You can work alongside your families activities doing what you love. My younger daughter has Autism so I need the flexibility that a “real job” will not give me. I can always put her and my family first. 

Just a Few Benefits of Becoming a Consultant:



o Instant 22% profit in your pocket PLUS commission bonuses on your sales

o Low quarterly minimums

o Turn-key workshops on the go! You have everything you need to start running your own monthly clubs right in your consultant kit.

o Sneak peeks at new products and programs.

o Online Training Academy– 24/7 classes and courses that will tell you everything

o Exclusive and innovative products.

o Friendships that will last a lifetime.

Me and Melissa Laverty at convention. 2010.  We met in the hallway at convention in 2008
and have been CTMH besties ever since!

With me in your corner cheering you on PLUS all of the support and FREE training you’ll have at your finger tips, the sky really is the limit.  

This is not my get rich quick scheme nor is it my back-up-plan, This is my heart.   I would love to help you no matter how humble or lofty your goals are.

Would you like to work together to see where the title of consutlant can take you?
Click here to request my exclusive opportunity packet. It’s your first step on your road map to success!  I can’t wait to tell you more!

When you are ready it is really easy to do electronically by going to my website and following the steps below:

Go to http://blessedscrapper.myctmh.com/

Click on “Your Opportunities”

At the bottom of the screen, locate the line: To sign up or for more information to become a Consultant. “Click Here”.

It’ll take you into the application.

It should only take about 5 minutes to complete do the application. If you run into any problems while filling out the application, just give me a call and I can walk you through it. You’ll receive a confirmation e-mail from CTMH within a day or two, at which time you’ll have access to the website (with the username and password you input on the application). You will receive your kit in about 1 week to 10 days!

Thanks for letting me share my story!
Sarita

CTMH Find Your Style Card Class

Technique Tuesday is back at My Creative Cottage.  This month I tried to pick just one technique, but ended up with 3! I am having so much fun with our new spray pen and I can’t wait to show you.
I will also teach you tissue stamping and masking as I showcase the
January Stamp of the Month, Find Your Style.
Join us Monday Jan. 24 at 6:30 pm
Beginners and veterans will love this class.
Stations will be set up for your convenience so you can work at your own pace.
Cost: $10 or free with a $25 order.
Bring a friend new to the Cottage and get a gift.
Bring your favorite adhesive, scissors and glue dots.
RSVP NOW
Hope to see you soon!

CTMH Creative Escape Retreat

Many of you know some of my team and myself are hosting a fabulous retreat next month.  I am giddy with excitement as it is all coming together. We have been planning for months, but we couldn’t plan the classes until we saw the new Spring Idea Book. Which arrived about 2 weeks ago.
Isn’t it absolutely awesome?  If you could only see inside!  (sorry, I have to tease a little)  We have based the retreat on 3 words, dream, create and inspire. Each day you will be treated to surprises and goodies based on our themes.  I wish I could tell you everything we have planned, but then it wouldn’t be a surprise.  So, I am going to release our preliminary schedule.  Remember we are still planning so this will most likely not be the final one, but here goes.
 Friday “Dream”

5:30-6:30 pm Welcome & private product showing for retreat guests

6:30-8:30 pm- Open House (open to public)

9:00-? PJ Party ( LOTS of surprises) you won’t want to miss this!

Saturday “Create”

(CTMH store open)
Morning- Flower Power class
Afternoon- It’s Magic Class
Evening- Crop Time
Sunday “Inspire”

9:30- 12:00 Class and wrap up

So, if you are looking for the ultimate girl’s weekend, this is it! 

So, be sure to join us

Join us Feb. 18-20 for a Close to my Heart Creative Escape. This weekend will be the official kick off to our NEW Spring Idea Book. There is so much excitement that we need a whole weekend.

We are teaming up with The Americinn in Elkhorn, Wi for this cozy retreat weekend. I really wish you could see this place. If there was a ski hill in the back you would think you were at a lodge.  I love all of the woodwork. The lobby with couches and a fireplace is a great place to take a few minutes to yourself.  Or you could enjoy complimentary coffee and tea evailalbe all day long. They even have yummy flavored syrups!  Doesn’t it all sound so delicious?

You will enjoy a combination of an open house, open crop, classes and creative inspiration. Escape to charming Elkhorn and slip away to browse their unique shops and enjoy delicious dining during lunch and dinner breaks.  A continental breakfast is included each day.

A ticket to this event is only $50 and includes a new Spring Idea Book, 2 free classes, goodie bag, prizes and goodies galore. We can’t wait to spoil you with visits from the “stamp fairy”, table treats, contests and prizes.

You deserve a weekend away and we have been given a very special room rate for our inaugural event. At only $55 a night it is a great weekend away! This rate includes a Free Hot AmericInn Perk Breakfast. Book your room today under the name: Creative Escape by calling (262) 723-7799.

To purchase your ticket for this event contact Sarita Schraeder at 262-813-0118 or sarita@blessedscrapper.com. Space is very limited so don’t wait.

We can’t wait to spoil you!

Your Event Ticket Includes:
New Spring Idea Book
2 Free Classes with all NEW Product
Goodie Bag
Prizes
Treats
Lots of surprises

TONS of inspiration

To register click here.  Registration and payment is due no later than Feb. 1st.  If you have any questions, feel free to ask. Check out my fan page and click on Events to see what everyone else is saying!