Studio J Released TODAY!!!

Studio J is here!!!!

Click Here

or go to www.nonapearl.myctmh.com to give it a try!

We've waited and waited and waited.  (Most of us not so patiently!) But the day is finally here!  YIPPEE!!!

Studio J is up and ready to use, and you will be amazed at how fun and quick the program is to use!

There is NOTHING to purchase, download, or update to use the software.  The FULL VERSION is available to use for FREE - and you only ever pay for the layouts you want to purchase!

Even better - you work in 2 pages layouts with paper that perfectly matches and coordinates with your existing CTMH papers, stamps, inks, stickers, and embellishments.  You could have traditional and studio layouts side by side in an album, and most people wouldn't be able to tell the difference.

Also, because your layouts arrive loose, you can put them ANYWHERE in your scrapbook you want them.  They aren't bound forever in a printed book (like with snapfish or winkflash).  You can rearrange your pages just like with traditional scrapping.

For those that love the feeling of texture and layers of traditional scrapping, you can add ribbons and brads and flowers to your printed pages once they arrive.  But you don't HAVE to.  These layouts look just as fantastic with the studio embellishments AND you can color coordinate them with the click of a button.  Try finding a brad  and buttons and ribbon that coordinate THAT fast in your scrapbook room - I dare you!  :)

Below I've reposted a few layouts that I made using Studio J.  Each one took me LESS than 30 minutes!  Now you can FINALLY get caught up on your scrapbooking, and you don't have any wasted prints from Costco.  Not only is resizing images a breeze - but you can choose color, sepia or black and white with just a click.  It is so simple, fast, easy, and best of all - FUN!

One last thing!  Give Studio J a try, and for every layout you purchase in the month of May, you will get one entry into a drawing for a FREE 12x12 Linen Album and cover of your choice!  That offer is only from me - Nona Davenport.  Additionally, CTMH will give you FREE page protectors with the purchase of 5 or more layouts, and FREE SHIPPING with the purchase of 10 or more layouts.

Want to learn more about Studio J?  Come to my Studio J Preview Party on Wednesday, May 12th from 7-9 pm and learn all of the ins and outs of this great program!!!  RSVP Today!

Kit of the Month is back!

I was recently thrilled to hear that CTMH has changed a policy in our manual, and will now allow consultants to sell workshop kits!  So, without further ado - here is my Kit of the Month (KOTM) for May!  If you click on the photo you can see each picture larger.

This adorable recipe box is decorated with the oh-so-sweet "Cherry-O" papers from the new Summer Idea Book, and inside you will find a set of 12 matching greeting cards or a set of matching recipe cards - your choice for only $25 plus shipping!  

My Kit of the Month also comes with a full color, PDF instruction sheet for how to assemble your box and cards.  This will be emailed to you after payment, and your materials will arrive soon after.

All papers are pre-cut and pre-stamped making assembly a breeze!  This makes a lovely Mother's day gift, birthday present, or even bridal shower/wedding gift!

TO ORDER: (Note if ordering both kits, or if you have trouble with the buttons, please just email me directly at nonapearl@myctmh.com and I will send you an invoice).

click here for the RECIPE CARDS/Box kit: 

click here for the GREETING CARDS/Box kit:

Miracles Kit - and Jeanette's blog!

I just love reading Jeanette Lynton's blog!  She is not only the CEO and founder of CTMH, but she's an all around AMAZING woman.  :)

CTMH has an awesome promotion going on right now in honor of National Scrapbooking Month.  I was going to tell you all about it, but Jeanette did such a great job, I decided to let her tell you!  :)  This is an excerpt from her blog...

PS - if you want to order the Miracle Kit for yourself, just email me at nonapearl@myctmh.com or shop online at my website: www.nonapearl.myctmh.com.

Thursday, April 15, 2010

Miracles Never Cease

We have an amazing product design team at Close To My Heart. And they pull off some pretty incredible feats—inspiring stamp sets, breathtaking paper kits, luscious colors… but for National Scrapbooking Month, what they’ve done is nothing short of a Miracle. In fact, that’s even the name of our exclusive promo kit: “Miracle,” and it’s available starting today!

Even as we were putting together the designs for this kit, I knew it would be something special. I love plenty about it, but if I had to narrow the list to three things, here’s what it would include:

1. Flip Flaps. The kit features our fabulous Flip Flaps and shows you how to use them on your layouts for more than doubling the number of photos per layout without doubling the space. I love these dynamic interactive elements!

2. Die-cuts to die for. Scallops, brackets, borders, and frames are all the rage. The kit includes two pre-cut, easy-to-place die cuts that add fast sass and undoubted class to your pages.

3. Color wonder. Here’s the real Miracle of the kit—it works with virtually ANY color you want to highlight. Really! We created the kit in flexible hues of soft blue, green and brown, then we added our Dimensional Elements Irresistibles. These are white chipboard with an embossed design that you can ink with any color of your choice to define your color combo. Check out the photos to see what I mean: In this layout (featuring Monica’s darling daughter Ariana), Ariana is wearing a bright Sorbet shirt. Even though that isn’t one of the kit colors, by inking the chipboard elements in Sorbet, it ties the papers and embellishments beautifully to the photo.

Ta da! A true Miracle! Ink the chipboard any color prominent in your photos—from Smokey Plum to Hollyhock to Outdoor Denim—and you can experiment with the miracle of color for yourself. It’s a great way to start your National Scrapbooking Month celebrations a little early!

May Card Class

I can't wait!  My first card class in the new house is just around the corner.  I hope I can get my scraproom unpacked and ready in time!  Please let me know ASAP if you want to attend!  I have to order class supplies on Monday.

In addition, there are some AMAZING new products in the new Summer 2010 Close To My Heart Idea Book.  You'll have to wait until May 1st to see the book online, but here is a sneak peek at the cover (featuring my favorite new paper packet Cherry-O).  I've also featured those papers, and a few new stamp sets on the cards above.

I'll try to post one great new thing about the new Idea Book - or other May promotions - every other day until May 1st.  :)

New House

We had our inspection of the new house yesterday, and it went perfectly!  Our inspector was incredibly thorough, and he was amazed at the workmanship and attention to detail that our builder put into our home.  He said we were very blessed because not all new construction homes are built as well.  Whew!  One less thing to worry about before moving day!  :)

Speaking of moving day, we have our final walk-through of the house tomorrow afternoon, and hopefully we will close on Friday and get to start moving in!  We already have our fridge ready for delivery, and have lined up someone to install flooring in my scraproom and the office next Wednesday.  Looks like it might be a busy weekend!

I was able to get some photos on Sunday!  Here they are.  Don't mind the dust and carpet fuzz.  That should all be gone by tomorrow.  :)

they finished the front steps!

front door:

this is my scrapbook room - all 375 square feet!  (15'x25')

The linoleum we picked for the downstairs bathroom and laundry room.

downstairs bathroom mirror

view of our the great room from the top of the stairs:

dining room chandelier (we got to pick out all of our lighting!)

kitchen!  (check out the sized of that island! - it's approx 4.5'x6')

close up of our kitchen tile/backsplash

view of kitchen/dining area from the far corner of the great room. i love how open our floor plan is!

chandelier over the stairs

Master Bedroom

Master bath:

tile/backsplash in the master bath

kid's/guest bath (love the skylight!)

No Paper?

You might be wondering where I've been and what happened to all my paper?

Well, the short story is that we've been living out of a suitcase for the past 2 weeks and paper isn't all that portable.  Our house is *almost* done and within the next 1-2 weeks we should be able to move in and get back to normal (busy) living.

The longer version is that I have indeed been working with both paper and knitting A LOT the past two weeks, but all of my paper creations are either top secret, or works in progress that I'm not able to share yet!

As a CTMH consultant, I have access to the new Idea Books (in this case the Summer 2010 Idea Book) a month before it goes live to the public.  I've been working my tail off getting samples and class projects done with all of the scrumptious new papers and embellishments.  So come May 1st I will have a plethora of of lovely things to post for you!

In addition, I've been a busy knitter and designer.  I have series of pattern releases coming up soon.  But in the  mean time it means lots of needle work, and not as much time on the computer.

Also - wonderful, wonderful news!  Studio J will be released in just over ONE WEEK!  Monday, April 26th is the magical day and I can't wait for you to have an opportunity to try it for yourself!

So, if you can just hold on for a bit longer, I will have amazing artwork to share.

In the meantime, check out this fantastic commercial I discovered on one of my favorite knitting store's blog (Twisted).  I can't even begin to imagine how much work this took, but it is absolutely creative and visually stunning!  I <3 it.

La Luz Photography

I recently discovered "La Luz Photography" through a link on facebook.  I was then AMAZED and overjoyed to find out that it is a long lost friend from high school, Aly's business!  Her work is STUNNING - really, truly beautiful and so artistic.

After reading her blog for a few weeks, I was excited one morning when she posted blog candy for one lucky winner - a free sitting!  I entered and hoped and prayed!  Well God was listening because we won!  I can't tell you how thrilled I was to win - because Dave and I have been wanting to do a professional photo shoot of our family ever since Ruby was born.  We just haven't had the time or money.  How blessed to have the opportunity literally fall into our laps!

So yesterday we met with Aly at Discovery Park in Seattle.  The weather was gorgeous, the kids cooperated, and we had a fantastic time.  Aly was so good with the girls.  Sammie is typically very shy - and she warmed up to Aly immediately!  We spent the hour just playing and goofing off as a family.

Tonight Aly posted some of the shots from our session on her blog and all I can say is WOW!  She is so talented.  I was near tears looking at the photos because she truly captured the emotion and humor of our family.  I could not be more pleased with our photos - and can't wait to see the rest of them!

Here is one of my favorite shots:

You can see the rest by going to La Luz Photography - blog

If you are thinking of getting family portraits done (or wedding/engagement/baby pictures) you DEFINITELY need to call Aly!

Tulip Fields

Dave and Sammie went on a "daddy/daughter date" today, so Ruby and my mom and I drove up to Mount Vernon for the tulip festival.  The weather was perfect and the flowers were gorgeous.  We had the best time, and I got some really fun photos!

Ruby decided to the flowers looked really tasty!

ps... did you notice my cool new watermark?  I had fun making it today.  :)

April Knit-Along Pattern

While I won't be able to hold my regular card/scrapbook classes this month (due to the move), I am still planning on holding my April Knit-Along class!  Here is the pattern we will be working on together.

Are you in the greater Seattle area?  If so, I would love to invite you to this class on Saturday, April 17th from 7-9 pm.  It's only $5 and includes the pattern and a delicious dessert made by my loving husband.

Can't make it to class but still want the pattern?  You can purchase it in my Etsy store!

5 years!

Today is my 5 year anniversary with Close To My Heart.  I'm so happy to be part of such an amazing company.  I've learned an awful lot about running a business and about stamping and scrapbooking in the last 5 years.

Here are a few highlights!

Here's my little reason for scrapbooking! 

Sammie was born in Jan of 2005, and I became a consultant (for the discount) April 1st.

The "waterfall card" I taught at my first gathering!

This Scrapbook in a box project put my name on the proverbial CTMH map.  I created the tutorial for Virtual Convention 2005, and had over 10,000 views/requests for the tutorial over a period of about 3 years.  My husband even gave it it's own website!   (ps...I'm sorry - the website has been taken down, and I don't have a tutorial to share any more!)

Dave gets in on the scrapping action and makes his very first layout!  (Feb 2006)

My first convention - Salt Lake City, 2006.  My album made the Top 10 in the art contest!  

My first "Make it from your Heart" contest winner (I think it took 2nd place).  

It was on the art wall at Convention.

Easter Sunday 2007 - Sammie continues to be my scrapping inspiration!

My Autumn/Winter Idea Book open house projects - 2007

June 2007 - New Summer stamps inspire fun card class cards

(and a whole new crop of card class members!)

My contest layout for Leadership 2007 - didn't place, but I still love it!

Regional Celebration 2007 - I entered this little File Folio book, and a layout and won 1st place for both!

The tulip fields are always a lovely place for pictures (and make great scrapbook layouts!) - April 2008

First Annual "Crop Til Ya Drop" Event - May 2008!

I completed my memorial album for Evan, and entered it in CTMH's Album contest for Convention 2008.

It was my way of healing from the heartbreaking loss of our failed adoption.

At the awards ceremony at convention!  Evan's album touched the hearts of so many.  I was blessed to be able to share my story, and excited to win such a prestigious award!

I also got to teach Extravaganza at convention in 2008!  What an exciting event.  :)

I can't imagine being a CTMH consultant without my best friend, confidante, and partner in crime - Christine!

This is us at the Album Retreat in 2009.

I had the extreme privilege of teaching the mini album project at the Album Retreat as well.  

It was my biggest class ever - over 350 consultants (and all of the corp staff).  I was so nervous, but it was exhilarating and the most fun I've had as a consultant!

August 2009 brought me one new reason to scrapbook!  Ruby Adelle Nicole became part of our family through adoption.  I couldn't have asked for a better subject to scrap!  :)

Our lovely little family of 4

Looking back on the last 5 years has been amazing!  I hope you enjoyed the little journey on memory lane.  I'm so thankful to CTMH for all of the opportunities and adventures I had as a consultant.  With so many new great adventures ahead (a new home in May, Convention in July, Ruby turning 1 in August, Sammie starting Kindergarten in September, and more!) I'm sure to have plenty to scrapbook and commemorate for at least another 5 years!